Apples aren’t just for desserts—they’re a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in savory dishes too. From fresh salads and hearty soups to flavorful mains, apples add a touch of sweetness and a crisp texture that can elevate any meal. Whether roasted, sautéed, or raw, these 15 recipes showcase how apples can shine outside the dessert table.

Apple Sausage Stuffing

Apple Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This hearty stuffing combines the sweetness of apples with savory sausage and herbs to add warmth and flavor to any main course. It’s a timeless dish that works well with roast chicken or turkey.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A cozy blend of roasted butternut squash and tart apples creates a velvety soup with rich depth and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a satisfying option for weeknight dinners or light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Pork Chops with Apples

Pork Chops with Apples. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Juicy pork chops meet caramelized apples in this classic pairing that’s all about balancing savory and sweet. This dish adds an elegant twist to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Apples

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Apple cider adds a hint of autumnal sweetness to this hearty beef stew, making it the ideal comfort food for cool evenings. The Instant Pot makes it a snap to prepare!
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This refreshing salad combines crunchy cabbage and crisp apples, topped off with a light, zesty dressing. It’s a wholesome side dish that’s loaded with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Applesauce Bread

A loaf of applesauce bread with three slices cut, two apples, a bowl of applesauce, and a red and white checkered cloth on a wooden cutting board.
Applesauce Bread. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This moist loaf is subtly sweet with a hint of apples and cinnamon in every bite. It’s just the thing for an afternoon snack or pairing with a hot cup of tea.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This salad is creamy, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible. Broccoli and apples are tossed together with a creamy dressing, creating a refreshing yet indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate.
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A velvety soup that combines roasted squash and apples for a cozy and rich flavor. It’s finished with cream for an added layer of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples

A bowl of soup with apples and sprigs of thyme.
Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This dairy-free soup marries the earthiness of Jerusalem artichokes with the bright sweetness of apples, resulting in a smooth and satisfying bowl for everyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples

Apple potato latkes with curried yogurt sauce

Cranberry pancakes with cranberry sauce.
Apple potato latkes with curried yogurt sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grated apples and potatoes come together in these crispy latkes, served with a lightly spiced curried yogurt sauce for an exciting twist on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple potato latkes with curried yogurt sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

A slow cooker with a baked dish topped with golden brown, crumbly stuffing.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This one-pot wonder combines tender pork chops, herby stuffing, and sweet apples, all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s as effortless as it is comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This crunchy slaw is a vibrant mix of shredded cabbage and crisp apples, tossed with a tangy dressing for the ultimate refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Apple Cranberry Salad

A fresh apple cranberry salad with a bright red and green color.
Apple Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Apples and cranberries team up to create a flavorful and colorful salad that’s as delicious as it is festive. Add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Cinnamon pancakes topped with cooked diced apples.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fluffy pancakes infused with fresh apples and cinnamon make for a flavorful breakfast that’s sure to delight the whole family. Stack them high and enjoy with syrup!
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Apple French Toast Casserole

Piece of French toast casserole on a plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pitcher of syrup.
Apple French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy slice of this Apple French Toast casserole, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. It will be a new holiday tradition!
Get the Recipe: Apple French Toast Casserole

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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