It's fall, and you have an orchard full of apples that need to be used up. This 15-recipe roundup is just for you. Apples don't need to be just used as a lunchbox filler or for making apple pies. You can use them for so many more delicious recipes, such as sauces or tarts or even for snacking.
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You can even use apples in your favorite baking recipes to help thicken, and one of my favorite ways is to use them in a salad to give some crunch and bite. I love apple season because it means I can start making whole-pantry staples like homemade applesauce and use it with some of my favorite meats and strong cheeses.
Five simple dinners. One grocery list.
No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.
1) Apple Cheddar Crostini
Crostini topped with cheddar and apple; it's super simple yet great as an appetizer. I like to use sharp cheddar and a nice crisp variety of apple. Don't forget to give the bread a very good toasting. I like to use ciabatta when making my crostini; it's sturdy enough to take a pointy topping. Sometimes I use blue cheese instead of cheddar to pair with my apple; it's a great combination.
Crostini's are superb for appetizers, I make them all the time with topping with sauteed mushrooms and thyme, is my favorite way to eat them.
Apple Cheddar Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the broiler and brush the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Toast under the broiler until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
- Pile cheddar on each toast and broil until melted and bubbly.
- Lay a couple of apple slices over the warm cheese.
- Drizzle with honey and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Notes
2) Caramel Apple Bruschetta
Best caramel apple bruschetta is a bit like having a dessert for an appetizer. Everybody loves the caramel apple flavor; it's a classic combination. This is one of those dishes that can blur the lines between sweet and savory.
Whenever I think of bruschetta, I immediately think of tomatoes and vinegar, but this caramel apple version has opened my mind to bruschetta in general. When I think of dishes that combine sweet and savory flavors well, like this, I always think of a good bacon jam grilled cheese. Amazes me what you can do with food.
Caramel Apple Bruschetta
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the baguette slices until crisp and golden.
- Melt the butter in a skillet, then add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook 6 to 8 minutes until the apples are soft and glossy.
- Spoon the warm apples onto each toast.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans.
Notes
3) Prosciutto-Wrapped Apple Slices
These prosciutto-wrapped apple slices are for those who love sweet and salty flavors, but the best thing is how quickly they are to prepare. We only take you the same amount of time as pouring a glass of wine to get these ready. No cooking, just assembly.
This is one of the fastest appetizers I've ever made for when I'm having guests over. It's super delicious. I also like to make prosciutto-wrapped melon, or candidacon, when I am looking for sweet and salty combinations.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Apple Slices
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the apples into wedges and remove the cores.
- Lay a basil leaf against each apple wedge.
- Wrap a half slice of prosciutto around the apple and basil.
- Secure with a toothpick if needed and arrange on a platter.
- Drizzle lightly with honey and finish with a crack of black pepper.
Notes
4) Apple and Brie Tartlets
Apple and brie are a great combination, and these tartlettes are low-stress, many, and bite-sized. They look like a lot of effort but secretly aren't. Who doesn't love the combination of soft brie and apple? I'm a huge lover of brie; I can eat it just on its own; it's that good.
If I do want to make these fancy, I will make pastry from scratch, but there are some really good shop-bought pastries out there; I'm trying to find the best quality you can.
I like making mini versions of my favorite full-size meals, like making mac and cheese bites or sliders; they're perfect for parties.
Apple and Brie Tartlets
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares and press into the cups.
- Toss the diced apple with maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
- Tuck a piece of brie into each cup and top with the apple mixture.
- Sprinkle with walnuts and bake 16 to 18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool 5 minutes before lifting out.
Notes
5) Maple-Glazed Apple Pops
These are ideal for grabbing or as a go-to food, perfect for pleasing a crowd. These are designed to be easy, but visually stunning.
Maple syrup is underused in cooking. Most people just tend to think of pancakes when using it. I use it on bacon, or I add it to go easy with Dijon mustard for roasting my veg. Your guests will love the shiny appearance of these; they are so appealing.
Maple-Glazed Apple Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Push a stick into the edge of each thick apple round.
- Warm the maple syrup and butter in a small pan until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
- Brush or dip each apple round in the warm maple glaze.
- Roll the edges in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Set on parchment to firm up for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
6) Apple Cider Dumplings
I love dumplings, and these apple cider dumplings are gorgeous and soft, with spices, and are simmered in cider. They give off a great aroma, almost like a candle. This is definitely one of those familiar, full aromas. Dumplings are great for comfort food and can be made sweet or savory; I love both.
Whenever I'm using cider in cooking, I always reach for herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. They always pair perfectly and are great for making gravies and sauces for pork and poultry.
Apple Cider Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- Flatten each biscuit and wrap it around an apple chunk, sealing well.
- Bring the cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter to a gentle simmer in a wide pot.
- Lower the dumplings into the simmering cider seam-side down.
- Cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes until the dough is cooked through.
- Spoon the dumplings out and drizzle with the reduced cider sauce.
- Serve warm.
Notes
7) Crispy Apple Chips with Cinnamon
If you want a healthier version of store-bought snacking chips, try these crispy apple chips with cinnamon. They are thin, have a crackly texture, are naturally sweet, and don't need any additional sugar.
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I love store-bought chips, but these are a fantastic way to eat something healthier as a snack. Whenever I use apples, I'm always reaching for cinnamon; it's the perfect combination. I like to cook with fruit when trying to curb my sugar intake; the snacks can be naturally sweet. A poised, subtle sweetness compared to store-bought snacks overloaded with processed sugar.
Crispy Apple Chips with Cinnamon
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 225F and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Slice the apples as thinly as possible, ideally with a mandoline.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer and sprinkle with the cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
- Bake 1 hour, flip the slices, and bake 1 more hour until dry.
