As the season changes, our palates crave something more than just sweet treats. Let’s dive into the world of savory apple recipes, where this humble fruit takes center stage. With its versatility, apples can seamlessly transition from a sweet dessert to a tangy addition to your savory dishes. Where I reside, apples are in abundance during late fall and early winter, but with modern farming techniques, they’re now available year-round.
The sheer variety of apples is astounding – some are sweet, others tart; some crunchy for snacking, while others perfect for cooking. And speaking of cooking, I’ve compiled a collection of twenty-eight savory apple recipes that showcase this fruit’s adaptability. From hearty main courses like Roasted Sausages And Potatoes With Apples and Savory Apple Stuffed Pork Chops to innovative side dishes such as salads and slaws, apples bring a delightful textural element.
But don’t overlook breakfast – savory apple muffins or omelets are the perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to use apples more thoughtfully or simply seeking new ways to incorporate them into your meals, I hope these recipes will spark creativity in your kitchen.
Best Savory Apple Recipes
Savory Baked Apples With Sausage Stuffing
Starting this collection of savory apple recipes, I’m excited to share a delightful sausage stuffing recipe that’s served inside hollowed-out apples. This recipe features genius shortcuts to make preparation a breeze. To create this charming dish, simply scoop out the apple cores and spoon in the stuffing for baking. The result is a deliciously flavorful and visually appealing treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Savory Fall Galette With Sweet Potatoes, Fuji Apples & Goat Cheese
Savory apple dishes take center stage in my culinary universe, and a galette is no exception. The harmonious union of sweet potatoes, apples, and goat cheese is nothing short of brilliant! These freeform tarts are incredibly versatile when it comes to fillings – a testament to their adaptability. Whether you choose to make or buy the crust, the true secret to success lies in precision slicing of the sweet potatoes and apples. Achieve this, and your galette will be transformed into a masterpiece.
Savory Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
In these savory apple recipes, a medley of seasonings takes center stage, with the likes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt bringing depth to the tenderized apples. A harmonious blend that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit. This delectable mixture is then carefully spooned into one side of the sliced pork chop, which is artfully tied together before being seared to a golden crisp and baked to perfection. The result?
A mouthwatering masterpiece that’s both tender and juicy, with an abundance of flavor in every bite.
Apple Cheddar Muffins With Rosemary
Transforming the humble side dish into a showstopper, this recipe takes the classic approach to new heights. By combining traditional ingredients with unexpected flavors like sharp cheddar cheese, fresh rosemary, and finely chopped apples, the result is a savory delight that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. And to take it over the top, a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey can add an extra layer of indulgence when serving.
Savory Apple Sausage Balls
The magic of apples in savory recipes lies in their ability to add a burst of freshness and depth to dishes. A perfect illustration of this is a sausage ball recipe that combines baking mix, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. While these ingredients on their own are tasty, the addition of shredded apple takes it to the next level. The sweetness of the apple balances out the savory flavors, creating a harmonious and irresistible combination. And the best part?
It’s incredibly easy to make – simply bake and enjoy!
Warm Apple Bacon Slaw
A simple yet satisfying apple side dish can be achieved with this innovative apple bacon slaw recipe. The sweet and crunchy combination of apples, savory bacon, and slightly tangy cabbage is a match made in heaven.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the harmonious balance between the flavors and textures. To start, cook the bacon until crispy, reserving some of the rendered fat to create a tangy dressing by combining sugar, vinegar, and salt.
Then, heat up a mixture of onions, cabbage, and apples in the same skillet, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruit to meld with the savory essence of the pork.
Finally, crumble the bacon on top of the slaw mixture and serve warm, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. This apple bacon slaw is a delightful accompaniment to any meal, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Sweet Potato & Apple Quinoa Salad
Apples can bring a delightful twist to side dishes, making them not only flavorful but also satisfyingly filling. One such example is a quinoa salad that combines roasted sweet potatoes with crisp apples and crunchy pecans. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of the quinoa and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. To elevate this dish further, add some dried cranberries to give it a pop of color and a tangy flavor.
Begin by roasting diced sweet potatoes until they’re tender, then cook quinoa with apple cider vinegar to infuse it with a subtle apple flavor. Finally, mix everything together with a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together in harmony.
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
When the craving for soup strikes and you’re faced with a bounty of apples, consider turning to a deliciously unexpected ingredient: butternut squash. This harmonious union yields a rich and creamy soup that will warm your belly and soothe your soul. The process begins by sautéing aromatic leeks with a pinch of seasonings, before introducing the star players: roasted butternut squash, tender apples, apple cider, and savory broth.
As the mixture comes to a gentle boil, it’s time to let the flavors meld together. Once cooked through, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to a silky smooth consistency, then sweeten with a drizzle of maple syrup. The result is a velvety, indulgent treat that will leave you feeling content and satisfied.
