We receive numerous questions throughout the year about how best to use apples when cooking. Questions such as, what varieties are best for pies? Besides dessert, what else can I cook with apples? Are there any varieties that I shouldn’t cook with? You really can’t go wrong, but today we have put together some helpful tips for a successful apple recipe. We’ve also included a few fun recipes!
A few basics:
- Red Delicious apples DO NOT cook well. Whether you’re baking, or sautéing, they just don’t hold their shape. Leave them for eating fresh.
- Rome apples, on the other hand, are excellent for cooking with, but really aren’t the most flavorful when eaten fresh.
- Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples both pick up spices well. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice… These varieties are GREAT for baking!
- Fuji apples are extremely juicy. Because of that, they are better used in cakes than in pies. Fujis can cause pie filling to become liquidy, but in cake, they help keep the dessert moist.
- Other varieties such as Pink Lady, Braeburn and Jonagold all work well for cooking too. They offer a nice, balanced, sweet flavor to your dishes.
- Apples are extremely versatile – So, have fun with new recipes and don’t be afraid to try something out of the ordinary!
Carrot, Apple & Rosemary Soup
Apples and soup, who would have thought? The depth of flavor in this dish is unbelievable.
- Carrots
- Apples (Granny Smith)
- 2 Cloves of Garlic
- 2 Sprigs of Rosemary
- Coarse Salt & Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
- Stock (Chicken or Veg)
(We have an entire board dedicated to just soups on Pinterest – check it out here!)
Apple Gouda Stuffed Chicken Breasts
from Rachel Cooks
Apples are a great addition to the main course of a meal. This recipe pairs creamy Gouda cheese, apples and chicken for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 ounces gouda cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 fresh ground pepper
Crockpot Apple Sauce
from The Produce Mom
This is one of our favorite apple sauce recipes – It’s easy, flavorful, minimal added sweetness and it makes the house smell amazing! Although the recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, another option is to use a number of different varieties. Tart, sweet, juicy… mix it up. You will NOT be disappointed!
- 5 lbs apples peeled & cored
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cinnamon ground
- 1/2 lemons zest only
- 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
White Cheddar, Bacon, and Apple Biscuits
from Baker by Nature
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Rosemary
- 1 medium-sized apple (Honeycrisp, Braeburn)
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 Cup + 4 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
Wine, Cheese & Apple Pairings
If all else fails, just know…. apples pair wonderfully with cheese! A classic cheese board for a snack or a 
friendly get together is both easy and delicious. And, if it’s an adult gathering, they are both great compliments to wine. Not quite sure how to pair them? Don’t worry, we’ve put together an entire list for you! Whether you like strong cheese, or mild, sweet apples or tart, white wine or red, there is something to satisfy everyone.
Delicious recipe! Thank you for sharing.