21 Recipes That Prove Apple Cider Isn’t Just For Sipping

Apple cider isn’t just for sipping on a cool fall day, though that’s nice too. If you’re still only drinking it, you’re seriously missing out. This fall staple can actually be a superstar ingredient in all kinds of dishes, from sweet to savory, breakfast to dinner.

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

These lamb shanks are slow-braised in apple cider until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. A hearty dinner that’s a creative way to bring cider to your plate instead of your glass.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts pack the flavor of fresh apple cider and spices, then get coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for fall, they’re a great apple cider recipe that lets you skip the mug and go straight to dessert.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

A few tablespoons of apple cider go a long way in these buttery shortbread cookies, both in the dough and the glaze. Just the right amount of fall flavor without needing to drink a drop.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Apple Cider Chicken

This apple cider chicken is a great option for a quick fall dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a clever way to work that seasonal apple cider flavor into a savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken

Apple Cider Brined Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts

These pork chops are brined in apple cider, giving them a fantastic flavor boost. Paired with brussels sprouts and pecans, this is a simple fall dinner that’s big on flavor without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts

Chewy Apple Cider Cookies

Soft, chewy, and packed with apple cider, these cookies are a back-to-school snack that’s full of autumn vibes. Fewer than 10 ingredients, easy to make, and no cider glass required.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Apple Cider Cookies

Apple Cider Smoked Chicken

This smoked chicken takes on apple cider in a brine and marinade, then gets grilled to juicy perfection. A laid-back meal packed with flavor that brings cider out of the drink menu and into your main dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Smoked Chicken

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These baked donuts are fluffy, sweet, and loaded with fresh apple cider. A great excuse to break out your favorite local cider and bake something that screams fall without needing a cup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are glazed in an apple cider sauce that hits the right balance of sweet and savory. A comforting, easy dinner for those chilly fall nights when you want cider in a meal, not a drink.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Apple, Pecan and Cranberry Salad

Apple cider adds a seasonal flair to this salad, combining cranberries, pecans, and spices. It’s a light, fresh way to get that cider flavor without turning to a drink.
Get the Recipe: Apple, Pecan and Cranberry Salad

Apple Cider Glazed Ham

This ham is coated in a rich glaze made from apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. A great centerpiece for your fall meals, it lets you use cider in a way that’s far from your typical drink.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Glazed Ham

Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Baked instead of fried, these donut holes are bursting with apple cider flavor and finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating. A bite-sized way to enjoy cider that’s definitely not in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Apple Cider Sourdough with Cider Spice Swirl

Apple cider takes center stage in this sourdough, adding just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It’s a great way to use cider in your baking and make a perfect bread for fall breakfasts or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Sourdough with Cider Spice Swirl

Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Creamy steel-cut oats cooked with apple cider make for a hearty breakfast that’s great for fall. Top with caramelized apples for an extra cider hit, no mug needed.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

These grilled chicken skewers are brushed with apple cider before hitting the grill. Paired with a Gouda cheese sauce, they make a great fall dish that uses cider in an unexpected way.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow-cooking turkey breast in an apple cider brine makes for one juicy and flavorful dinner. It’s the perfect way to put cider to work for your holiday meals without pouring it into a glass.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Ice Cream

Apple cider meets ice cream in this fall-inspired dessert. Cinnamon-spiced and creamy, it’s a cool way to enjoy cider that you won’t find in a drink.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Ice Cream

German Potato Salad

This German potato salad mixes tangy apple cider with mustard and bacon for a side dish that’s perfect for BBQs or fall gatherings. It’s a cider upgrade without reaching for a glass.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Apple Cider Coffee Cake

A moist coffee cake that’s spiced with cinnamon and studded with apples, using apple cider for a boost of flavor. A perfect breakfast or snack that brings out cider’s best qualities without needing a sip.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Coffee Cake

Apple Cider and Beer-Brined Holiday Turkey with AppleJack Giblet Gravy

This turkey brined in apple cider and beer creates a juicy, flavorful bird that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s an apple cider win for your table, no glassware required.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider and Beer-Brined Holiday Turkey with AppleJack Giblet Gravy

Apple Cider Cheesecake Bars with Caramelized Apples

These cheesecake bars are packed with the flavors of apple cider and caramelized apples. They make a great dessert for any fall gathering, using cider in the sweetest way possible.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Cheesecake Bars with Caramelized Apples