Sure, apple desserts are fantastic. But there are a plethora of ways to integrate this favorite fall crop into a warm hearty dinner, whether it's whether apple cider, apple butter, or the full fruit itself. We scoured the internet to find the best weeknight dish ideas that bring out the warmth in apples.
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Roasted Vegetables with Apples
(cookingclassy.com)
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Apple Squash Soup
(Rebekah Peppler/ TheKitchn.com)
On its own squash soup can be a bit bland. But the mix of apples and sage in this hearty soup will leave your tastebuds dancing. Try this version from The Kitchn.
(Kolpakova Svetlana/Shutterstock)
Add an unexpected and delightful twist to this cold-weather favorite by adding apple butter prior to grilling the sandwich, or sneak thin slices of apple in between layers of cheese so the flavors melt together.
(MidwestLiving.com)
Apple butter can turn panini night into the best dinner of the week, especially when it's added to this loaded turkey sandwich from Midwest Living.
(Hector Sanchez/ SouthernLiving.com)
Southern Living has this marriage of warm flatbread and sliced apples filed as an appetizer, but it can just as easily be created into an easy-and-delicious weeknight dinner.
(simplyscratch.com)
Simply Scratch gives cabbage slaw a fall-friendly makeover with the addition of sliced apples. A nice hearty side to serve up at dinner time an cool evenings when a light salad just won't do.
(Andrew Purcell/ MarthaStewart.com)
(Glenn Koenig/ Los Angeles Times/ Getty Images)
You already know that apples and cheese together make a great afternoon snack. Layer them together on dough and they make a mean pizza, great for weeknight dinners.
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Missouri Apple Soup
(MidwestLiving.com)
The curry in this creamy apple soup will delight your tastebuds with its flavor profile and keep you warm on those extra autumn nights. Try the recipe from Midwest Living.
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Chicken With Spiced Apples
(Lunov Mykola/Shutterstock)
This seemingly-decadent chicken and apple dinner from Eating Well Magazine is surprisingly listed as both low in calories and gluten-free.
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Stuffed Pork Chops
(Melissa Wright/ AllRecipes.com)
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Cider Pulled Pork
(Tom Williams/ CQ-Roll Call Group/ Getty Images)
Cooler weather means busting out the slow-cooker! Add apple cider to your list of ingredients for the tastiest pulled pork this fall.
(framedcooks.com)
There are many versions of apple-potato hash, and they can be enjoyed during any meal of the day. This recipe from Framed Cooks is easy to replicate and makes for a wonderful apple-based side dish.
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Beet & Apple Salad
(Con Poulos/ Food Network Magazine)
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Roasted Cabbage with Sausage
(Yossy Arefi/ The Bon Appetit Test Kitchen)
Bon Appetit kicks this Italian sausage and cabbage dish up a notch with the addition of apples, thyme and red wine vinegar.
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Bacon Brie Burger with Apple
(pamperedchef.com)
Adding bacon to a burger is already a win. But then adding brie and grilled Granny Smith apple slices? This dish from Pampered Chef might be the most outrageous apple dinner out there.
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Frisee Salad with Apple
(Tom Schierlitz/ The Bon Appetit Test Kitchen)
Bon Appetit sure knows how to add apples to a delicious salad, like this fall-friendly dish with frisee and walnuts. Check this recipe out.
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Apple Cheddar Turnovers
(Richard Pierce/ Epicurious.com)
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Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Apples
(ohmyveggies.com)
(Glenn Koenig/ Los Angeles Times/ Getty Images)
Serving breakfast for dinner? Put a spin on this fun weeknight meal with the addition of apple pancakes.)