Apple picking season is upon us so be sure to make the best of this fun fall activity. This fall put those delicious fresh and locally grown apples to good use and save a few for Thanksgiving!
Once you’ve figured out how to decorate for Thanksgiving, it’s time to plan the menu. While everyone has their own favorite Thanksgiving sides, and Thanksgiving desserts, try something new this year! Today we’re sharing delicious recipes that utilize those fresh apples perfectly. From appetizers to sides, and desserts too, there is something for everyone!
Stuffing is a must-have side dish, especially for Thanksgiving dinner. This year step outside of your comfort zone and try this delicious sausage apple stuffing.
Buttery bread crumbs are combined with dried cranberries, ground sausage, sweet apples, and fresh herbs. The stuffing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance which can help alleviate some of your prep work on the big day. Then, on the day of the dinner, you’ll simply have to transfer the dish from your fridge to the oven!
https://www.number-2-pencil.com/stuffing-recipe-easy-sausage-apple-cranberry-stuffing/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=502379464_18006018_345287 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NUMBER 2 PENCIL
Appetizers are an essential part of any dinner party. After all, these small dishes will help keep your bellies full while you wait for the main course!
This delectable appetizer may look gourmet, but it’s actually quite easy to throw together. Baguette slices are topped with apple butter and sliced brie. Be sure to bake the appetizer in the oven until the brie cheese has melted and then serve the crostini with fresh apple and candied pecans!
https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/brie-apple-and-honey-crostini/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: TWO PEAS AND THEIR POD
Freshly baked scones can come out of your oven if you make this recipe! This delightful treat is filled with chunks of apple, and crunchy pecans and is certainly perfect for Thanksgiving.
The best part is that these scones require ingredients that you will likely already have on hand. Be sure to serve the scones with a drizzle of homemade glaze. Don’t fret, the homemade glaze requires just 2 simple ingredients.
https://www.greatgrubdelicioustreats.com/apple-pecan-scones/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GREAT GRUB, DELICIOUS TREATS
Take full advantage of the wonderful fall harvest and share a side dish like this stuffed acorn squash. The squash is filled with ground sausage, apple chunks, and lovely seasonings.
They only take about 15 minutes to prep but do require about an hour to cook in the oven. Once cooked, serve the squash with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
https://cherishedbliss.com/sausage-and-apple-stuffed-acorn-squash/?m PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CHERISHED BLISS
Delicious cocktails are always a good idea, especially for holiday dinner parties. What is special about this sangria is that it’s a non-alcoholic cocktail which means it is an excellent family-friendly option.
This sangria is a delicious combination of apple cider, sparkling water, and ginger beer. Not only is it delicious but it looks pretty too and your dinner guests will surely love it.
https://houseofyumm.com/sparkling-apple-cider-sangria/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=489245120_17123878_219271 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOUSE OF YUMM
You may have enjoyed roasted sweet potatoes before, but have you ever tried roasted apples? This enticing side dish combines chopped apples and sweet potatoes to make one delicious side dish.
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet which is one of the biggest reasons why they pair so wonderfully with apples. In addition to the two main ingredients, you’ll also need maple syrup, sea salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Everyone will certainly be intrigued by this side dish.
https://joyfoodsunshine.com/cinnamon-roasted-sweet-potatoes-and-apples/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: JOY FOOD SUNSHINE
What better way to put those fresh apples to good use than to make a delicious batch of apple butter. This apple butter comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
In addition to the apples, you will need brown sugar, apple juice, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. It’s important to cook the apple butter low and slow but the pay off will be well worth the wait. Serve the apple butter on Thanksgiving with fresh dinner rolls, or crackers!
https://www.bakedbyrachel.com/stovetop-cinnamon-apple-butter/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BAKED BY RACHEL
Step up your turkey game and try this delicious apple pecan smoked turkey breast recipe. This recipe requires a few steps but the effort and time spent perfecting this turkey will be well worth the wait.
To start, you’ll need to soak the turkey in a lovely brine made from maple syrup, apple juice, chicken broth, and a few other ingredients. Further, before smoking the turkey, you’ll need to apply a rub made from several fragrant seasonings. And finally, be sure to serve the turkey with a delicious homemade gravy.
https://ohsweetbasil.com/the-most-amazing-apple-pecan-smoked-turkey-breast-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: OH SWEET BASIL
Apple pie is a must-have dessert, especially on Thanksgiving. However, this year try something different like these delicious apple pie bites!
