You know that moment when you come home from the orchard with a giant bag of apples? Happened to me last October. Stared at twenty pounds of Honeycrisps thinking "what to make with apples besides pie?" That's how this whole thing started. Turns out apples are like kitchen superheroes - they work in breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything between.
Maybe you've got apples rolling around your fridge right now. Or maybe you're staring at that tree in your backyard. Either way, lets solve your apple puzzle together. I've tested these recipes through years of trial and error (including some real disasters - more on that later).
Apple Recipe Speed Chart
| What to Make | Prep Time | Cook Time | Difficulty | Best Apple Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Apple Pie | 45 mins | 50 mins | Medium | Granny Smith, Braeburn |
| Skillet Apple Crisp | 15 mins | 30 mins | Easy | Honeycrisp, Fuji |
| Cinnamon Baked Apples | 10 mins | 45 mins | Very Easy | Gala, Golden Delicious |
| Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese | 5 mins | 10 mins | Super Easy | Any crisp apple |
| Slow Cooker Apple Butter | 20 mins | 8 hours | Easy (long cook) | McIntosh, Cortland |
Tried all these? Me too. The crisp is my weeknight savior when I'm asking myself "what to make with apples that's fast?"
Sweet Solutions: Desserts Beyond Pie
Let's get real - apple pie is great but sometimes you want different things to make with apples. Here's what actually works in real kitchens:
Skillet Apple Crisp That Saves Weeknights
Need ideas for using apples fast? This saved me when my in-laws showed up unannounced. You'll need:
- 6 medium apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup cold butter
Just toss apples with half the sugar and cinnamon. Mix remaining ingredients until crumbly. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Done.
Applesauce You'll Actually Eat
Store-bought stuff tastes like sadness. Real applesauce needs just apples and cinnamon. Peel and chop 8 apples. Simmer with 1/2 cup water and 1 cinnamon stick for 20 minutes. Mash. Done.
Apple Type Guide for Baking
| Apple Variety | Best Uses | Flavor Notes | Holds Shape? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Pies, tarts | Tart, tangy | Excellent |
| Honeycrisp | Eating fresh, salads | Sweet, juicy | Good (but pricey) |
| McIntosh | Sauces, butters | Soft, aromatic | Poor (turns mushy) |
| Braeburn | All-purpose baking | Sweet-tart balance | Very good |
Savory Surprises: Apples in Dinner
Still wondering what to make with apples for dinner? They're not just for dessert:
Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
My kids think this is fancy. Thinly slice one apple. Layer with sharp cheddar between bread. Butter outside. Grill low and slow. The sweet-salty combo? Brilliant.
Pork Chops with Apple Pan Sauce
Season chops. Sear in skillet. Remove. Add sliced apple and onion to pan. Cook till soft. Add 1/2 cup cider and 1 tbsp mustard. Simmer. Pour over chops.
Breakfast Boosters
Morning ideas for using apples that don't involve oatmeal (unless you want them to):
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Cube bread. Layer with sliced apples. Mix eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla. Pour over. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Power-Fried Apples
Slice apples. Cook in skillet with coconut oil and cinnamon. Top with Greek yogurt and walnuts. Better than cereal.
Preserving Your Harvest
Got bushels? Here's what to make with apples that lasts:
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Chop 5 lbs apples (no need to peel). Add to slow cooker with 1 cup cider, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon. Cook on low 10 hours. Blend smooth. Freezes beautifully.
Cinnamon Apple Rings
Core apples (leave skin). Slice into rings. Soak in lemon water. Pat dry. Bake at 200°F for 3 hours, flipping occasionally. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Apple Preservation Methods Compared
| Method | Shelf Life | Effort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Storage | 2-6 months | Low | Firm varieties only |
| Canning (slices) | 1 year+ | High | Pie filling |
| Freezing (slices) | 10-12 months | Medium | Smoothies, baking |
| Dehydrating | 6-12 months | Medium | Snacks |
Unusual Uses You Haven't Tried
Still have apples? Here's what to make with apples that's unexpected:
Apple Peel Vinegar
Save peels and cores. Pack in jar. Cover with water and 1 tbsp sugar. Cover with cloth. Wait 3 weeks. Strain. Homemade vinegar!
Apple Wood Smoker Chips
Dry apple wood prunings. Soak chips. Use in smoker for chicken or pork. Game changer.
What to Make with Apples: Your Questions Answered
What can I make with apples that are slightly soft?
Those are perfect for sauces, butters or baking. The texture doesn't matter when they'll be cooked down anyway.
What to make with apples besides desserts?
Try them shredded in coleslaw, diced in chicken salad, or roasted with root vegetables. The acidity brightens savory dishes.
How do I prevent apples from browning?
Toss cut pieces in lemon juice or citric acid solution. For salads, use Honeycrisp - they oxidize slower than other varieties.
What to make with too many apples quickly?
Freeze sliced apples on baking sheets then bag them. Or make big batch applesauce in your Instant Pot (20 minutes start to finish).
Can I use different apple types in one recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing tart and sweet varieties creates complex flavor. Just avoid combining very firm and very soft apples in baked goods.
When Apples Go Wrong: Rescue Missions
We've all been there. Here's what to make with apples when things don't go as planned:
Too Tart?
Toss with honey and roast. The caramelization balances acidity.
Too Mushy?
Turn them into apple butter or fruit leather. Texture issues disappear.
Mealy Texture?
Bake into bread pudding or blend into smoothies. No one will know.
Seasonal Apple Strategy
What to make with apples changes through the year:
| Season | Best Apple Recipes | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Apple salsa, salads, grilled slices | Light and refreshing |
| Fall | Pies, crisps, cider | Warm spices match the season |
| Winter | Baked apples, stews, hot toddies | Comfort food needs |
| Spring | Applesauce cakes, chutneys | Uses stored apples creatively |
No-Fail Uses for Any Apple Quantity
- 1-2 apples: Slice with peanut butter, add to grilled cheese, top oatmeal
- 3-5 apples: Make a small crisp, roast with chicken, create pancake topping
- 6-10 apples: Bake a pie, make applesauce, prepare stuffed pork loin
- 10+ apples: Can pie filling, make cider, dehydrate for snacks
At the end of the day, deciding what to make with apples depends on your time, tools and tastes. Got twenty minutes? Make crisp. Got all afternoon? Try pie. Just need lunch? Apple grilled cheese. The fruit's versatility is why we keep coming back.
Still have that bag of apples staring at you? Start simple. Slice one into your next salad. See how the sweetness plays with vinaigrette. Then maybe try roasting some with chicken. Before you know it, you'll be eyepping bushels at the farmers market like I do every fall. Happy cooking!
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