When it comes to apples, there as so many great culinary combinations to pair them with. Apples of all varieties can be incorporated into everything from breakfast and dessert, to savory dinners.
That means that if you have some leftover apples you want to use up, you have tons of other ingredients to work with.
So whether you are looking for flavor inspiration, or some great recipes to make with apples, you will find tons of ideas below.
What Pairs Well with Apple
Growing up in Michigan meant my family ate a lot of apples. Some of my favorite memories are bundling up each fall and heading to the apple orchard to pick our own apples.
After a hayride and some fresh apple cider, we would gather up all our apples and head home. From there came all those wonderful apple recipes.
My mother was a real whiz when it comes to baking with apples, and my flavor preference also leans toward using apples for sweet desserts, but they are so incredibly versatile that they can be used in breakfast and dinner too.
When using tart apples, try pairing them with a sweeter ingredient to highlight their individual flavors. And inversely, pair sweet apples with savory ingredients.
Flavor Pairing Tip
Fruits that Go with Apples
The subtle sweetness and crisp texture of apples makes them perfect to pair with other fruits. Whether melons, berries, or citrus fruit, there are almost endless flavor pairing combinations.
You can mix and match with any of the following fruits in a simple apple fruit salad, or in any number of recipes.
- Mango
- Raspberries
- Pears
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Dried Cranberries
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Pomegranate
- Blackberries
- Apricots
- Nectarine
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Plums
- Figs
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Avocado
Vegetables, Gourds, and Tubers that Go with Apples
While any type of apple can be used with the following ingredients, I particularly like pairing them with sweeter apples.
Again, simply pick one or more of the following ingredients for all sorts of different apple recipes.
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Tomato
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Beets
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Jicama
- Rhubarb
- Green Beans
- Celery
- Celery Root
- Cabbage
Herbs and Spices that Pair with Apple
If you’re interested in baking with your apples, then this is the section to save. Apples lend themselves to spices and herbs incredibly well.
Whether it’s baking a spiced apple pie, making homemade cider, or any other baked apple dish then you will need a great spice combination.
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Lemon Thyme
- Mint
- Vanilla
- Cardamom
- Anise
- Caraway Seeds
- Coriander
- Fennel
- Pepper
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
Dairy that You can Pair with Apple
This is a great category for finding quick snack and breakfast combos as well as unique dinner pairings.
The richness of dairy works great with apples crunch and sweet flavor.
- Cottage Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Yogurt
- Mascarpone
- Ricotta Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Goat Cheese
- Ice Cream
Meat and Protein that Taste Great with Apple
If you’re looking to add some apple to your dinner, you’re in luck. Apples are a great way to add flavor and texture to main dishes.
Try adding apples to these meats for a fun and flavorful combo.
- Chicken
- Ham
- Liver
- Brats
- Pork Chops
- Pork Tenderloin
- Roast Beef
- Sausage
- Steak
- Ribs
- Hamburger
- Salmon
More Apple Flavor Ideas
And if that wasn’t enough, I have a few more ideas for you. You’ll find single ingredients such as nuts and chocolate as well as types of recipes to include apple in.
Don’t forget to check out the recipes I’ve linked throughout this guide for my personal favorite apple dishes.
- Chocolate
- Caramel
- Pecans
- Walnut
- Peanuts
- Peanut Butter
- Nutella
- Macadamia Nuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Almond Butter
- Jam
- Maple Syrup
- Honey
- Custard
- Whipped Cream
- Brandy
- Whiskey
- Oats
- Granola
- Pudding
- Graham Crackers
- Millet
