7 Sweet And Savory Dishes You Can Make With A Jar Of Apple Butter

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Once the leaves start to change, we like to stock our pantries with jars of apple butter. For anyone who might not know about the magic of apple butter, it’s a silky spread that’s made by slow-cooking apples to the point of caramelization. You’ll find apple butter at most large grocery stores and specialty food stores. And if you ask us, the rich spread deserves to be used beyond your morning English muffin. So here’s some apple butter inspiration that’ll leave you with an empty jar in no time.

1. Tacos

You might think something as sweet as apple butter could only be used for desserts, but it’s just as useful in savory dishes. For your next taco night, think about using apple butter to marinate the meat. These chipotle apple butter carnitas tacos use the sweet spread as a rub for the pork, along with ingredients like garlic, chipotle pepper, smoked paprika and oregano. The tacos are topped with apple cider-caramelized onions and spiced butternut squash. Guys, it doesn’t get more fall than this.

2. Snack Bars

For the ultimate on-the-go snack, get into the apple butter bar routine. These oatmeal and apple butter bars have a crumbly and buttery topping of oats, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and gooey apple butter. Thee sweet bars beat out store-bought granola bars any day of the week.

3. Grilled Cheese

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Since fruit and cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly, we love our grilled cheese with a little bit of apple butter. It complements brie, blue cheese, fontina and even Havarti perfectly. With a hearty loaf of sourdough or multigrain bread, make yourself a grilled cheese with caramelized onions and a generous layer of apple butter. Seriously, we’re addicted.

4. Chicken Thighs

For an easy weeknight dinner, chicken thighs are always a foolproof choice. With a jar of apple butter, you can turn plain chicken thighs into an autumn-inspired dish. These sweet and spicy chicken thighs have chipotle, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and apple butter. Whenever you want your kitchen to smell all kinds of magical, give this recipe a shot.

5. Cinnamon Rolls

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When you want to make your cinnamon rolls even more indulgent, add apple butter to the mix. These apple butter cinnamon rolls are topped with creamy maple frosting, and the apple butter bakes into the cinnamon rolls, adding an entirely new layer of caramelization. If you’re going the store-bought route, apple butter can help infuse a little extra flavor into the pre-packaged dough. These are the perfect Sunday snack to nosh on while you’re cuddling up with a movie and some wine.

6. Ice Cream Sundaes

Instead of hot fudge, top your ice cream sundae with a spoonful or two of apple butter. If you heat the apple butter, it’ll be even better. Drizzle a little bit of caramel and some chopped walnuts on top, and you have a fall party on your hands.

7. Apple Butter And Cream Cheese Danish

Since puff pastry is one of the best culinary inventions to date, it’s only right that you make an apple tart with your apple butter. Here’s a danish recipe with a sweet inside layer of cream cheese, egg yolk, apple butter and vanilla. Between the butter, the flaky crust and the sweet and creamy center, these danishes make the perfect match for a cup of chai tea.

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