So You Went to the Orchard… Now What? Simple Recipes for All Those Apples

 It happens every fall. You take the family out for a day at the orchard — wagon rides, apple picking, cider donuts, the whole experience — and you come home with a bag (or three) of apples. At first, everyone’s excited. But after a few snacks and maybe a pie, you realize… you still have a lot of apples left.

 

So what do you do with them? Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here are six simple apple recipes that will help you turn your orchard haul into easy meals and desserts your family will love.

 

 

 

 

1. Homemade Applesauce

 

 

When you’re wondering what to do with too many apples, applesauce is the easiest answer. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and freezes well.

 

You’ll need:

 

• 8–10 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional — depends on apple sweetness)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

 

 

How to make it:

 

1. Add everything to a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook for 20–25 minutes until the apples are soft.
3. Mash with a fork or blend for a smoother texture.

 

 

Store in jars in the fridge or freezer for later.

 

 

 

 

2. Southern Fried Apples

 

 

A true Southern comfort food. These southern fried apples taste like apple pie filling — buttery, caramelized, and perfect as a side dish or dessert.

 

You’ll need:

 

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

 

 

How to make it:

 

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add apple slices and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Continue cooking until tender and syrupy (about 10 minutes).

 

 

Serve alongside pork chops or biscuits, or spoon over vanilla ice cream.

 

 

 

 

3. Easy Apple Crisp

 

 

If you’re not in the mood for pie crust but still want that cozy, baked-apple goodness, crisp is the way to go.

 

You’ll need:

 

• 6 apples, sliced
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon

 

 

How to make it:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place apple slices in a greased baking dish.
3. Mix oats, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon together.
4. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
5. Bake 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

 

 

This easy apple dessert recipe is best served warm with ice cream.

 

 

 

 

4. Apple Pancakes

 

 

Turn Saturday breakfast into something special with this quick apple recipe.

 

You’ll need:

 

• Your favorite pancake batter
• 1–2 apples, peeled and grated
• 1 tsp cinnamon

 

 

How to make it:

 

1. Stir grated apple and cinnamon into your batter.
2. Cook pancakes as usual.
3. Top with maple syrup or warm applesauce.

 

 

A great way to sneak fruit into breakfast for picky eaters.

 

 

 

 

5. Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese

 

 

Not every apple dish has to be sweet. This savory combo makes a perfect lunch or cozy dinner.

 

You’ll need:

 

• Bread (sourdough works great)
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Thinly sliced apples
• Butter

 

 

How to make it:

 

1. Butter bread, layer cheddar and apple slices inside.
2. Grill in a skillet until golden and melty.

 

 

The sweet crunch of apples with sharp cheddar is a game-changer.

 

 

 

 

6. Freeze for Later

 

 

Still have more than you can eat? Freezing apples is the best way to save them for later.

 

How to freeze apples:

 

1. Peel and slice.
2. Toss lightly with lemon juice.
3. Store in freezer bags.

 

 

Great for pies, crisps, or smoothies in the winter months.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

 

The next time you come home with a mountain of orchard apples, don’t panic. A pot of applesauce, a skillet of fried apples, or even a twist on grilled cheese will make that bag of fruit disappear faster than you think.

 

Half the fun of apple picking is turning your haul into something delicious — and with these simple apple recipes, you’ll never wonder what to do with too many apples again.