Apples aren’t just for pies and crisps. They bring brightness, crunch, and a touch of sweetness to savory dishes, salads, soups, and sides too. This collection brings together recipes where apples take the spotlight in creative, flavorful ways. From hearty pork chops and comforting soups to fresh salads and sweet breads, these dishes show just how versatile apples can be in the kitchen.

Apple Sausage Stuffing

A plate of bread stuffing with chopped apples, pecans, herbs, and fresh parsley—a savory twist on classic apple dishes perfect for holiday apple recipes.
Apple Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Savory sausage meets the subtle sweetness of diced apples in this flavorful stuffing. Perfectly balanced with herbs and tender bread cubes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

A bowl of yellow soup topped with a drizzle of cream and garnished with fresh chopped parsley—perfect to enjoy before indulging in classic apple dessert or exploring new apple recipes.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy squash blends with tart apples for a smooth, slightly sweet soup that’s warm and cozy with every spoonful.
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 are seared and topped with softened apples for a sweet and savory combo that always works.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Apples

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.

This version adds a creamy finish to the classic pairing, with apples adding brightness to the velvety squash base.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender sweet potatoes bake with apple slices and cranberries for a sweet-savory side dish with plenty of fall flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

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.

Earthy artichokes and tart apples come together in a plant-based soup that’s smooth, rich, and full of depth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples

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.

Everything cooks together in one pot—pork, apples, and stuffing—for a hands-off dinner with rich, comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

Cabbage Apple Salad

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

Shredded cabbage and apple slices make this a crisp, clean side dish that pairs well with just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table.
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chopped kale and sweet apple slices are tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with added crunch from seeds or nuts.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

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

Crunchy cabbage and crisp apples are tossed in a light dressing for a fast, refreshing side with tang and texture.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans

A fresh salad with sliced apples, pecans, and mixed greens on a white rectangular plate. The apples have a red peel and are thinly sliced, while the greens provide a leafy background, creating a colorful and healthy dish.
Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This mix of bitter greens, crisp apples, and candied nuts hits all the flavor notes—crunchy, sweet, tangy, and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple and Candied Pecans

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.

Sweet apples and crunchy broccoli florets are coated in a creamy dressing with just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli 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 quick bread is sweetened with applesauce and lightly spiced for a soft texture and subtle flavor.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

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 bring tartness and crunch to a green salad with nuts, cheese, or a light vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad

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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