Apples sweeten our lives, whether as a standalone snack or part of a classic dessert. But it’s time to live a little. By paring them with ooey-gooey cheese, pork or even fall vegetables, we have 17 nifty new reasons to eat an apple a day. These 17 sweet + savory selections are just what the doctor ordered.
1. Beet, Butternut Squash + Apple Soup: Pack in your nutrients with a soup that’s both vibrant and healthy. Cool it off in a surprising way with yummy cashew cream. (via Red Nails Green Veggies)
2. Brussels Sprouts and Apple Quiche: Toss a few vegetables, crispy bacon and apples together, and you’ve got a tart perfect to serve any time of the day. (via Tinas Tausendschon)
3. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese: Bringing apples and cheese together could not be any easier. Grill up this goodness in less than 15 minutes. (via Ginger + Toasted Sesame)
4. Grilled Flatbreads With Apple, Bacon and Onion: Grilled fruit, bacon and a creamy mornay sauce? The pizza dough never saw it coming, and neither will your guests. (via Bon Appetit)
5. Asian Slow Cooker Pork With Zucchini Carrot + Apple Noodles: Bust out the spiralizer for apple and veggie noodles, a gluten-free bed for this awesome pulled pork. (via Healthy Nibbles & Bits)
6. Sweet Potato and Apple Latkes: Applesauce is usually served on the side, but try a sweeter version of this holiday classic, which uses tart green apples, sweet potatoes and shallots. (via Leite’s Culinaria)
7. Brussels Sprouts Pumpkin and Apple Hash: Could a heartier side dish scream “fall” louder than this? With Brussels, pumpkin, apples, cranberries and bacon, we think not. (via Running to the Kitchen)
8. Apple, Bacon and Leek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Lovers of fully loaded potatoes receive the royal treatment with sinful cheddar mornay sauce, bacon and Granny Smith apples. (via Shared Appetite)
9. Spicy Turkey Chili + Apple Cheddar Beer Bread: On a chilly day, take the tailgate indoors with chili, cheese, apples and, of course, beer. Beer bread, that is. (via Whole Bite Blog)
10. Pork + Apple Pot Stickers: Fancy folded dumplings reveal a sweet surprise inside. Don’t forget the dipping sauce. (via Yes to Yolks)
11. Not So Spicy Apple Chicken Curry: Chicken and apples go together like peas and coconut curry. Why not try them all together in this one-bowl dish? (via Sweet Potato Chronicles)
12. Turkey Cheddar Apple Butter Panini: This sandwich rocks double the apple with a heaping spread of apple butter. (via Running to the Kitchen)
13. Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla: Toss the salsa to the side for this fiesta. Shaved apple slaw goes way better with these ham and cheesy quesadillas. (via Food Network)
14. Caramelized Onion Tarts With Apples: Throwing together these tarts is easy peasy. Grab a few red apples, frozen puff pastry and leeks, and you’ll have splendid little bites for any occasion. (via Happy Serendipity)
15. Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens: Enjoy a mini-Thanksgiving with these little birds, stuffed with a festive mix of fruits. (via Running to the Kitchen)
16. Orange-Fennel Root Vegetable Bake: Get back to your roots with this no-fuss roasting recipe, brightened up with a splash of orange juice. (via The Wandering Fig)
17. Kale, Apple + Onion Pizza With Cauliflower Crust and Butternut Squash Cheeze Sauce: Now we’re talking healthy with pizza straight from the garden. Vibrant cauliflower crust makes a home for more veggies and apple. (via Hungry Curious)
Excited down to your core? If you’re ready to explore the other side of apples, share your comments below.