When you reach for an apple, you’re probably thinking about a snack or dessert.
And that makes sense! Apple pie and apple crumble are classics for a reason.
BUT have you ever tried adding them to your main course?
It might sound a little different, but it is SO good. Apples can add the perfect touch of sweetness to savory dishes, bringing a little crunch to a salad or cooking down to make an AMAZING sauce.
These recipes prove that apples belong on your dinner plate.
I’ve put together a list of dinner ideas that use apples in some REALLY creative and delicious ways. There’s something here for everyone, from quick weeknight meals to something a little more special.
Get ready to see this everyday fruit in a whole new way.
1. Stuffed Chicken with Apple Gravy
Stuffed Chicken with Apple Gravy is a rich, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and packed with taste.
The juicy chicken is filled with spinach, currants, pine nuts, and garlic, then served with a warm, savory apple gravy.
2. Sweet Potatoes and Apples with Cinnamon and Maple
Sweet Potatoes and Apples with Cinnamon and Maple make a comforting fall side dish everyone loves.
Tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples come together with a touch of maple and warm cinnamon.
3. Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing Recipe
Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing brings together the best of autumn in every bite.
Fresh apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts add sweetness and texture to this holiday favorite.
4. Autumn Chicken & Apple Cider Chili
Autumn Chicken & Apple Cider Chili is a cozy, slow-cooked soup with bright fall flavors.
The apple cider and herbs give it a deep, savory taste that’s perfect for chilly days.
5. Apple Sausage Stuffing
Apple Sausage Stuffing mixes savory sausage and sweet apples into a rich, hearty stuffing.
It’s a crowd-pleasing twist on classic stuffing that’s full of flavor and easy to make.
6. Carrot Apple Salad With Seasoned Greek Yogurt
Carrot Apple Salad with Seasoned Greek Yogurt is a crisp, fresh side that’s both satisfying and healthy.
The creamy yogurt dressing adds a little tang and ties together the sweet apples and crunchy carrots.
7. Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Avocado Pesto
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Avocado Pesto is a hearty, colorful bowl with a satisfying crunch.
Sweet apples, fresh kale, and a rich avocado pesto make this top-tier salad.
8. Fried Apples Recipe
Fried Apples Recipe brings out the best in tart Granny Smith apples with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar finish.
Perfect as a side, dessert, or topping, it’s a simple, comforting favorite.
9. Applesauce Recipe
This homemade applesauce recipe delivers a sweet, smooth spoonful of fall flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for snacking, baking, or sharing, it’s a simple treat made with just a few ingredients.
10. Apple Butter
This easy apple butter recipe brings out the rich, warm flavors of ripe apples with a touch of cinnamon.
It’s the ideal spread for toast, yogurt, or a cozy fall dessert.
11. Instant Pot Applesauce
The Instant Pot applesauce comes together in less than 15 minutes for a quick, no-fuss treat.
Sweet, silky, and full of real apple flavor, it’s ready in a flash.
12. Apple Salad
This apple salad is a crisp, sweet, and slightly creamy mix of apples, celery, walnuts, and marshmallows.
Tossed in a tangy mayo and sour cream dressing, it’s a refreshing summer favorite.
13. Panera Fuji Apple Salad
The copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad is a satisfying blend of crisp apples, spinach, almonds, and chicken.
Dressed in a light vinaigrette, it’s fresh, crunchy, and perfect for a quick lunch.
14. Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe
This apple spiced stuffed sweet potato recipe layers a cozy cinnamon apple filling with crunchy pecans.
Loaded with fall warmth and a hint of lemon, it’s hearty and deeply flavorful.
15. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple Maple Vinaigrette
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad features thin slices of sprouts with apples and a sweet maple vinaigrette.
A perfect fall harvest salad that’s easy to make and full of seasonal charm.
16. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples
This bacon cranberry Brussels sprouts recipe combines crispy bacon, tart apples, and sweet cranberries.
A balanced mix of savory, sweet, and tangy, it’s a side dish everyone will enjoy.
17. Kale Apple Slaw
Kale Apple Slaw is a fresh, crunchy mix of kale, apples, and a creamy tangy vinaigrette.
Perfect for a quick, healthy side or light lunch, this apple slaw recipe comes together in just 15 minutes.
It’s full of flavor and pairs great with grilled meats or sandwiches.
18. Butter Lettuce Salad with Apples and Fresh Herbs
Butter Lettuce Salad with Apples and Fresh Herbs is a light, crisp, and refreshing spring meal.
Tossed with crisp apples and a bright herb dressing, it’s easy to make and perfect as a starter or side.
This bibb lettuce salad brings freshness to any table with minimal effort.
19. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pot Roast
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pot Roast is a hearty, flavorful dish with tender meat and rich apple cider flavor.
A sweet and savory twist on classic pot roast, it’s simple to prepare and ideal for family dinners.
Let the slow cooker do the work for a delicious, low-maintenance meal.
20. Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans
Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans combine sweet pie filling, tangy barbecue sauce, and hearty beans.
This easy one-pot side dish is perfect for holidays or weeknight meals.
It’s sweet, savory, and ready with minimal prep and cleanup.
21. Carrot and Apple Soup
Carrot and Apple Soup is a colorful, comforting slow cooker soup with no roasting needed.
Creamy and slightly sweet, it’s a simple autumn favorite that’s easy to make from start to finish.
Ideal for cozy nights and easy meal prep.
22. Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Thighs delivers a full meal in one pan—chicken, rice, apples, and veggies.
This apple curry chicken recipe is easy to toss together and bakes to perfection.
A quick, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
23. Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)
Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks is a no-fuss sheet pan dinner with tender chicken and crispy potatoes.
Seasoned with herbs and baked to perfection, it’s a wholesome meal for busy families.
Great for midweek dinners that are both tasty and easy to clean up.
24. Crock Pot Apple Balsamic Chicken recipe
Crock Pot Apple Balsamic Chicken features tender chicken breasts in a rich, sweet sauce.
Ready in under 10 minutes of prep, it’s a quick fix for weeknight dinners.
Serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
