Delicious Fall Apple Recipes: Sweet and Savory Delights

You know, there’s something magical about fall, right? The leaves turning all those lovely shades of red, orange, and yellow, the cool, crisp air, and oh, the apples! Fall is like the Super Bowl of apple season. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into some mouth-watering apple recipes that are sure to tickle your taste buds, both sweet and savory.

A Little Slice of Apple History

Before we get our hands all sticky, let’s take a moment to appreciate these juicy fruits. Did you know apples have been around for ages? Yep, these little gems date back to ancient times, and theyve traveled all around the world. From the wild forests of Kazakhstan (shoutout to Borat) to the orchards of North America, apples have found their way into our hearts and kitchens.

Sweet Treats to Make You Smile

1. Classic Apple Pie

Ah, the classic apple pie. It’s like a hug in dessert form. Perfect for family gatherings, or when you just need a little comfort food. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients: 6-8 peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith works great), 1 cup sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 2 tbsp butter, 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts.
Directions: Preheat your oven to 425F (220C). Mix the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with butter. Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before diving in if you can wait that long!

Pro tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s a game changer.

2. Apple Crisp

This one is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. Plus, its perfect for those of us who might be a little pie-crust-challenged.

Ingredients: 6 cups sliced apples, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/3 cup butter (cut into small pieces).
Directions: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Place the apples in a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.

Pro tip: A dollop of whipped cream on top never hurt anyone.

3. Caramel Apple Bars

If you love caramel apples, youll adore these bars. Theyre sweet, gooey, and perfect for a fall picnic.

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 3 cups rolled oats, 1 (14 oz) package caramel candies, 1/4 cup milk, 2 cups chopped apples (peeled).
Directions: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in the oats. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the milk, stirring frequently until smooth. Spread the caramel mixture over the crust. Sprinkle with apples. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned.

Pro tip: Let these cool completely before cutting into bars, if you have the patience!

Savory Apple Surprises

1. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Who said apples were only for dessert? This grilled cheese will make you a believer.

Ingredients: 2 slices of your favorite bread, 1 apple (thinly sliced), 2-3 slices sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp butter.
Directions: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Layer with cheese, apple slices, and more cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once.

Pro tip: A little Dijon mustard spread on the inside of the bread takes this to a whole new level.

2. Apple, Bacon, and Brussels Sprouts Hash

This is a perfect side dish for your fall dinners. Its got a little bit of everything sweet, salty, and savory.

Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped, 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved, 2 apples, cored and chopped, 1 small onion, chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add Brussels sprouts, apples, and onion to the skillet. Cook until Brussels sprouts are tender and apples are slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the bacon and season with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds a nice tang.

3. Pork Chops with Apple and Sage

Pork and apples are a match made in heaven. This dish is a fall favorite thats easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.

Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced, 1 small onion, sliced, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage.
Directions: Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add apples and onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return pork chops to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in sage before serving.

Pro tip: Serve this with mashed potatoes or a nice crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Apple Drinks to Warm Your Soul

1. Hot Apple Cider

Nothing says fall like a warm mug of apple cider. Its like drinking fall in a cup.

Ingredients: 1 gallon apple cider, 1 orange, sliced, 1 apple, sliced, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 tbsp whole allspice.
Directions: In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Strain before serving.

Pro tip: Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult twist.

2. Apple Smoothie

For a healthier option thats still full of fall flavor, try this apple smoothie.

Ingredients: 1 apple, cored and chopped, 1 banana, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, Ice cubes (optional).
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes if you like it colder.

Pro tip: A handful of spinach can be added for a green smoothie without altering the taste much.

3. Apple Sangria

This is perfect for those fall get-togethers. Its refreshing and has a great fall flavor profile.

Ingredients: 1 bottle white wine, 2 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup brandy, 1/4 cup honey, 2 apples, sliced, 1 orange, sliced, 1 cinnamon stick.
Directions: In a large pitcher, combine wine, apple cider, brandy, and honey. Stir until honey is dissolved. Add apples, orange, and cinnamon stick. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Pro tip: Serve over ice and top with a splash of club soda for some fizz.

Conclusion: Enjoying Fall One Apple at a Time

Well, there you have it! A bunch of apple recipes that are sure to make your fall season extra special. Whether youre baking up a storm, grilling up a fancy dinner, or just sipping on a cozy drink, apples are your fall best friend. So, go on, get out there, and enjoy all those delicious fall apple delights!

Got any favorite apple recipes of your own? Share them in the comments!

Happy cooking, y’all!