21 Best Apple-Inspired Fall Dinner Ideas
Fall is apple season and there’s way more you can do with them than just pie. Adding apples to dinner makes everything taste like autumn and they work surprisingly well with meat and savory dishes.
Most of these recipes use ingredients you can find anywhere and aren’t too complicated. The sweetness from apples balances out rich flavors and makes regular weeknight dinners feel more special.
Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
The apple cider reduces down into a sticky glaze that coats the pork chops perfectly. You just cook the chops first, then make the glaze in the same pan which picks up all those good browned bits. The glaze is sweet but not too sweet cause the cider has some tartness. These look fancy but take like 30 minutes total. Perfect for when you want something special on a weeknight.
Get the recipe here.
Chicken and Apple Sausage Skillet
This is a one-pan dinner that’s super easy to clean up. The apple sausage adds tons of flavor and the apples get soft and slightly caramelized. Throw in some onions and bell peppers and you got a complete meal. The sausage does most of the work flavor-wise so you don’t need a bunch of spices. Great for busy nights when you don’t want to think too hard.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin looks impressive but is actually pretty foolproof to cook. You butterfly it open, stuff with apples and herbs, then tie it back up. The stuffing keeps the meat moist and adds sweetness that goes perfect with pork. This is fancy enough for company but not so hard that you’ll stress about it. Slice it up and everyone thinks you’re a real chef.
Get the recipe here.
Roasted Chicken with Apple and Onion
Whole roasted chicken is cheaper than buying pieces and tastes way better. The apples and onions roast underneath and soak up all the chicken drippings which makes them incredibly good. Everything cooks together so there’s not much work involved. The apples get all soft and almost sauce-like. This feels like Sunday dinner even on a Wednesday.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs are perfect for fall cause they need long slow cooking and make your house smell amazing. The apple cider makes the braising liquid sweet and complex. These are fork-tender when done and the sauce is rich and glossy. You can make this ahead and it actually tastes better the next day. Perfect for when you got time to let something cook all afternoon.
Get the recipe here.
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Acorn squash makes perfect little bowls for stuffing. The sausage and apple filling is savory and sweet at the same time. This looks really pretty on the plate and feels very fall-like. You can prep these ahead and just bake when you’re ready to eat. Good for when you want something that feels healthy but still satisfying.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast
Turkey breast is way easier than cooking a whole bird and this glaze makes it actually flavorful. The cranberries add tartness that balances the sweet apples. This is perfect for Thanksgiving when you don’t want to deal with a huge turkey or for any fall dinner really. The glaze keeps the turkey moist which is usually the biggest problem with turkey breast.
Get the recipe here.
Pork and Apple Curry
This might sound weird but apples work really good in curry. They add natural sweetness and break down a little to thicken the sauce. The warm spices with the fruit taste makes this perfect for cool weather. It’s different enough to be interesting but familiar enough that picky eaters will try it. Serve over rice to soak up all that good sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breast always looks fancy but it’s not that hard. The goat cheese gets all melty and the apples stay a little firm for texture. You gotta pound the chicken thin first which is kinda therapeutic after a long day. These cook pretty fast once you get them stuffed and tied up. Good for date nights at home when you want to impress.
Get the recipe here.
Caramelized Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese
This takes regular grilled cheese to the next level. The apples caramelize in butter first which makes them sweet and soft. Brie melts better than regular cheese and tastes more sophisticated. The combination is like eating fall in sandwich form. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner with some soup on the side.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cheddar Soup with Bacon
This soup sounds fancy but is basically just cheese soup with apples added. The apples add sweetness and the bacon adds smokiness. Sharp cheddar works best cause it balances the sweet apples. This is comfort food that feels a little upscale. Great for cold nights when you need something warm and filling.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken
Slow cooker meals are perfect for busy days and this one makes your house smell incredible. The chicken stays super moist and picks up all the apple cider flavor. You just dump everything in and let it cook all day. When you get home from work dinner is ready and everyone thinks you’re amazing. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Get the recipe here.
Apple and Sage Roasted Pork Loin
Pork and apples is a classic combination that just works. The sage adds an earthy flavor that keeps it from being too sweet. Pork loin is lean so the apples help keep it moist while roasting. This looks really elegant sliced up on a platter. Good for Sunday dinner or when you got people coming over.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey and Apple Meatballs in Cider Sauce
Ground turkey can be boring but these meatballs are anything but. The apples add moisture and flavor to the meat. The cider sauce is tangy and sweet and coats the meatballs perfectly. These are good over pasta or rice or just with some crusty bread. You can make them ahead and reheat in the sauce.
Get the recipe here.
Apple and Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto takes some patience but it’s not actually hard, just requires stirring. The apples and squash make this taste like fall in a bowl. The sweetness from the fruit balances the creamy rice perfectly. This is vegetarian but still feels substantial and satisfying. Good for when you want something comforting but a little fancy.
Get the recipe here.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Thyme
Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and way more flavorful. They don’t dry out like breasts do either. The apples break down during braising and make a amazing sauce. Fresh thyme adds a earthy note that keeps everything balanced. This is homey comfort food that doesn’t require much work once everything’s in the pot.
Get the recipe here.
Pork Chops with Apple Stuffing
The stuffing bakes right alongside the pork chops so everything gets done at once. Store-bought stuffing mix works fine and saves tons of time. The apples in the stuffing get soft and almost jammy. This tastes like Thanksgiving dinner but is easy enough for a regular weeknight. One pan means easy cleanup too.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Apple cider vinegar might sound harsh but it mellows out during cooking and adds amazing flavor. The acid helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it from being boring. This is tangy and savory with just a hint of sweetness. The braising liquid makes a great sauce to serve over rice or potatoes. Simple ingredients but complex flavors.
Get the recipe here.
Roasted Apple and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Even people who hate brussels sprouts usually like them when they’re roasted with bacon. The pancetta gets crispy and the brussels sprouts get caramelized. Apples add sweetness that balances the slightly bitter sprouts. This works as a side dish or add some protein to make it a full meal. The combination of flavors and textures is really good.
Get the recipe here.
Apple and Walnut Stuffed White Button Mushrooms
These make a great vegetarian main dish that even meat-eaters will enjoy. The mushrooms get meaty when roasted and the stuffing is hearty and flavorful. Walnuts add crunch and the apples keep everything moist. These look fancy on the plate but are pretty simple to make. Good for when you want something different but still satisfying.
Get the recipe here.
