20 Savory Ways to Eat Apples for Dinner

By Relish on September 19, 2017

Whether you prefer them tart, sweet, or somewhere in between, a steady supply of fresh apples is a must this time of year. They get plenty of love dipped in caramel or piled into pies and tarts—but we think it’s high time they got a little love during the main course.

In homage, we’ve gathered up 20 of our favorite ways to have apples for dinner, from hearty soups and crisp main dish salads, all the way to comfort food staples like meatloaf and pizza. Try ’em all before apple season ends.

 

Red Cabbage and Apple Soup

Get a load of that gorgeous, deep purple hue! We love ours served with a dollop of sour cream.

 

Bulgur and Apple Salad

Loaded whole grains and generous chunks of crunchy fresh apples. Great for picnics and potlucks.

 

Kale Salad with Apples and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Fresh kale, apples and pumpkin seeds—the ultimate cool-weather salad blend.

 

Quinoa Salad with Apples

A whole host of satisfying textures and flavors, including tangy feta cheese and buttery pine nuts for a touch of decadence.

 

Apple, Bacon and Cheese Dinner Pies

Apples and cheese on their own are a match made in Heaven. But throw in a little bacon? Forget about it…

 

Pork Meatloaf with Apples and Sage

An autumn-inspired spin on this weeknight classic, rounded out with a dose of earthy sage.

 

Slow Roasted Pork Loin Served with Apples Three Ways

Pork roast with apple sauce, apple gravy and apple cornbread. Thrice as nice!

 

Kale Salad with Apples, Almonds and Tahini Dressing

This homemade lemon-sesame dressing will become a fast favorite.

 

Grilled Cheese with Fig Butter, Gruyere and Apples

A very grown-up twist on grilled cheese, indeed. (But kids love it, too.)

 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Pancetta

This ultra-simple side dish is hearty and warm, and definitely lovely enough for entertaining.

 

Chicken Sausage with Cabbage and Apples

Your favorite chicken sausages, roasted atop a bed of apples and cabbage, then finished with a sprinkling of dried berries and pecans.

 

Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Soup

Mix up your soup lineup with this spicy-sweet apple soup. The kids will hardly believe what they’re eating.

 

Tuna Apple Pita Pockets

Perfect for packed lunches, this take on tuna salad incorporates fresh apples for a little added crunch.

 

Apple-Turkey Burgers with Cranberry-Apple Salsa

Looking to step up your tailgating game? Try this seasonal spin on turkey burgers.

 

Apple Pork Chops

Serve straight from the skillet for a stunning rustic presentation. 

 

Pork and Apples with Cider Cream Sauce

“Wow” dinner guests with a decadent cider cream sauce. It even sounds fancy. 

 

Pumpkin, Pork and Apple Cider Stew

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving, you know.

 

Butternut Squash and Apple Bisque

The apple meets its match in butternut, a savory-sweet squash we wait all year for. 

 

Apple Cheddar Pizza with Toasted Almonds

Apples on pizza? Trust us. This combo of apples and white cheddar is right at home on a pizza crust.

 

Farro Salad with Apples and Spinach

Another healthy whole grain salad with plenty of bite.