Apple-palooza: 14 Savory to Sweet Apple Recipes for Fall 2023

Journey through Napa Valley's Culinary & Wine Heritage, One Apple Dish at a Time

Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Napa Valley's verdant hills are more than just a wine lover's paradise. As a seasoned local, I've traversed both its vineyards and orchards, basking in the essence of what makes this valley truly exceptional. This fall, as the vine leaves turn golden and the scent of ripe apples wafts through the air, I'm thrilled to unveil a collection that captures the Napa spirit: Apple-palooza.

Each dish in this collection is a testament to our valley's rich culinary tapestry, inspired by home chefs and the passion of our winemakers. These aren't just any recipes; they're stories, whispered from one generation to the next, of summer dinners, wine harvests, and the promise of a Napa sunset.

The Essence of These Dishes:

Each dish is a love letter to Napa, chosen for its harmony with our local wines. Like a sommelier's discerning palate, we've dissected the sensory notes of each, ensuring they resonate with the history and soul of our valley.

  • Aroma & Taste: The apple's gentle sweetness meets the robust flavors of various ingredients, reminiscent of the intricate profiles of Napa wines.
  • Texture: From silky purees to the crisp bite of a tart, each dish is a textural journey akin to sipping our region's diverse wines.
  • Locality: Embracing the farm-to-table ethos, every ingredient is a fresh, local gem, adding authenticity to each bite.

The Apple-palooza Collection:

Whether it's a healthy dinner idea that radiates elegance or a quick, sophisticated supper, Napa's essence is captured in every bite.

  1. Apple and Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Pecans and Sage: This velvety soup, with its nutty undertones, is reminiscent of a walk through our golden vineyards.
  2. Apple and Fennel Roast Chicken with a Rosemary-Apple Cider Glaze: A fusion of summer and fall, this dish marries the crispness of apple with the earthiness of fennel, all under a glaze that would make any wine blush with envy.
  3. Apple and Quince Crostata with Cinnamon Streusel and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream: A tribute to Napa's orchards, this dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, a true chef's masterpiece.
  4. Apple, Kale, and Blue Cheese Pizza with a Walnut Pesto Base: A rustic creation, this pizza is a testament to the valley's love for fresh, robust flavors, making it a go-to summer dinner idea.
  5. Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: The warmth of brown sugar and cinnamon cradles the apple, evoking memories of family gatherings around the fireplace.
  6. Apple, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Tart with Balsamic Reduction: A dance of tangy, sweet, and savory, this tart is a conversation starter, much like the tales shared in our vineyards.
  7. Buckwheat Pancakes with Caramelized Apples and Crème Fraîche: A morning delight, these pancakes bring together the rusticity of buckwheat with the elegance of caramelized apples.
  8. Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Onions: A dish that exudes comfort, the pork's richness is beautifully balanced with the sweetness of apples.
  9. Creamy Apple and Parsnip Puree with Toasted Hazelnuts: A velvety puree that's a nod to Napa's farm-to-table movement, perfect for those seeking healthy dinner ideas.
  10. Pork Chops with Apple and Cranberry Chutney and a Touch of Ginger: A dish that sings of fall, the tartness of cranberries and warmth of ginger complement the apple's sweetness.
  11. Roasted Pork and Apple Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Arugula: A sandwich fit for a king, it's a blend of flavors that transports you straight to the heart of wine country.
  12. Warm Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad with Pancetta and Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette: A salad that's a burst of flavors and textures, it's Napa in a plate.
  13. Wild Rice Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Dried Cranberries with an Orange Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad that's both hearty and light, making it a favorite among our home chefs.
  14. Wine Country Turkey Burger with Brie and Apple Chutney: A burger that's a journey through wine country, with every bite echoing the rich heritage of Napa.

From Napa, With Love:

As you explore these recipes, imagine the vineyards' whispering stories, the laughter of home chefs, and the clinking of wine glasses under a starlit Napa sky. Here, every dish is a memory, every flavor an experience.

So, whether you're a seasoned chef or someone seeking culinary inspiration, immerse yourself in these dishes. And always remember, in Napa, every story is best savored with a glass of wine by your side.

Cheers & Bon Appétit!

Recipes from the Napa Valley

14 Savory to Sweet Apple Recipes
Warm up with our Apple and Butternut Squash Soup recipe. Experience Napa's authentic flavors in this healthy, farm-to-table dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Pecans and Sage

Recipe Type:
Soups
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Viognier
Full recipe:
Read Here
Elevate your home chef skills with our Apple and Fennel Roast Chicken. Experience Napa's authentic flavors and wine country inspiration in every bite.

