When I think of apples, I’m instantly transported to crisp autumn days, where the air is fresh and the trees are ablaze with red and gold hues. Apples are more than just a snack; they’re a symbol of the season. And, oh, the possibilities they bring to dinner tables!
From savory to sweet, apples can do it all. I remember stumbling upon an apple-themed dinner party idea on Pinterest last fall—it was an instant hit with my family. It’s amazing how something as simple as an apple can transform a meal into a comforting, yet exciting experience.
Whether baked, roasted, or tossed into a salad, apples add a burst of flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Let’s explore some easy and healthy apple dinner recipes that might just become your new favorites.
Steps
- Rosemary-Roasted Chicken with Apples and Potatoes: Roast chicken alongside a mix of apples, potatoes, and onions. Use the drippings from the chicken to enhance the flavors of the roasted vegetables.
- “Plastered” Pork Tacos with Apple-Jalapeno Salsa: Prepare a spicy salsa with apples and jalapeños to top your pork tacos. This salsa can also complement beef or shrimp tacos.
- Momma Pritchett’s Grilled Pork Chops with Apple-Pear Topping: Grill pork chops and top them with a mixture of apples, pears, and garlic. Enhance the taste by doubling the marinade.
- Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole: Combine apples and pecans with bread and cherries for a savory casserole. This dish is reminiscent of Thanksgiving stuffing with added crunch and brightness.
- Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples: Cook pork with sauerkraut, apples, and onions in a slow cooker. The combination of apple and onion brings out a special flavor in the dish.
- 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 a rich and hearty fall meal.
- Fennel-Rubbed Pork Chops with Apple, Kale, and Sweet Potato: Season pork chops with fennel and pepper, and serve with apple, kale, and sweet potato. This healthy dish offers a blend of flavors and textures.
- Apple-Tarragon Turkey Sloppy Joes: Use ground turkey for a healthier version of sloppy joes, sweetened with apples and flavored with tarragon. Serve on butter-toasted buns for a flavorful meal.
- Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Sweet Potatoes: Pair pork tenderloin with apples and sweet potatoes, enhanced by chipotle chili powder. The sweet and spicy combination makes for a comforting dish.
- Fruited Curry Chicken Salad: Toss chicken with fruit for a unique twist on a classic salad. Serve on a croissant or in a honey pita for added flavor.
- Asian Pork Burger: Infuse pork burgers with teriyaki sauce for a flavorful meal. These burgers are tasty enough to enjoy even without a bun.
- Fruity Red Salmon Salad: Combine flaked salmon with apples and raisins for a nutritious lunch. Serve with whole wheat crackers for a balanced meal.
- Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions: Cook apples into the sauce for pork tenderloin, or use firm apples for texture. This dish pairs well with white rice.
- Mulligatawny Soup I: Grate apples into a soup to lend a subtle sweetness. The apples will blend into the soup, enhancing its flavor.
- Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apple, Cranberry, and Sausage: Fill acorn squash with a mixture of apple, cranberries, sausage, and cheese. This recipe is ideal for special occasions.
- Korean Spicy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Apple: Combine chicken, apple, celery, and bell pepper with spicy Korean paste. Serve with steamed rice or bread for a complete meal.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fried Apples: Grill pork tenderloin quickly and serve with fried apples. This dish is a hit even with those who typically avoid pork.
- Easy Chicken Cutlets with Apples: Serve chicken cutlets with apples for a restaurant-quality dish. Pair with basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
- Sweet Lamb Curry: Cook lamb with apples and raisins for a mild and fragrant curry. Prepare in advance and serve with rice and pappadums.
- Apple and Pork Stew: Combine pork shoulder, apples, vegetables, wine, and broth in a savory stew. The flavorful mix of ingredients makes for a hearty meal.
- Apple Cider Stew: Use apple cider to create a sweet and warm stew. This dish improves in flavor when enjoyed the next day.
- Brined and Stuffed Pork Loin Roast: Brine a pork loin for juiciness, then stuff with apple and onion. Roast for a flavorful and moist main dish.
- Baked Chicken Legs with Apples and Onions: Nestle apples and onions with chicken legs for a tender, fall-friendly meal. Use the pan drippings for a gravy or drizzle over rice.
- Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Apple Stuffing: Stuff pork tenderloin with apple and onion stuffing, then wrap in bacon before roasting. This quick dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Spicy Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs: Simmer chicken thighs in apple cider with onions for a stovetop dish. Add heat with sambal oelek or Sriracha and serve over rice.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Apples
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Rosemary
- Pork (for tacos)
- Jalapeño
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Pear
- Pecans
- Cherries
- Sauerkraut
- Chicken stock
- Cream
- Fennel
- Kale
- Sweet potato
- Ground turkey
- Tarragon
- Cloves
- Hamburger buns
- Chipotle chile powder
- Cider
- Croissant or honey pita
- Teriyaki sauce
- Raisins
- Whole wheat crackers
- Golden Delicious apples (or preferred firm apple type)
- Rice
- Cheese grater (for shredding)
- Dried cranberries
- Provolone cheese
- Acorn squash
- Korean red pepper paste
- Celery
- Bell pepper
- Basmati rice
- Lamb
- Pork shoulder
- Beef broth
- Red wine
- Broth
- Brine
- Chicken legs
- Bacon
- Sambal oelek or Sriracha sauce
- Cauliflower rice (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use apples in savory dishes instead of just desserts?
- Absolutely! Apples can add a sweet and slightly tart flavor to savory dishes, perfectly complementing meats like pork, chicken, and beef.
- What type of apple is best for cooking with meat?
- Firm varieties like Golden Delicious are great for cooking with meat, as they hold their shape well and contribute to both texture and flavor.
- Are apple-based savory dishes suitable for all seasons?
- While apples are often associated with fall, many savory apple recipes can be enjoyed year-round, offering a fresh twist to meals in any season.
- Can I substitute pork with another meat in apple-based recipes?
- Yes, pork can often be substituted with other meats such as chicken or beef in recipes that feature apples, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- How does apple enhance the flavor of savory dishes?
- Apples provide natural sweetness and tartness, adding depth and balance to savory dishes and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tips
- When making Rosemary-Roasted Chicken with Apples and Potatoes, use the chicken drippings to enhance the flavor of the baked apple, potato, and onion mix.
- For “Plastered” Pork Tacos with Apple-Jalapeno Salsa, consider trying the salsa with other proteins like beef or shrimp for a flavorful twist.
- In the Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole, the addition of pecans and cherries provides both a crunch and a touch of brightness to balance the rich flavors.
- When preparing Baked Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions, nestle the apple and onion slices into the liquid to ensure they become tender and soak up the flavors.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Required for recipes like “Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples.”
- Grill or Grill Pan – Needed for recipes such as “Momma Pritchett’s Grilled Pork Chops and Apple-Pear Topping” and “Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fried Apples.”
- Mandoline Slicer – Useful for thinly slicing ingredients for various recipes.
- Apple Corer/Slicer – Handy for preparing apples quickly and uniformly.
- Roasting Pan – Essential for recipes like “Baked Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions” and “Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Apple Stuffing.”
- Meat Thermometer – Important for ensuring proper cooking temperatures, especially for recipes involving pork and chicken.
- Dutch Oven – Needed for stews, such as “Apple and Pork Stew” and “Apple Cider Stew.”
- Microplane or Cheese Grater – Useful for shredding apples in recipes like “Mulligatawny Soup I.”
