Apple pie? Boring. Apple crisp? Yawn. Baked apples? Been there, done that. While we won't deny the utter deliciousness of these traditional fall treats, they're not exactly interesting...or healthy.
But cooking with apples gets a lot more exciting—and has greater potential to help you lose weight—when you skip the sugary dessert and use the fiber-packed fruit to add texture and sweetness to a veggie burger, bowl of soup, or breakfast hash.(Lose up to 15 pounds WITHOUT dieting withEat Clean to Get Lean, our 21-day clean-eating meal plan.)
So, think outside the pie: Here are 5 savory apple recipes from some of our favorite food bloggers and chefs.
Vegetarian Apple and Cheddar Burger
You've never had a veggie burger like this. The brainchild of the blogger at Cooking Stoned, this apple and cheddar wonder marries two of your favorite fall flavors with garlic, onions, and serrano chiles, while cooked rice and rolled oats give the burger a ton of texture.
Coconut Curry Carrot and Apple Soup
Nothing says fall quite like a crisp, juicy apple—except maybe a big pot of soup. And this recipe from The Café Sucre Farine brings those two things together. Blend apples with carrots, coconut milk, and warming spices, then top it all off with chunks of smoky bacon for a creamy dish that'll help you brave colder temps.
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Beet Cheddar Apple Pizza
Want a perfectly autumnal pizza? Look no further than this beet, apple, and cheddar combo from Well Plated. The blogger behind the pie calls it "a sweet and savory pizza that even my beet-bashing husband enjoys."
Apple and Brie Polenta with Sage
This recipe, created by Stephanie Wise for Tablespoon.com, pairs tart apples with creamy polenta, brie, and fresh sage for a warm and comforting side dish that you can serve with lean meat like pork chops or chicken.
Apple Hash with Two Eggs
This recipe from executive chef Stephen Yen, who oversees operations at New York City hot spots The Chester and The Ainsworth, just might be your new favorite way to eat apples in the morning. His apple and potato hash, covered with two runny eggs, has enough protein and filling carbs to keep you full 'til lunch. (Try a poached egg on top. Here's how to perfectly poach an egg.)
1 Granny Smith apple
1 Honey Crisp apple
2 red bliss potatoes
2 strips of apple wood–smoked bacon
1 med red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
1 sm onion, diced
1 pinch smoked paprika
1 tsp dried sage
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1. PEEL and core the apples, dice into ¼" cubes, then soak in ice water.
2. WASH the potatoes and quarter them; leave in ice water until ready to use.
3. DICE the bacon and render out in a sauté pan; remove the bacon and save for later. (You can also omit pork products such as bacon and replace it with the sautéed apples for a healthier breakfast.)
4. USING the same rendered bacon fat, sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 1 minute (until just before the onion becomes translucent); remove from heat and cool.
5. COMBINE the sautéed onions, peppers, potatoes, bacon, smoked paprika, dried sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of blended cooking oil.
6. ROAST in the oven at 350°F until the potatoes are fork tender, about 25 minutes.
7. ADD in the diced apples and roast for another 15 minutes.
8. REMOVE from oven and drizzle with apple cider vinegar.
9. YOUR apple hash is now complete. Taste to see if you need to adjust seasoning. I recommend using fresh-ground black pepper and serving with two eggs.
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