Apple and Fennel Roast Chicken with a Rosemary-Apple Cider Glaze

Recipe Type:
Entrées
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Indulge in a Napa-inspired Apple & Quince Crostata recipe. Chef-approved, farm-to-table goodness with a wine country twist. Try it today!

Apple and Quince Crostata with Cinnamon Streusel and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream

Recipe Type:
Desserts
Pairing:
Late Harvest
Alt. pairing:
Sparkling
Full recipe:
Read Here
Savor Napa's essence with our Apple, Kale, and Blue Cheese Pizza. Elevate your home chef skills with this unique farm-to-table recipe full of authentic flavors.

Apple, Kale, and Blue Cheese Pizza with a Walnut Pesto Base

Recipe Type:
Pizza
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Indulge in the flavors of Napa with our Apple, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Tart. Elevate your home chef skills with this authentic, savory recipe.

Apple, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Tart with Balsamic Reduction

Recipe Type:
Desserts
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Enjoy Napa-inspired flavors with our Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe. Elevate your home chef skills and savor this healthy, farm-to-table dish.

Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Recipe Type:
Sides
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Late Harvest
Full recipe:
Read Here
Enjoy Buckwheat Pancakes, Caramelized Apples & Creme Fraiche. Elevate your dining with this chef-inspired farm-to-table recipe.

Buckwheat Pancakes with Caramelized Apples and Crème Fraîche

Recipe Type:
Breakfast
Pairing:
Riesling
Alt. pairing:
Late Harvest
Full recipe:
Read Here
Discover an authentic Napa recipe: Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder. Elevate your home chef skills with wine country inspiration for a memorable dinner.

Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Apples and Onions

Recipe Type:
Entrées
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Experience Napa's authentic flavors in our Creamy Apple and Parsnip Puree. Elevate your home chef skills with this healthy, farm-to-table recipe.

Creamy Apple and Parsnip Puree with Toasted Hazelnuts

Recipe Type:
Sides
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Viognier
Full recipe:
Read Here
Elevate dinner with Napa-inspired Pork Chops and Apple-Cranberry Chutney. Unveil your inner home chef with this dish of authentic flavors.

Pork Chops with Apple and Cranberry Chutney and a Touch of Ginger

Recipe Type:
Entrées
Pairing:
Pinot Noir
Alt. pairing:
Grenache
Full recipe:
Read Here
This delicious sandwich is made with roasted pork, caramelized onions, and arugula, all sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread. It's a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

Roasted Pork and Apple Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

Recipe Type:
Sandwiches
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Enjoy a taste of Napa with our Warm Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad. Elevate your home chef skills with this farm-to-table recipe featuring authentic flavors.

Warm Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad with Pancetta and Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette

Recipe Type:
Salads
Pairing:
Chardonnay
Alt. pairing:
Pinot Noir
Full recipe:
Read Here
Experience Napa's finest with our Wild Rice Salad recipe. Elevate your home chef skills with this healthy, farm-to-table dish bursting with authentic flavors.

Wild Rice Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Dried Cranberries with an Orange Vinaigrette

Recipe Type:
Salads
Pairing:
Albariño
Alt. pairing:
Viognier
Full recipe:
Read Here

Hello and welcome to Napa Home Chef! We're thrilled you're joining us to explore the vibrant world of wine country cooking. Our team has crafted bold, creative recipes inspired by Napa Valley's lush landscapes, bountiful harvests, and world-renowned wines. We hope you enjoy the journey with us!

Get ready to experience the rich flavors and unique culinary delights that embody the essence of wine country living. Happy cooking!

About Me

Don't miss a recipe!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Coming soon - Cookbook!

Loving Napa Home Chef Recipes and wishing for more? Discover print exclusives!

Napa Recipe Cookbook: Napa Home Chef
Smoked Trout Tostada with Avocado Mousse and Crispy Leeks
The California Quad Burger (Don't Make This?)
Mozzarella with Prosciutto & Squash
Grilled Peach Salad with Mixed Greens, Blue Cheese, and Honey Mustard Dressing
Sunny Side Up Breakfast Pizza
Meyer Lemon Tart with Lavender Shortbread Crust and Candied Kumquats
Chipotle and Orange Glazed Wild Hog Carnitas Sliders
Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo, Eggs, and Black Beans
Cabernet Franc-Poached Eggs
Seasonal Vegetable & Merlot Medley Pie with Whipped Purple Potatoes
Creole Lobster Tail with Zesty Lime Butter and Cassava Fries
Endive, Persimmon, and Pecorino Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Mandatory (inedible) cookies. By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.