- Turn off the oven and let the chips crisp inside for 15 minutes.
- Cool completely so they crisp up fully.
Notes
8) Baked Apple and Walnut Brie
I love this baked apple and walnut brie. I love the flavor combination, and it uses a whole wheel of brie, which is baked until it is gooey. I love making baked brie whenever I have guests or am hosting a party. Walnuts are great for topping both sweet and savory dishes, and they're often underrated, in my opinion.
I wait to give them a good toast to enhance the flavor. I love seeing a whole wheel of brie on a dinner party table; it's a classic and one I'm always reaching for.
Baked Apple and Walnut Brie
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 350F and place the brie in a small baking dish.
- Toss the apple, walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt together.
- Pile the apple mixture on top of the brie.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the brie is soft and molten.
- Serve warm with crackers or toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
9) Apple and Pecan Stuffed Dates
Dates are a favorite snack of mine when I want something sweet, and these apple and pecan stuffed dates are gorgeous and addictive. You get the stickiness of the dates and the crunchy apple surprise on the inside. I love texture contrast in my food, and these are handy for parties: one bite, an overload of sticky and crunchy texture combinations.
And you can stuff dates with so many different things; one of my favorites is peanut butter. I can never just eat one of them; they're just too good. If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts, but pecans have a gorgeous, distinctive flavor and pair well with the toffiness of the dates. Try to use them if you can.
Apple and Pecan Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
Method
- Slice each date open lengthwise and remove the pit if needed.
- Stir the cream cheese, diced apple, and cinnamon together.
- Spoon the filling into each date.
- Press a pecan half into each one.
- Arrange on a plate and drizzle lightly with honey.
Notes
10) Apple Feta Salad Cups
These apple feta salad cups are great to use as a palate cleanser between rich dishes. They're crunchy and refreshing and help to reset your mouth.
I like to make a lot of rich food when I host parties, so it's important to incorporate a palate cleanser as part of your spread. I hope pairing feta with fruit, especially apple, is my favorite combination.
I serve the salad in a small cup; it's cute and the perfect size for our small portion to eat between meals.
Apple Feta Salad Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the olive oil, honey, and vinegar together for the dressing.
- Toss the diced apples, feta, cranberries, and walnuts with the dressing.
- Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves.
- Arrange the cups on a platter.
- Serve right away while the lettuce is crisp.
Notes
11) Spiced Apple and Chorizo Skewers
Everybody loves a good skewer at a party, and these spiced apple and chorizo skewers are great for those who like spicy and sweet flavors together. I hope to use chorizo in my cooking; I try to incorporate it when I can, but it's also great for just snacking on.
Skewers are the perfect party format. They can be fun to assemble, though some people do find them fiddly. The great part of recipes like these, if you can call it that, is you don't need any specific spaces or technique- just enthusiasm and some great-tasting produce- and you'll have something that everybody will love.
Spiced Apple and Chorizo Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Thread alternating chorizo rounds and apple chunks onto the skewers.
- Whisk the olive oil, maple syrup, paprika, and cayenne together.
- Brush the skewers with the glaze.
- Sear in a hot skillet or grill pan 5 to 6 minutes, turning, until the chorizo is browned and the apples soften.
- Brush with any remaining glaze and serve warm.
Notes
12) Apple and Almond Bites
If you're working for something with a healthy edge, try making these apple and almond bites. They're easy to throw together and not only crunchy, but also a great, healthy option. Almonds paired with fruit is a combo that definitely needs to get used more.
After making these, I will add more fruit with almonds in the future. They are so healthy and tasty. I always like to make sure I have some healthy variations in my party food, but they are also handy to use for leftover snacking between meals.
Apple and Almond Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the apples into thick rounds and remove the cores with a small cutter.
- Spread a layer of almond butter over each round.
- Sprinkle with granola and sliced almonds.
- Drizzle with honey and dust with cinnamon.
- Serve right away or chill briefly until ready.
Notes
13) Apple and Cranberry Chutney
Everybody wants a good cheese board spread; your guests will love this apple-and-cranberry chutney. It looks super fancy, but it doesn't actually take much effort.
When making cheese boards, I don't tend to follow any recipe in particular and just add what I think is right. It always tends to end up looking visually good and gets compliments from my guests. I always wait to just make sure I have a mix of color, texture, and flavor, using hard, soft, and even blue cheese.
Apple and Cranberry Chutney
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the apples, cranberries, brown sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until thick and jammy.
- Mash lightly with a spoon for a chunky texture.
- Cool to room temperature and serve with cheese and crackers.
Notes
14) Candied Apple Rings
You love this fall-inspired snack: candied apple rings. They are visually stunning, with a glossy, ruby-red appearance. People love the ring-shaped apple slices; after all, we eat with our eyes, and the appearance of food can be so important.
These already remind me of candy apples and take me back to my childhood. I tend to make these because they look fantastic on the table, but don't be fooled; these taste amazing as well as looking good. The red color helps to give your food table a pop of color.
Candied Apple Rings
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the apples crosswise into rings and remove the cores.
- Bring the sugar, water, cinnamon, food coloring, and salt to a boil in a wide skillet.
- Lower the apple rings into the syrup in a single layer.
- Simmer gently 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until glossy and tender.
- Lift the rings out and let them set on parchment for a few minutes.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
15) Apple Salsa with Jalapeño
This one is for people who like a little spice in their appetizing appetizers. This apple salsa uses jalapeño to add gentle heat and balance the apple's freshness; delicious, bright, and crunchy.
Apple Salsa with Jalapeño
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the diced apples, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Whisk the lime juice, honey, and salt together.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss to coat.
- Let sit 5 minutes for the flavors to mingle.
- Serve with tortilla or cinnamon chips for scooping.
