September means you’ve got apples stacked on the counter and more coming in from the market. Instead of saving them all for pie, use them to make dinner better. Apples add sweetness and crunch to savory dishes and pair well with everything from pork to cheese. They’re just as good in soups and salads as they are in sandwiches and sides. These recipes make it easy to cook with what’s in season and keep your meals fresh.
Apple Bacon Scones
Fresh apple chunks and crispy bacon are folded into a tender dough that bakes into hearty scones. Apple butter keeps the crumb moist and adds depth, while the smoky bacon balances the natural sweetness. They’re great straight from the oven for breakfast or paired with soup later in the day, and they bring just the right September flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Scones
Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich
Roasted sweet potatoes and crisp apples layer with slices of ham, melted cheddar, and honey mustard before being pressed into a hot sandwich. The sweet, savory, and tangy flavors melt together in every bite, making this far more than your average lunch. It’s filling enough to keep you powered through the afternoon but light enough to still feel like a seasonal September meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich
Savory Apple Thyme Butter
Apples cook down with thyme into a rich spread that works almost anywhere. Slather it on bread, melt it over roasted vegetables, or serve it alongside meat. The apple flavor brings a seasonal note that makes ordinary dinners feel more special, and since it comes together easily, it’s a great way to use up apples piling into your kitchen this time of year.
Get the Recipe: Savory Apple Thyme Butter
Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney
Beets and apples simmer with orange juice and warming spices until they become a thick, flavorful chutney. The result is tangy, earthy, and slightly sweet with a depth that pairs beautifully with meats or cheeses. A spoonful on crackers, yogurt, or sandwiches adds instant character and makes use of September’s harvest in a creative way.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney
Honey Chicken Apple Salad
This salad brings together juicy chicken, crisp apples, and a drizzle of honey for a dish that balances sweet and savory. The apples add crunch and freshness while the honey ties everything together. It’s hearty enough for lunch but still light, making it a smart option when early fall days call for something seasonal but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad
Glazed Pork Chops and Apples
Pork chops are seared until golden, then coated in a pumpkin tea glaze that brings a subtle sweetness and spice. Apple slices poached in the same tea are served alongside, creating a layered flavor that ties the whole plate together. It’s a balanced dinner that feels seasonal and works well for a cozy September evening.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples
Leek Apple Cheddar Soup
Leeks and apples simmer together until soft, then blend with sharp cheddar for a creamy soup that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Walnuts and cranberries sprinkled on top add crunch and a tart finish. It’s a hearty bowl that feels right for September lunches or dinners when you want comfort without anything too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Leek Apple Cheddar Soup
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
This chili mixes shredded chicken, white beans, cheddar cheese, and chopped apples for a dish that’s creamy, savory, and just a little sweet. The apples melt into the base and balance the richness of the beans and cheese. It’s a creative take on chili that works perfectly when cooler weather rolls in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork cooks low and slow until tender, then gets piled onto buns and topped with a sage apple carrot raisin slaw. The apples bring brightness to balance the BBQ sauce and smoky pork. It’s a crowd-pleasing sandwich that feels especially fitting for fall weekends.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
Roasted squash blends with apple, ginger, and cream into a smooth soup that’s rich yet fresh. The apple adds just enough sweetness to balance the earthiness of the squash. Served with crusty bread, it’s a September meal that makes the most of the seasonal harvest.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
Celery Apple Soup
Celery, onion, and fragrant herbs come together with apples for a light soup that’s veggie-forward but still flavorful. The apples give it a subtle sweetness that balances the greens. It’s simple to make, easy to serve, and a good choice for a lighter dinner or lunch in early fall.
Get the Recipe: Celery Apple Soup
Kale Apple Slaw
Kale, shredded cabbage, and crisp apples are tossed with a tangy dressing for a slaw that feels fresh and bright. The apples add crunch and balance the slight bitterness of the greens. It’s a side dish that works just as well for a casual weeknight meal as it does for a September cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Slaw
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel
Pork tenderloin is rubbed with herbs and spices, then roasted alongside apple and fennel wedges. The apples caramelize in the oven and soak up the seasoning, adding a sweet contrast to the savory pork. It’s a straightforward dinner that looks impressive and makes the most of seasonal produce.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel
Saucy Apple Pork Chops
Pork chops simmer in a skillet with a sauce made from apples, broth, and seasonings until tender. The apples break down slightly into the sauce, giving it a sweet note that balances the meat. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great weeknight dinner when you want something that feels like fall.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Apple Pork Chops
Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Crumbled sausage and diced apples bake together with bread cubes and herbs for a stuffing that’s hearty and flavorful. The apples add brightness and just enough sweetness to balance the rich sausage. It’s a side dish that feels right at home on any September table, not just for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Instant Pot Pork Chops with Apple Gravy
Pork chops cook under pressure until tender, then get smothered in a sweet and savory apple gravy. A spoonful of apple butter deepens the flavor and makes the sauce rich and smooth. It’s quick to put together and makes an easy weeknight dinner feel like something special.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Chops with Apple Gravy
Gouda Honeycrisp Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese stacks smoky gouda, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and salty bacon between slices of buttery sourdough. The apples bring crunch and a burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese. It’s an upgraded sandwich that feels perfect for September lunches.
Get the Recipe: Gouda Honeycrisp Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese
Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
A pork loin is split and filled with a mixture of apples, rosemary, and seasonings, then roasted until juicy and tender. The apples infuse the meat with sweetness and aroma as they cook. It’s a hearty dinner that feels right for early fall when apples are at their best.
Get the Recipe: Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
Simple Apple Sage Stuffing
Bread cubes bake with apples, sage, and onions for a stuffing that balances sweet and savory flavors. The apples keep the mix moist and add a seasonal note that pairs perfectly with turkey or chicken. It’s an easy way to bring a September ingredient into a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Apple Sage Stuffing
One-Pan Apple Cider Tofu
Tofu, shallots, and apples cook together in apple cider with fresh herbs in one skillet. The apples bring acidity and sweetness that balance the tofu and vegetables. It’s a simple, plant-based dinner that works well for a busy weeknight in early fall.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Apple Cider Tofu
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples
Acorn squash halves roast until tender, then get filled with a savory mix of grains, sausage, and apples. The apples cut through the richness and make the filling feel balanced. It’s a wholesome dinner that doubles as an impressive side for a September gathering.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples
Creamy Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Roasted butternut squash and apples blend into a velvety soup seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. The apples brighten the earthy squash and keep it from feeling too heavy. Paired with bread or a salad, it’s a cozy but still light September dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
BBQ Chicken Breasts with Grilled Granny Smith Apples
Chicken breasts are grilled until juicy, then topped with tart Granny Smith apples that caramelize on the grill. The apples cut through the smoky char and keep the chicken fresh and vibrant. It’s a smart way to work seasonal fruit into a classic BBQ dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Breasts with Grilled Granny Smith Apples
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.