Easy and Budget-Friendly Fall Apple Recipes
Discover our easy and budget-friendly fall apple recipes-from classic apple crisp and warm spiced cider to savory apple and cheddar grilled cheese. Perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving, and all winter long.
One of the best things about fall is enjoying warm, savory meals and desserts with cozy vibes. Add in apples and budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make, and you have perfect fall meal and dessert options everyone will love.
It's mid-November, and while Christmas decor fills the stores, Fall is still in full swing. This is prime time for cooking and baking with apples. Today, Lia Rose Simply Home is sharing easy-to-make apple recipes perfect for Thanksgiving and cozy fall days. Get ready for a unique apple and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich, warm spiced apple cider, classic apple crisp, and a caramel apple salad.
Savor the season with the comfort of a savory apple cheddar grilled cheese, a glass of warm spiced cider, and a classic apple crisp for dessert. These recipes are budget-friendly and easy to make.
Classic Apple Crisp
Warm and comforting, classic apple crisp is a fall favorite. It combines the tartness of apples with a crispy oat topping for a delightful treat.
The best apples for apple crisp are those that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Here are some top choices:
1. Granny Smith – Tart and firm, they hold up well during baking, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the topping.
2. Honeycrisp – Sweet with a slight tartness and a crisp texture, they add both flavor and crunch.
3. Braeburn – Known for its balance of sweet and tangy flavor, these apples are firm and bake well.
4. Golden Delicious – Sweet with a mild flavor and soft texture, they blend well with other apple varities.
5. Fuji – Sweet and crisp, they retain their shape, adding a firm bite to your crisp.
I like to use a mix of two or three varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to create a delicious depth of flavor and texture in your apple crisp.
For this Apple Crisp Recipe you'll need
Ingredients- Apple Filling
6 apples sliced or large diced
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Crumb Topping
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a large mixing bowl, add sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then transfer to the prepared 8x8 baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix. The mixture should resemble large crumbs.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Serve warm and Enjoy!
Spiced Apple Cider
No fall celebration is complete without a steaming cup of spiced apple cider. This cozy drink blends the sweetness of apples with aromatic spices making it a perfect refreshment for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
1-gallon apple cider
1 orange, sliced
3-4 cinnamon sticks
5-6 whole cloves
2-3 star anise (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine apple cider with the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Heat the mixture on medium-high until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
Strain out the spices and orange slices before serving.
Pour the spiced apple cider into warmed mugs. This drink not only warms the body but also fills your home with a cozy aroma. It’s a perfect way to create an inviting atmosphere at gatherings.
Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
If you're craving something savory, this dish is a perfect match. Imagine the crunch of fresh apples paired with the rich creaminess of sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled between two slices of toasted bread.
Ingredients:
2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough works beautifully)
1 small apple, thinly sliced (Fuji or Gala are great choices)
2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it.
Place one slice of bread in the skillet and layer on the cheese and apple slices.
Top with the second slice of bread and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.
Slice this sandwich and serve it warm. The unexpected combination of flavors promises to elevate your lunch!
Caramel Apple Salad
Seeking a unique side dish that will catch your attention at your next gathering? This caramel apple salad is a sweet and crunchy delight. It's surprisingly simple to prepare and adds a refreshing note to fall meals.
Ingredients:
4 cups of chopped apples (any variety will work)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup whipped topping
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, mini marshmallows, pineapple, and nuts.
Gently fold in the caramel sauce and whipped topping until everything is well coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for about one hour before serving.
This salad not only offers incredible flavor but also presents beautifully with its vibrant colors, making it the perfect dish for any fall gathering.
Apples are incredibly versatile and can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. From the comforting warmth of a classic apple crisp to the refreshing taste of a unique caramel apple salad, these fall-inspired recipes showcase the best of what this season has to offer.
Embrace the essence of fall, and let these delightful budget-friendly dishes help you create warm, joyful moments this fall.
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