From sweet pancakes and doughnuts to festive drinks and savory pork and chicken dinners, these recipes with apple cider bring major fall flavor to the table.
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Caramel Apple Strudel
From the Recipe Creator:
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 270 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
2/36
Apple Cider Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/36
Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
From the Recipe Creator:
Their light, tender texture and apple cider flavor make these small bites a big hit! My mom made them every year as soon as the weather turned cool. I carry on the tradition, and the aroma always brings back cherished memories. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut hole: 71 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/36
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it's the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 198 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/36
Apple Cider Pulled Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
For potlucks and tailgates, we slow-cook pork with cider, onions and spices. These tangy sliders make a winning barbecue plate with sweet potato fries. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 375 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 563mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/36
Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons gravy: 449 calories, 32g fat (13g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
7/36
Hot Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
In this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
8/36
Apple Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 333 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
9/36
Apple Cider Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 335 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/36
Apple Cider Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys these tender, flaky biscuits warm from the oven. We have a lot of apple trees, so we’re always looking for apple recipes. This is a tasty way to use some of our cider. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 131 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/36
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots
From the Recipe Creator:
These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home. Here’s what you need to know about Apple Cider Jelly Beans.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/36
Cinnamon-Pear Rustic Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with my husband's family in Montana. I loved the rustic simplicity of each dish we tasted, especially this rustic pear tart my mother-in-law made. —Leah Waldo, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 512 calories, 27g fat (17g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein.
13/36
Cider Cheese Fondue
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheese lovers are sure to enjoy dipping into this creamy quick-to-fix fondue cheese dip that has just a hint of apple. You can also serve this appetizer with pear wedges. —Kim Marie Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 111 calories, 8g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
14/36
Apple Cider-Glazed Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked ham: 261 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
15/36
Autumn Sweet Rolls with Cider Glaze
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking with pumpkin because it’s versatile, colorful and nutritious. Combining it with chopped apple and cider gives these glazed rolls their autumn appeal. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 306 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
16/36
Chicken and Dumplings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
17/36
Caramel Apple Float
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 220 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/36
Green Chile Shredded Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled tortillas (calculated without optional toppings): 559 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1032mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 42g protein.
19/36
Caramel Apple Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 564 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
20/36
Crockpot Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 177 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/36
Apple Cider Smash
From the Recipe Creator:
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 152 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
22/36
Butternut Squash Butter
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a tasty way to use up those pumpkins and have a wonderful gift during the holidays? My pumpkin butter is delicious on biscuits or homemade bread, and also makes a tempting filling for miniature tart shells. —Wanda Richardson, Somers, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
23/36
Pork and Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 467 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
24/36
Spiced Hot Apple Cider
From the Recipe Creator:
During cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without rum): 96 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/36
Cider Jelly
From the Recipe Creator:
For a tasty jam during the fall, try this cider. The candy adds a wonderful cinnamon flavor.—Donna Bensend, Dallas, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 108 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
26/36
Warm Spiced Cider Punch
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 94 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/36
Grilled Rosemary Pork Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
When the family's coming or we're expecting guests for dinner, I often serve this flavorful grilled pork roast—and it's always a winner! Chopped apple and sweet honey complement the rosemary and garlic.
—Christine Wilson
Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
4-1/2 ounce-weight: 260 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
28/36
Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
29/36
Sweet Potato-Cranberry Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts—a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 glazed doughnut: 191 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
30/36
Apple Balsamic Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 277 calories, 15 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 103 mg cholesterol, 536 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 0 fiber), 25 g protein.
31/36
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side dish is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
32/36
Cider Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 217 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
33/36
Fresh Apple & Pear Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun combination of ingredients comes together beautifully in one flavor-packed dish. Crunchy apples and ripe, juicy pears are fantastic tossed with crisp, cool cucumbers and a spicy dressing. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 96 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
34/36
Southwest Shredded Pork Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
35/36
Apple Orchard Pork Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Onions and apples meld perfectly to make a sweet and savory treatment for pork roast. Serve it with the accompanying sour cream sauce. —Vikki Lee, Gold River, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 359 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
36/36
Apple Cider Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair fresh apple cider with bourbon and you’ve got a quintessential fall sipper! This bourbon apple cider cocktail is perfect for enjoying around a bonfire or curled up with a good book. It features sweet apple cider, bright lemon juice and warming bourbon. I like to muddle fresh rosemary with the sugar and bitters to balance the sweetness. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cocktail: 171 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Recipes with Apple Cider FAQ
What autumn comfort foods can I make to use up apple cider?
Autumn comfort foods that make great use of apple cider include stews, braised meats, hearty skillet dinners and fluffy, spiced doughnuts. The sweet-tart flavor of cider balances rich cuts of beef or pork and adds brightness to gravies and pan sauces in the same way that wine does. You can also replace some of the water or broth with cider in seasonal fall soup recipes, like butternut squash or root vegetable stew, to bring out the natural sweetness of fall produce. In desserts, apple cider deepens the taste of ingredients like cinnamon and brown sugar, enhancing those warming, caramel-y flavors.
What apple cider desserts can I make for a potluck?
Classic apple cider desserts that work well for potlucks include doughnuts, glazed pound cakes and snack bars that are easy to slice, pack and share. Besides adding moisture, apple cider complements warm spices, like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, making the desserts even more infused with fall vibes. Stick with easy potluck desserts that don’t require frosting or refrigeration, so they can serve a crowd without fuss.
What savory cider dishes can I bring to Thanksgiving?
Savory apple cider dishes that work well for Thanksgiving include cider-glazed ham, dishes of crispy bread stuffing, braised root vegetables and apple cider biscuits that hit the right balance of sweet and salty. Reduce cider into a glaze to drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts, or mash some into sweet potatoes to infuse apple flavor into the side without turning it into dessert.
