With fall finally here and cooler weather creeping in, many families begin to plan their fall outings. Apple orchards are a popular fall outing, often result in an excess of apples to eat! We have been lucky to have two apple trees on our farm, so there is never a shortage in the fall. However, it has challenged me to get a little more creative in the cooking and baking department—I can only make so many apple pies, apple crisp, and jarred applesauce or apple butter.
If you want something new to mix up your typical apple-based recipes, or even just want a delicious fall recipe, check out the following!
- Broccoli-Apple salad. This cold salad is the perfect side to any lunch or dinner. It’s a sweet twist on the classic broccoli salad and a family favorite at my house.
- Chicken stir fry. An easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t take too much prep other than chopping up ingredients. Warm, filling, and nutritious—with a little hint of sweet.
- Apple baked Pork Chops. Again, another fall favorite. We do various versions of this in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot. Nothing better than a warm, hearty meal and the apples in the sauce make the perfect, albeit surprising, pairing to the pork.
- Chicken Salad. This takes a typical staple—chicken salad—and adds a sweet, fall harvest touch! Apples in chicken salad add a unique and sweet texture. Perfect for a sandwich or even eating plain or with crackers.
- Apple-Cheddar Melts. Apples and cheddar are perfect together raw—but have you tried them cooked? So good in a grilled cheese style melt, like this panini including bacon, or topping a chicken breast.
- Spinach-Apple salad. Add a unique twist to your typical salad by adding apples. I love having different flavors and textures in my salads, and this is a perfect addition.
- Apple Stuffing. This was new to us last year! A unique spin on a classic and the perfect side to a cool night’s harvest style dinner.
- Sweet Potatoes and Apples. This again is an easy, fun dinner side. We’ve even added baked chicken and called it a meal. Sweet potatoes and apples are the perfect pairing! And cinnamon makes everything taste a little bit like fall.
- Sausage and Apple Sheet Pan. This is one I have added to our list this year! We haven’t tried it yet, but I’m looking forward to it. Plus, one-pan dinners are kind of my jam during a busy week.
- Stuffed Squash. While you’re at the orchard or pumpkin patch, perhaps pick up a couple of acorn squash as well. I haven’t yet tried this either, but it sounds delish.
I hope this helps you break out of your comfort zone, mix up a few classic side dishes or dinners, and of course—utilize all those fresh-picked apples from your day at the orchard! If you have a favorite apple recipe, please feel free to share it below—I’m always looking for new ways to mix it up!
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