Savory Apple Thyme Tart With Caramelized Onion & Gruyere
While tartlets are indeed a delightful way to enjoy savory apples, another delectable combination featuring the star of the show – apples – is just around the corner. This new creation brings together the sweetness of caramelized onions, the subtle tanginess of Dijon mustard, and the freshness of thyme to create an unbeatable flavor profile. And, as a nod to classic culinary traditions, Granny Smith apples take center stage, providing a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes.
The end result is a visually stunning dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also impresses with its presentation.
Apple Stuffing
In a departure from traditional recipes, this dish flips the script on classic side dishes with apples by substituting sausage with a sweet and crunchy apple component. The resulting combination of buttery bread chunks, crisp apple textures, and fresh herbs creates a harmonious blend where the apple takes center stage.
Mini Savory Apple Pies
Miniature savory apple pies bring a delightful twist to traditional salty apple recipes. The combination of crispy bacon, aromatic herbs, and buttery crust is the perfect harmony of flavors. To create these bite-sized treats, allocate time for crafting the crust while allowing the filling of bacon, apple, onion, thyme, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to meld together, infusing each pie with an irresistible charm.
Kale & Apple Potato Salad
While salads may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of savory apple side dishes, this particular creation defies convention. The combination of greens, sweetness, and comfort is a match made in heaven! At its core are diced and pre-cooked new red potatoes, chopped kale, crunchy apples, and thinly sliced red onion – each component working together in harmony. And let’s not forget the tangy dressing, comprising creamy mayo, spicy mustard, and a hint of cider vinegar.
The end result is a delightful medley of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
Roasted Sausages & Potatoes With Apples
To start, don’t worry about peeling any potatoes or apples – you can skip this step if you’d prefer to keep things simple. The recipe actually begins by preparing a bed of sliced potatoes, tender apples, and sweet onions at the bottom of a casserole dish. This mixture provides a solid foundation for the dish’s flavors to unfold. Next, simply mix in some oil and seasonings before layering juicy sausages on top – it’s that easy!
Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet
Innovative side dishes that combine sweet and savory flavors are always a treat. This recipe featuring bacon, dates, apples, and Brussels sprouts is a masterclass in balancing flavors. The key to its success lies in the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The dish begins with crispy bacon, which sets the stage for the remaining ingredients. Next, a medley of vegetables – including tender Brussels sprouts – are cooked in a mixture of red wine vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
This adds a tangy depth to the dish that complements the smoky bacon perfectly. Finally, sliced apples and succulent dates are stirred into the skillet, allowing their natural sweetness to meld with the savory elements. As the ingredients combine, the dish transforms into a culinary symphony of sweet and savory notes, all tied together by the richness of the bacon. It’s a true delight!
Apple Omelette With White Cheddar
For those who crave a creative culinary experience, this omelet recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a weekend brunch or a post-workout snack, this treat is sure to satisfy. To begin, start by sautéing sliced apples with a sprig of rosemary until they’re tender and fragrant. Set them aside for later use. Next, crack some eggs into a pan and cook them until the edges start to set.
At this point, add in the cooked apple mixture and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently to combine. The resulting omelet is a masterclass in contrasts, with the crunch of the apples, the creaminess of the cheese, and the richness of the eggs all coming together in perfect harmony.
Savory Apple Hash
Are you tired of serving the same old side dishes with your chicken or pork? If so, it’s time to mix things up without straying too far from what you know and love. The perfect solution is the Savory Apple Hash, a delicious combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, pungent garlic, and tender honey apples that will complement your favorite meats as comfortably as an old friend.
“Plastered” Pork Tacos With Apple-Jalapeno Salsa
Transform your classic taco fusion by combining the sweetness of apples with the spiciness of jalapenos. This unique pairing will revolutionize your traditional pork dish. But before we dive into this delightful combination, let’s address the elephant in the room: what is this ‘plaster’ coating on the pork? Rest assured, it’s simply a mixture of flour that locks in moisture and flavor as the meat bakes to perfection. With its tender texture and rich taste, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Pork Shoulder With Sauerkraut & Apples
The harmonious pairing of apples and onions plays a crucial role in infusing this timeless dish with its distinctive flavor profile. This culinary magic trick is typically served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, where the Sauerkraut mixture effortlessly coats the potatoes like a savory gravy. The end result is nothing short of mouthwatering. While we’re enthusiastic about this recipe, don’t just take our word for it – get cooking and experience the delight for yourself!
Turkey & Apple Sloppy Joes
The next iteration of the beloved Sloppy Joe features a unique twist – substituting traditional ground beef with turkey. This wholesome spin brings together the natural sweetness of apples, a savory depth, and an aromatic boost from the addition of cloves. When served on toasted hamburger buns, this reimagined classic is sure to delight.
