If you’re looking to add a savory twist to your dinner menu, these easy savory apple recipes are a must-try. Apples bring a unique flavor to hearty dishes, transforming ordinary meals into something special. Whether paired with pork, chicken, or even vegetables, apples add a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with savory elements.
Ready to explore a new dimension of taste in your cooking? Let’s get started with these simple and delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of apples.
Steps
- Rosemary-Roasted Chicken with Apples and Potatoes: Roast chicken alongside a mix of apples, potatoes, and onions. Let the chicken drippings flavor the bake as it cooks.
- “Plastered” Pork Tacos with Apple-Jalapeno Salsa: Prepare a salsa with apples and jalapeños to add a fresh twist to pork tacos. Optional variations include using beef or shrimp.
- Momma Pritchett’s Grilled Pork Chops and Apple-Pear Topping: Enhance pork chops with a topping of apples and pears. Add garlic and double the marinade for extra flavor.
- Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole: Combine the elements of stuffing and bread pudding with apples and pecans for a crunchy texture. Cherries add brightness to this rich casserole.
- Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples: Slow cook pork with sauerkraut, apples, and onions. These ingredients create a magical blend of flavors.
- Baked Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions: Simmer onions in apple cider and chicken stock, then bake with chicken thighs and apples. Add cream for richness.
- Fennel-Rubbed Pork Chops with Apple, Kale, and Sweet Potato: Rub pork chops with fennel and pepper, then serve with apples, kale, and sweet potato. This dish is both healthy and flavorful.
- Apple-Tarragon Turkey Sloppy Joes: Use ground turkey and apples for a sweet take on sloppy joes. Tarragon and cloves add aromatic depth, served on toasted buns.
- Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Sweet Potatoes: Pair pork tenderloin with apples and sweet potatoes to balance the spice of chipotle chile powder. Enjoy the comforting flavors.
- Fruited Curry Chicken Salad: Mix chicken with fruits for a refreshing salad. Serve it on a croissant or in a honey pita for added sweetness.
- Asian Pork Burger: Flavor pork burgers with teriyaki sauce. These burgers are so tasty they can be enjoyed without a bun.
- Fruity Red Salmon Salad: Combine flaked salmon with apples and raisins for a healthy salad. Serve with whole wheat crackers for a light lunch.
- Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions: Cook apples into a sauce with the pork, or use firm apples for texture. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
- Mulligatawny Soup I: Use a cheese grater to shred apples into this soup. This method allows the apples to blend smoothly into the dish.
- Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apple, Cranberry, and Sausage: Fill acorn squash with apples, cranberries, sausage, and cheese for a special occasion meal.
- Korean Spicy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Apple: Cook chicken with red pepper paste, apples, celery, and bell peppers. Serve with rice or bread for a wholesome meal.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fried Apples: Grill pork tenderloin and serve with fried apples. Quick to prepare, this dish is family-friendly.
- Easy Chicken Cutlets with Apples: Cook chicken cutlets with apples for a dish that’s as delicious as it is elegant. Pair with basmati rice.
- Sweet Lamb Curry: Create a mild lamb curry with raisins and apples for a fragrant meal. Best served with rice and pappadums.
- Apple and Pork Stew: Make a savory stew with pork, apples, vegetables, and wine. The combination of flavors is sure to impress.
- Apple Cider Stew: Enjoy this sweet and warm stew, which tastes even better the next day. Perfect for fall.
- Brined and Stuffed Pork Loin Roast: Brine pork loin for juiciness, then stuff and roast it. Enjoy the tender meat with your choice of sides.
- Baked Chicken Legs with Apples and Onions: Bake chicken legs with apples and onions, nestling them in liquid for tenderness. Use pan drippings as gravy.
- Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Apple Stuffing: Stuff pork tenderloin with apple-onion stuffing, wrap in bacon, then roast. Perfect for a quick weekday meal.
- Spicy Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs: Simmer chicken thighs in apple cider, adding sambal oelek or Sriracha for heat. Serve over rice for a complete dish.
Ingredients
- Chicken (whole or thighs)
- Apples
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Rosemary
- Pork tenderloin or chops
- Jalapeño peppers
- Fresh cilantro
- Beef (optional, as an alternative to pork)
- Shrimp (optional, as an alternative to pork)
- Garlic
- Marinade (specific ingredients not detailed)
- Bread (for stuffing or casserole)
- Pecans
- Cherries
- Sauerkraut
- Chicken stock
- Cream
- Fennel (ground)
- Black pepper
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Ground turkey
- Tarragon
- Cloves
- Hamburger buns
- Chipotle chile powder
- Cider (possibly apple cider)
- Curry powder
- Salmon
- Raisins
- Whole wheat crackers
- White rice
- Acorn squash
- Dried cranberries
- Sausage
- Provolone cheese
- Korean red pepper paste
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Steamed white rice, tortilla, pita bread, or sandwich bread
- Basmati rice
- Lamb
- Beef broth
- Red wine
- Herbs (specific types not detailed)
- Brine (specific ingredients not detailed)
- Chicken legs (or other cuts)
- Bacon
- Sriracha sauce or sambal oelek
- Cauliflower rice (optional alternative to regular rice)
FAQ
- Can I use different types of meat with these apple-centric recipes?
- Absolutely! Many of the recipes are versatile. For instance, the apple-jalapeño salsa in the “Plastered” Pork Tacos can complement beef or shrimp as well.
- What type of apples should I use for cooking these savory dishes?
- It depends on your preference for texture. If you like distinct pieces of apple in your dish, opt for firm varieties like Golden Delicious. Otherwise, apples that cook down, like Granny Smith, can integrate seamlessly into sauces and stews.
- Are these recipes suitable for meal prepping or leftovers?
- Yes, many of these dishes, like the Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples, taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.
- Can these recipes be adapted for dietary preferences?
- Certainly! Ingredients can be swapped to suit dietary needs. For example, the Apple-Tarragon Turkey Sloppy Joes use turkey instead of beef, offering a leaner option. Recipes can also be adjusted for spice levels or additional vegetables.
- What sides pair well with these savory apple dishes?
- Many of these meals complement well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The Baked Chicken Legs with Apples and Onions, for instance, pairs nicely with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices.
- Are these recipes season-specific, or can they be made year-round?
- While apples are often at their peak in fall, these recipes can be enjoyed throughout the year. The natural sweetness and tartness of apples add depth to meals regardless of the season.
Tips
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon to add aromatic depth and complexity to your savory apple dishes. They complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
- Choose the Right Apple Variety: Use firmer apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, for recipes where you want the apple pieces to hold their shape and provide a textural contrast.
- Balance Sweetness and Heat: When making spicy dishes, like Spicy Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs, consider adding a sweet element like apple cider to balance the heat from spices like chipotle or jalapeño.
- Experiment with Textures: For dishes like Apple and Pork Stew, try shredding the apples instead of chopping to allow them to melt into the sauce, enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor.
