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Flavors That Go With Apples

Flavors That Go With Apples

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

homemade apple goat cheese salad

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

top view of homemade apple peach pie on table

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
Apple Pie with a Graham Cracker Crust
Classic apple pie filling with a delicious graham cracker crust
Check out this recipe
top view of homemade apple pie with a graham cracker crust and crumble top on table
Peach Apple Pie
Great for any time of year. Flavorful and easy to make
Check out this recipe
top view of homemade apple peach pie on table
Apple Strawberry Crisp
Cozy and homestyle, this crisp brings apples and strawberries together
Check out this recipe
pan of homemade apple strawberry crisp topped with vanilla ice cream

Vegetables, Gourds, and Tubers that Go with Apples

top view of apple tomato soup in bowl with a side of French bread

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
Apple Rhubarb Jam
This is a great combination for toast, bagels and more
Check out this recipe
jar of fresh made apple rhubarb jam on rustic table
Apple Tomato Soup
Savory with the perfect hint of sweet from apple
Check out this recipe
top view of apple tomato soup in bowl with a side of French bread
Apple Cabbage Slaw
A wonderful and fresh tasting side for any time of year
Check out this recipe
bowl of fresh homemade cabbage apple slaw

Herbs and Spices that Pair with Apple

jar of fresh made apple rhubarb jam on rustic table

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
Deep Dish Fresh Apple Pie
Amazing flavor perfect for the holidays or a special family dessert
Check out this recipe
overhead view of deep dish apple pie on wooden table with fresh apples next to it
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp without Oats
This cozy homestyle apple crisp is perfect for fall and winter nights
Check out this recipe
closeup of homemade apple crisp on plate with apples in background
Apple Pie with Canned Apples
Classic homemade apple pie flavor without using fresh apples
Check out this recipe
closeup of slice of apple pie with whole apple pie in background

Dairy that You can Pair with Apple

apple pancakes on plate with cinnamon

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
Apple Cream Cheese Pie
Rich and delicious pie that's easy to make
Check out this recipe
slice of apple cream cheese pie on plate
Apple Pancakes
Made with cottage cheese, great flavor
Check out this recipe
apple pancakes on plate with cinnamon
Apple Goat Cheese Salad
Fresh and flavor packed salad perfect as a lunch or dinner pairing
Check out this recipe
homemade apple goat cheese salad

Meat and Protein that Taste Great with Apple

glazed brats with apples in skillet on cutting board

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
Pork Stuffed Pork Chops
Savory pork chops with the perfect amount of sweet apples stuffed inside
Check out this recipe
homemade pork chops stuffed with apples
Glazed Brats with Apples
Check out this recipe
glazed brats with apples in skillet on cutting board

More Apple Flavor Ideas

overhead view of fresh baked pecan pie

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
Homemade Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Great flavor and texture and super easy to make
Check out this recipe
closeup of fresh made apple fritter
Apple Pecan Pie
This is one of my favorite pecan pie recipes. Amazing flavor and texture
Check out this recipe
overhead view of homemade apple pecan pie on rustic serving platter