Spicy Pork Tenderloin With Sweet Potatoes, Apples & Onions
Tenderloin is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser, and its accessibility in the kitchen only adds to its charm. The simplicity of preparation is one of its greatest strengths, requiring minimal extra equipment beyond the pan used to reduce the sauce on the stovetop.
To elevate this dish to new heights, consider incorporating a medley of flavors from apples to cumin, onions, and sweet potatoes. Then, adjust the spice level to suit your personal taste preferences.
Complete the meal by pairing it with a fresh salad or selection of green vegetables, accompanied by dinner bread for a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
Mulligatawny Soup
For fans of the Caped Crusader, a nod to Batman’s culinary preferences is always a treat. Did you know that the Dark Knight’s go-to comfort food is none other than Mulligatawny soup? This flavorful and spicy soup has its roots in British India, where it was affectionately dubbed ‘pepper water’ due to its bold flavor profile. Traditionally made with either chicken or turkey, the recipe can be adapted to suit individual tastes.
What sets Mulligatawny apart is its Scoville scale rating – a true test of tolerance for those who dare to try it. But fear not, as the spice level can be adjusted to suit even the most timid palates. So why not join the Caped Crusader in his love for this warming and comforting soup?
Korean Spicy Chicken Tenders With Sweet Apple
Imagine being transported to the vibrant streets of Korea, where bold flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony. This delectable entree, infused with the warmth of Korean red pepper paste, will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
The dish begins with tender chicken braised in olive oil, then adds a medley of crunchy vegetables – big chunks of apple, celery, and bell pepper – to create a delightful contrast of textures.
Whether served with steaming hot rice or crispy pita bread, tortillas, or sandwich bread, this mouthwatering meal is sure to elicit heartfelt thanks from your guests, in the form of joyful kamsahamnidas (thank yous)!
Sweet Lamb Curry
This mouthwatering lamb dish is a harmonious fusion of flavors, with the tender meat paired with sweet raisins, crisp apples, and an array of aromatic spices. One of its most attractive features is its convenience – it can be prepared the night before serving, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal prep. After cooking, allow the dish to cool slightly before refrigerating it. When reheating for serving the next day, rest assured that the flavors will remain vibrant and unchanged.
To complete the experience, serve with a side of fluffy rice, accompanied by tangy sambals and crunchy pappadams. If you’re having trouble sourcing store-bought sambals, consider taking matters into your own hands and crafting your own at home. Popular options include bananas marinated in lemon juice, cucumbers in yogurt, mango chutney, or toasted coconut – the possibilities are endless!
Savory Pork & Apple Stew
This delectable pork shoulder stew boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, courtesy of its harmonious blend of apples, garlic, red wine, and broth. The true showstopper, however, lies in the marriage of these two liquid components – red wine and broth – which meld together to create an unforgettable taste experience. What’s more, this unexpected combination has a way of surprising even the most discerning palates, with many finding themselves thoroughly enamored by its sheer delightfulness.
And as if that weren’t enough, the subtle sweetness contributed by the apples serves only to elevate the dish further, making it a truly magical culinary creation.
Quick-Brined Pork Chops With Apples
Reinvent your pork chops with this unique twist! Instead of a traditional roast, start by marinating the pork in a brine solution that’s been elevated with a mix of water, kosher salt, pepper, sage leaves, apple cider, and apple vinegar. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and tenderize the meat. Just be mindful not to over-marinate, as this can lead to an overpowering salty taste. If you do accidentally overdo it, don’t worry – there are ways to correct the issue.
However, when done correctly, this method will yield a dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Bacon & Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
We’re about to diverge from our previous recipe (#20) significantly, as this dish takes a distinct approach to cooking pork tenderloin. Instead of simply throwing everything into the oven, we’ll start by filling the loin with an aromatic mixture of sliced apples, diced onions, thyme, and crispy bacon bits. This unique stuffing will then be followed by a quick 20-minute oven roast.
Roast Chicken With Apples & Sweet Potatoes
The aroma of baked chicken wafts through the air, tantalizing your senses. This comforting dish requires minimal effort, yet yields a flavorful and nutritious meal. The ingredients are straightforward: chicken, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots. To achieve tender results, ensure the carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples soak up the sauce as much as possible while baking alongside the chicken. Once cooked, you can either serve the pan drippings over the meat or elevate it to a rich gravy.
Chicken Fricassee With Apples
Looking to transition your little ones from processed foods like chicken nuggets to wholesome home-cooked meals? You’re in luck! This recipe is a game-changer. The tender, boneless chicken smothered in a tangy apple sauce mixture is so irresistible that you can bet the kids will be begging for seconds. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, thanks to its simplicity and foolproof instructions. So why not give it a try and start building healthier eating habits today?
The bottom line
While the craving for savory apple dishes can strike at any time of day, rest assured that this collection has something for every meal occasion – whether you’re in the mood for a morning treat, a mid-day pick-me-up, or an evening delight.
