If a heaping pile of apples has take over your kitchen, then this post is for you! Read on to discover 10 healthy and delicious dietitian approved ways to slice, dice, roast, and blend apples into your diet this season! From breakfast to dinner, snacks and drinks, these recipes will have your house smelling better than your favorite fall candle!
1. Blend Apples In Soup
One of the most popular recipes on this site is my sweet potato apple soup. The combination of the savory, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes and shallots combined with tart and tangy chunks of apple, gives this soup it's exceptional flavor. This recipe is quick and super simple (even for the most inexperienced cook).
Apples also pair really well with carrots in this anti-inflammatory carrot ginger apple soup recipe. The aroma of spicy ginger and turmeric, combined with the natural sweetness apples and carrots is next level!
Both of these soups are ready in just over 30 minutes, so they're perfect for weeknight dinners but special enough for Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining.
2. Chop or Slice Apples For Salads
Apples add so much depth, texture and crunch to a salad. Using different varieties of apples can also change the flavor profile from sweet to tart. Because of this, apples can liven up just about any type of green lettuce. I love using kale and apples together like in my kale and apple salad with crispy quinoa. Since kale is a hearty leaf, it holds up to firmer fruits like apples and especially with roasted vegetables like in my fall panzanella salad. And how about this gorgeous apple carpaccio with arugula and blue cheese as a centerpiece on your holiday table this year?!
3. Caramelize Apples For Pancakes Or French Toast
Apples can add fiber and other essential nutrients to pancakes and french toast, which are often lacking by themselves. For my apple oat pancakes I use oat flour for the batter and caramelize apples in a skillet with apple butter for topping. You can do the same with french toast too! It is super simple but literally smells like fall on your breakfast plate!
4. Incorporate Apples Into Sandwiches
The classic turkey, apple, cheddar sandwich is my go-to at lunchtime in the fall. But, there are so many other ways to use apples in sandwiches. If you're vegan or vegetarian, how about using apples in grilled cheese? (I have a recipe in my ebook!)
If you're just wanting to eat less meat for health or ethical reasons, this insanely delicious chickpea salad made with juicy apples and blended with horseradish, celery and carrots is so tasty on it's own or on your favorite rustic whole grain bread.
5. Simmer Apples In Compotes
This is the perfect recipe following a day in the apple orchards! Simmer chunks of apples with cinnamon sticks and other fall spices and fruits on the stove to make a compote that's amazing for topping overnight oats, yogurt and even ice cream! Your kitchen will smell like an autumn wonderland!
6. Roast Apples In Sheet Pan Dinners
In the fall, I love to roast vegetables with apples for a delicious blend of sweet and savory. When you're craving all the Thanksgiving flavors without the work and mess, then you'll want to try this recipe for roasted sweet potatoes and apples tossed with savory herbs and chicken thighs for an easy sheet pan dinner.
7. Blend Apples Into Smoothies
Yes, you read that right! Apples are a great way to add fiber and natural sweetness in your smoothie recipe. This carrot cake smoothie uses either applesauce or cut up apples to intensify and compliment the carrot cake flavors. Try adding apples, cinnamon and fall spices to your favorite smoothie!
8. Bake Apples In Stuffing
I wouldn't dream of making stuffing without apples! They add complexity and tartness to an otherwise flavorless side dish. This herbed apple stuffing uses chunks of sourdough bread, fragrant fresh herbs and tart green apples, but can be easily be adapted to include cranberries, nuts and of course, sausage if you prefer.
9. Sauté Apples For Pasta Dishes
One of my favorite weeknight meals is this easy dish with perogies, apples and leeks. In my opinion, perogies need a little help to make them more interesting. Apples, in this case, add texture, color, flavor and of course, nutrients and fiber. This can help make the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
10. Garnish Drinks with Apples For Fall Mocktails
Although this recipe was originally written as a cocktail recipe, drinking less alcohol is recommended for a variety of health reasons. These apple cider cinnamon mules can be made alcohol-free and are absolutely delicious! Apple slices are a beautiful way to garnish and add flavor, making this drink interesting and visually appealing.
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Best Ways To Use Apples: Apple Oat Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 griddle you could also use the Dash mini griddle
Ingredients
- 2 small apples or one large peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoon apple butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup plant-based milk I use almond milk (unsweetened)
- non stick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt).
- In a separate smaller bowl, combine egg, sugar, apple butter and milk and whisk together.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together until combined. Do not over mix. Set aside.
- Heat a small sauté pan on medium heat. In the pan combine the apples with the apple butter. Allow apples to soften about 3-4 minutes then remove from heat.
- Spray a non-stick griddle with cooking spray and heat on medium heat.
- Pour ¼-½ cup batter (depending how large you'd like your pancakes) onto griddle. Add a teaspoon or so of the apples right onto the pancake batter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve warm with syrup or your favorite pancake toppings and enjoy!
Notes
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I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
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