10 Apple Recipes That Are Perfect for Fall

Apples are one of the easiest ingredients to work into fall cooking, whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. They can add natural sweetness to breakfast, a crisp texture to salads and sandwiches, or become the star of a warm dessert. These apple recipes go beyond the usual pie, giving you plenty of ways to use the apples that are plentiful at grocery stores and farmers markets during the season.

Classic Apple Pie

A classic apple pie is still one of the best ways to showcase fresh apples. Look for apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a combination of varieties. Cinnamon and other warm spices complement the fruit without overpowering its flavor, while a flaky crust provides the perfect contrast. Try this amazing apple pie filling recipe.

Caramel Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a simpler alternative to pie, especially when you don’t want to fuss with a pastry crust. Sliced apples bake underneath a crumbly topping made with ingredients such as oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Finish individual servings with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that works well for both family dinners and casual gatherings.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Apple cider doughnuts are a seasonal favorite that brings the flavor of apple cider into a classic breakfast treat. The doughnuts can be baked or fried, then finished with cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. They’re especially good alongside a cup of coffee or a mug of hot apple cider on a cool fall morning.

Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Thinly sliced apples and sharp cheddar cheese make an unexpectedly delicious combination in a grilled cheese sandwich. Choose an apple with enough crispness and acidity to balance the rich, melted cheese rather than one that becomes too soft immediately. Add a bowl of tomato soup or a simple green salad, and you have an easy lunch or light dinner.

Baked Apples with Walnuts and Honey

Whole baked apples make an easy dessert when you want something warm without preparing a complicated recipe. Core the apples and fill them with walnuts, cinnamon, and honey before baking until the fruit is tender. This recipe is also easy to customize with raisins, oats, maple syrup, or your favorite baking spices.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Fresh apples can turn an ordinary batch of pancakes into a seasonal breakfast without requiring many additional ingredients. Finely diced or grated apples can be folded into the batter along with cinnamon, then cooked until golden brown. Serve them with maple syrup, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast the whole family can enjoy.

Apple and Sausage Stuffing

Apples add a subtle sweetness and a little texture to savory stuffing made with sausage, bread, and herbs. Choose a firm apple so the pieces don’t completely disappear as the stuffing cooks. It’s a natural choice for a holiday meal, but there’s no reason to save this combination for a special occasion—it’s also a hearty side for roasted chicken or pork.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal is an easy place to put fresh apples to work. Simmer diced apples with the oats and cinnamon so the fruit softens and flavors the entire bowl, then add maple syrup, chopped pecans, or walnuts if desired. You can also prepare the apples separately and spoon them over cooked oatmeal for more texture.

Apple Slaw

For a lighter way to use apples, combine thinly sliced or shredded apples with cabbage and carrots. The crisp fruit adds sweetness and texture to a slaw that can be dressed with a simple vinaigrette or creamy dressing. Serve it alongside pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches for a refreshing contrast to richer foods.

Apple Galette

An apple galette gives you the flavors of apple pie without requiring the same level of precision. Arrange seasoned apple slices over pastry, leaving a border around the edges, then fold the dough over the fruit before baking. The rustic appearance is part of its appeal, making it a great option when you want an impressive dessert without worrying about creating a perfectly shaped pie.

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