Fall Flavors: 5 Delicious Apple Recipes You Have to Try This Season

Autumn brings crisp air, cozy sweaters, and, of course, apple season! From sweet treats to savory dishes, apples are a versatile fruit that adds a touch of fall to any meal. Whether you're picking apples at a local orchard or grabbing a fresh batch from the market, here are five must-try apple recipes that are perfect for this season. Each one highlights the delicious flavors of fall and will make your home smell like an autumn paradise.

1. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups milk (or water)
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: walnuts, honey, or raisins

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk or water to a boil.
2. Add oats, diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the oatmeal thickens, stir in brown sugar and cook for another minute.
4. Serve hot, topped with walnuts, honey, or raisins.

2. Classic Apple Crisp

Warm, bubbly apple crisp with a crunchy, buttery topping is a fall favorite for a reason. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

3. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

For a savory twist, try this apple and cheddar grilled cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer cheese and apple slices on the unbuttered side of one slice. Spread Dijon mustard, if using, on the other slice.
3. Assemble the sandwich and grill on medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Slice and serve warm.

4. Apple Cider Donuts

No fall recipe list would be complete without apple cider donuts! These baked donuts are soft, moist, and full of apple flavor. They're also great for making ahead and freezing.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a small saucepan, reduce apple cider by half (about 3/4 cup). Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider, sugars, melted butter, egg, and buttermilk.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into the donut pan.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and dust with cinnamon sugar.

5. Savory Apple Stuffed Pork Chops

This hearty dish combines the sweetness of apples with savory pork for an unforgettable fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a pocket into each pork chop and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix diced apple, bread crumbs, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stuff each pork chop with the apple mixture.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear pork chops for 2 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, add chicken broth, and bake for 25 minutes until cooked through.

These apple-based recipes will fill your home with the irresistible aromas of fall and make your apple season unforgettable. Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, there's something here for everyone to enjoy this autumn!