Unlike traditional apple pie, these bites come together in a hurry! With a tube of store-bought crescent rolls, fresh apples, and a few other ingredients you’ll have this delicious dessert ready to eat in 30 minutes or less!
https://theblondcook.com/apple-pie-bites/#_a5y_p=3046884 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE BLOND COOK
Another excellent alternative to traditional apple pie is this sheet pan apple pie recipe! Preparing an apple pie in a sheet pan is not only easy but it makes cutting and serving easier too.
Thankfully you don’t need advanced baking skills to make this recipe. To make the pie you will need store-bought pie crusts, fresh apples, and a few other ingredients. This recipe yields 15 servings and comes together quickly.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/sheet-pan-apple-pie/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
If you’re searching for a delicious fall bevvy then look no further. This hot apple cider buttered whiskey beverage will be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving menu for those that are of legal drinking age of course!
Before preparing the drink you’ll need to make the hot buttered whiskey mix. This is a combination of butter, brown sugar, and a few lovely seasonings. This drink is fragrant, savory and sweet and will surely satisfy your palate.
https://www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com/2017/11/hot-apple-cider-buttered-whiskey.html?m=1 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SERENA BAKES SIMPLY FROM SCRATCH
This is another great example that proves apple can make its way into delicious savory dishes. This sweet potato casserole would make an excellent side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner.
The salty bacon and fresh apple complement the sweet potatoes wonderfully and then the shredded cheese just sets this side dish over the top. Make it once and you’ll find yourself craving it year after year.
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/stuffed-apple-and-bacon-sweet-potato-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MEL’S KITCHEN CAFE
Apple sauce is another must-have dish for Thanksgiving. Whether you prefer to have it during the main course, or as a dessert, it’s a wonderful and delicious addition to the menu.
Applesauce is actually quite easy to make especially if you cook it low and slow in a slow cooker, just like this recipe! This 4-ingredient recipe requires 15 minutes of prep time and 4 hours of hands-off time which means you’ll have more time to focus your efforts on the rest of the meal.
https://belleofthekitchen.com/2018/09/28/crockpot-cinnamon-applesauce-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BELLE OF THE KITCHEN
Serve this caramel apple dip for dessert or as an appetizer and your dinner guests will surely gobble it up quickly! This 4-ingredient dip starts with a layer of sweet cream cheese, is topped with caramel dip and is finished with a sprinkle of toffee bits on top.
In addition to the simple ingredients, this dip also comes together in just 6 minutes. Be sure to serve the dip with fresh apple slices and enjoy with your friends and family.
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/caramel-apple-dip/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO
You can never go wrong with a warm cup of apple cider. So go ahead and make a batch of this slow cooker apple cider and serve it at your Thanksgiving dinner.
This apple cider is filled with flavors of apple, fresh orange, cinnamon, and fragrant spices. Not only is this drink pretty and delicious, but you’ll also discover that it makes your house smell amazing too.
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/slow-cooker-apple-cider/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO
This side dish is elegant and delicious. The savory tart contains onion, apple, gruyere cheese, and lovely seasonings.
Further to make this recipe easy, you’ll use a store-bought pie dough. Keep in mind, the tart can be prepared in just 20 minutes but it does require about an hour to cook.
https://lepetiteats.com/savory-apple-thyme-tart/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=435535210_14892744_136604 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LE PETIT EATS
Here is another dessert idea that will surely impress your dinner guests! Everything you love about apple pie is scooped into the center of an apple.
These stuffed apples are full of a delicious gooey cinnamon filling. They’re also topped with a homemade buttery crust and are baked to perfection in the oven. Then, to really make this dessert stand out, be sure to drizzle salted caramel sauce on top before serving.
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/apple-pie-baked-apples/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SALLY’S BAKING ADDICTION
Cranberry sauce is an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you like to add it on top of your turkey or enjoy it on the side, it is a delicious contribution to the meal.
This year, try something different like this apple cider cranberry sauce recipe! This cranberry sauce gets an upgrade with flavors from apple cider, diced apple, and maple syrup!
https://celebratingsweets.com/apple-cider-cranberry-sauce/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CELEBRATING SWEETS
Leafy green salads can get boring, so why not share an exciting bowl of broccoli apple salad. This salad is full of wonderful texture and flavor.
In addition to the broccoli and apple, you’ll also need a red onion, pecans, cranberries, and carrots. You’ll also be provided with a delicious homemade salad dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
https://therecipecritic.com/broccoli-apple-salad/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE RECIPE CRITIC
Share this appetizer with your guests and they’ll think you hired a catering company! This elegant appetizer requires just 4 simple ingredients and comes together effortlessly.
A sweet and crisp apple slice is wrapped with a salty piece of prosciutto. While this may seem like an odd match, the flavors work together wonderfully.
https://thenutritionadventure.com/prosciutto-wrapped-apple-bites-2/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE NUTRITION ADVENTURE
