25 Apple Recipes So Good, You’ll Forget They Aren’t Dessert

Apple recipes aren’t just for the sweet stuff—some of the best ways to use apples are in savory dishes that pack a ton of flavor. Think of these recipes as proof that apples can do so much more than dessert. We’re talking about meals that are full of hearty ingredients and balanced with just the right amount of freshness and crunch. Whether it’s a main dish or something to serve on the side, these recipes bring bold, mouthwatering flavor that’s anything but ordinary. You'll be reaching for apples in ways you never thought you would.

Two Stuffed Delicata Squash with Cranberry Apple Pork Stuffing on a plate. — Stuffed Delicata Squash with Cranberry Apple Pork Stuffing. Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad features crisp apple slices paired with a spiced cider vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish. The apples bring a crunchy element that stands out, perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow cooker BBQ apple pulled pork sandwiches are layered with a sage apple carrot raisin slaw. The rich, smoky barbecue flavors contrast with the sweetness of apples, creating a hearty dish that captures the spirit of fall.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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.

Kale Apple Salad transforms standard kale with the crunch of apples and a poppy seed dressing. Massaging the kale softens it and makes for a more enjoyable salad experience, while the apples add a hint of natural sweetness that works beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw is an easy and colorful way to brighten up your meals. The crispness of the apples and the lively slaw mix make it an appealing choice, bringing texture and a burst of flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Turkey Cheddar Apple Butter Panini

Turkey Cheddar Apple Butter Panini makes for a satisfying fall lunch, featuring melted cheddar, crisp apple slices, and a hint of sage. The apples bring a refreshing contrast to the savory components, making every bite enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cheddar Apple Butter Panini

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese enhances the classic sandwich by adding smoked turkey, crisp apples, and garlic-infused cheese on buttery sourdough. Apples add a hint of sweetness and crunch, making this sandwich both satisfying and easy to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Apple and Hummus Pita Bread

Apple and hummus pita breads create a lunch option that’s both crunchy and slightly sweet. Apples pair surprisingly well with creamy hummus, making for a nutritious and flavor-packed bite that’s quick to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Hummus Pita Bread

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

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

Start your morning with apple cinnamon pancakes that feature apples and a touch of cinnamon for a fruity, spiced kick. This breakfast brings comforting flavors to your plate, making apples a key ingredient in a sweet and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Stuffed Delicata Squash with Cranberry Apple Pork Stuffing

Stuffed delicata squash is roasted and then filled with a mixture of pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel. Apples complement the savory elements beautifully, creating an impressive, seasonal main course fit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash with Cranberry Apple Pork Stuffing

Cabbage Apple Salad

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

Cabbage Apple Salad balances red cabbage with Golden Delicious apples, tossed in a vibrant dressing. The crisp texture and freshness make this salad a practical and colorful addition to any meal, celebrating the year-round versatility of apples.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich

Roasted sweet potato and apple ham sandwich combines melted cheddar, honey mustard spread, and layers of sweet potatoes and apples. Pressed until crisp, this hearty sandwich is loaded with flavor and easy to prepare, with apples providing a burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini offers a balanced mix of savory turkey and crisp, sweet apples. It’s a straightforward lunch or dinner option, with simple ingredients that highlight the versatility of apples, perfect for using up leftover turkey.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Rosemary Apple Goat Cheese Crostini

Apple and goat cheese crostini with rosemary creates a savory, tart snack or appetizer. The apples balance the tanginess of goat cheese, resulting in a well-rounded and simple-to-make bite for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Apple Goat Cheese Crostini

Air Fryer Apple Slices

Air Fryer Apple Slices are coated in cinnamon sugar and graham crackers, creating a simple dessert option. Using apples as a base for this sweet treat is a creative way to make something that’s both quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Slices

Apple Butter Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Oatmeal gets a fall-inspired twist with apple butter and chunks of fresh apples. Topped with a dollop of apple butter mascarpone, this breakfast is cozy and flavorful, celebrating autumnal ingredients in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

Slow cooker apple pie baked beans combine the tang of apple pie filling with hearty beans, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeño. This easy dish is perfect for gatherings, showcasing apples in a flavorful side that’s memorable and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

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.

Apple French Toast Casserole delivers a rich breakfast experience with juicy apple slices and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings or special mornings where apples take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Apple French Toast Casserole

Sticky Maple Apple Ribs with Shoestring Fried Apples

Sticky maple apple ribs are cooked until tender in a maple and apple juice broth, then glazed to perfection. The sweet-savory combination makes apples a standout addition, turning a simple rack of ribs into a flavorful main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Maple Apple Ribs with Shoestring Fried Apples

Apple, Gouda and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Apple, Gouda, and Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty brunch dish with the savory flavors of sausage and the subtle sweetness of apples. Ideal for holiday breakfasts or lazy weekends, this casserole comes together easily while using classic fall ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Apple, Gouda and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

Leek Apple Cheddar Soup has a creamy texture and a balanced sweetness from apples, garnished with chopped walnuts and cranberries. This soup highlights the unexpected depth apples can bring to a comforting, hearty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

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.

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad comes together with crunchy apples, crisp broccoli, and a rich, tangy yogurt-mayo blend. This easy-to-make dish provides a great way to incorporate apples into your mealtime for a punch of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Apple Pear Slaw

Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad. — Apple Pear Slaw. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette keeps things fresh and vibrant. The combination of sweet apples and pears with a bright, tangy dressing brings a crisp element to any lunch or dinner, while highlighting the natural sweetness of apples.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw

Apple White Cheddar Omelette

Sautéed apples combine with melted white cheddar and creamy eggs for a breakfast that is easy and balanced. The mix of sweet and savory flavors brings out the best in apples, making it a standout choice for fall mornings.
Get the Recipe: Apple White Cheddar Omelette

Air Fryer Apple Chips

Air fryer apple chips give you a simple, crunchy snack made with no oil. This kid-friendly recipe emphasizes apples’ natural sweetness, offering a healthier option for when you’re craving something crisp and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Chips

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

A white plate with cabbage slaw, sliced apples, and white beans on a metal sheet pan with a beige linen napkin. — White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Apple Cabbage Slaw with White Beans is a versatile side that’s perfect for potlucks or summer BBQs. The combination of crisp apples and cabbage with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette ensures this slaw pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw