Apples are not only a classic snack but also a versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. From desserts that warm your heart to savory delights that tickle your taste buds, here are 5 delicious apple dishes that are sure to satisfy your culinary cravings.
# Classic Apple PieLet's begin with an all-time favorite: apple pie. This iconic dessert combines the sweet-tartness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. Whether topped with a lattice crust or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, apple pie is the epitome of comfort food. The aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious homemade apple pie.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling: 6-7 cups of tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Assembly: 1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Method- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Place it in the pie dish, trim any excess dough, and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- Roll out the second dough disk into a circle for the top crust, and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Spoon the apple filling into the prepared bottom crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Place the top crust over the apples. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal.
- Cut a few small slits or decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water). Brush this egg wash over the top crust for a golden finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set.
- Slice and serve your classic apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
# Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
For a savory twist, try an apple and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. Thin apple slices, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard between two slices of buttery bread create a delightful balance of flavors. Grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich offers a satisfying combination of savory and sweet, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner option.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese:
Ingredients 2 slices of your favorite bread (such as sourdough or whole wheat)
2-3 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
1/2 of a medium-sized apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional additions: honey, Dijon mustard, or a pinch of cinnamon (for extra flavor)
Method- Thinly slice the apple and cheddar cheese. If desired, you can add a drizzle of honey, a touch of Dijon mustard, or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor of your sandwich.
- Take one slice of bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side.
- If you're using honey, mustard, or cinnamon, you can spread a thin layer on the inside of the bread slice as well.
- Place a layer of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced apples on top of the cheese.
- If you're adding any optional ingredients, drizzle or spread them on top of the apple slices.
- Finish with another layer of cheddar cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top of the layered ingredients, buttered side up.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Carefully transfer the sandwich to the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- You can press the sandwich gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Remove the grilled cheese sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two to allow the cheese to set slightly. Then, use a sharp knife to slice it in half diagonally.
- Serve your Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwich while it's still warm and gooey. It's perfect as a snack, lunch, or even a quick dinner option.
# Baked Apples with Cinnamon and RaisinsLooking for a healthy yet indulgent dessert? Baked apples are a simple and nutritious choice. Hollow out the cores of apples, fill them with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins, and bake until tender. The result is a warm, fragrant dessert that's sweet but not overly so, with the added bonus of a pleasingly soft texture.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Raisins:
Ingredients 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup hot water
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Method- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel.
- Using an apple corer or a paring knife, carefully remove the cores from the apples, leaving about a half-inch at the bottom to create a well for the filling. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using). Mix well.
- Place the cored apples in a baking dish.
- Divide the softened butter evenly among the apples, placing a small pat of butter in the center of each.
- Stuff each apple with the raisins and a generous spoonful of the sugar and spice mixture. Press the filling gently to ensure it's packed inside each apple.
- Pour the hot water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help create a delicious syrup as the apples bake.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and variety of apples you use.
- Carefully remove the baked apples from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. The syrup in the bottom of the dish will have caramelized, creating a sweet sauce.
- Serve the baked apples warm. You can enjoy them as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
# Apple SlawApple slaw is a refreshing side dish that combines the crunch of apples with the crispness of cabbage. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. It's a great accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a picnic salad.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Apple Slaw:
Ingredients
For the Slaw: 2 medium-sized apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned or grated
1/2 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method- Julienne or grate the apples, leaving the skin on for added color and nutrition.
- Finely shred the cabbage and grate the carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for this.
- Place the julienned/grated apples, shredded cabbage, and grated carrots in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the prepared slaw ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure that the apples, cabbage, and carrots are well mixed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the slaw to become crisp and refreshing.
- Before serving, give the slaw a final toss to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve your apple slaw as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos. It's a versatile and refreshing addition to your meal.
# Apple-Stuffed French ToastTransform your breakfast into a gourmet experience with apple-stuffed French toast. Thick slices of bread are filled with a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese, then dipped in an egg batter and cooked until golden brown. Top it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast treat that's both indulgent and satisfying.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Apple-Stuffed French Toast:
For the Apple Filling: 2 apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the French Toast: 4 thick slices of your favorite bread (such as French bread or brioche)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving (optional): Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Sliced bananas or berries
Method- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apples and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the apples are tender and coated in the spiced caramel.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Place a slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the soaked bread to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.
- Place one slice of French toast on a plate.
- Spoon a generous portion of the sautéed apple filling onto the center of the French toast.
- Top with another slice of French toast to create a sandwich.
- Garnish your apple-stuffed French toast sandwich with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh sliced bananas or berries, if desired.
- Serve your apple-stuffed French toast hot and enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet, spiced apples and crispy, eggy French toast.