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Around here, apple butter gets made and canned after the applesauce has been made and canned. I don’t need multiple batches of apple butter like I do applesauce but a few jars on the shelf go a long way. Apple butter is good on toast, yes, but it earns its place in the kitchen well beyond that. Here are the sweet and savory ways I actually use it up.
Apple Butter Gifts
Let me just say that I’m a big believer in sharing jars of homemade preserves as a simple gift often. There’s no reason a jar of apple butter can’t be tucked into care packages and gift baskets.
However, there are times when we want to go a little extra mile or share some homemade preserves with someone who might not actually want or need a jar for their pantry.
So instead of giving them the jar, give them a sweet treat featuring the delicious spread for something different and wonderful all at the same time.
Start with the Best
As in all things cooking, start with the best, most flavorful ingredients. Use a flavorful, homemade apple butter, if at all possible in the following recipes.
If that’s not possible, use the best quality you can find in your local grocery stores. Something with all natural ingredients is going to be your best bet.
Recipes Using Apple Butter
Savory Recipes
Apple butter is indeed a sweet ingredient but it has numerous applications in savory recipes like these:
Apple Butter Turkey Spinach Grilled Cheese
Get a sweet, tart, and savory combination in this grilled cheese sandwich that uses leftover turkey as a great choice for all those Thanksgiving leftovers.
Baked Brie with Apple Butter, Butternut Squash, and Thyme
Serve up an amazing fall appetizer for feasts or family game night with this apple butter recipe featuring winter squash and brie.
Jack Daniels Apple Butter Chicken
Use that apple butter in combination with onions and vegetables as flavorful sauce.
Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Ham, Egg & Apple Butter
Apple butter for breakfast isn't exactly a new concept but here it's combined with ham and egg for a hearty twist.
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Keep Sunday dinner full of easy apple flavor with this roasted chicken recipe.
Pork Apple Meatloaf
Apple butter is really just a more concentrated version of applesauce making it an ideal thing to combine with pork, like in this easy and tasty meatloaf recipe.
Sage & Apple Butter Pasta Sauce with Gnocchi
Combine apple butter with sausage and herbs for an unusual and yet delicious pasta sauce that is filling and comforting.
Sweet Recipes
Of course all that sweetness and spice of apple butter goes amazingly well in baked goods of all sorts. Pick one of these different recipes and find yourself a new favorite dessert in no time!
Apple Butter Cookies
Homemade soft, vanilla cookies that have just a hint of that apple butter flavor. They are one of my favorite ways to use up the last bits of a jar that is sitting in the fridge.
Apple Butter Bars
These moist and decadent bars are full of apple butter and actual butter for a rich and delicious treat. The recipe comes complete with a cinnamon frosting for one of the easiest ways to get your fall season flavors no matter the month.
Apple Butter Pie
Lightly sweet and full of fall flavor, this smooth apple pie comes complete with a crunchy crumb topping for a dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Apple Butter Muffins
Sweetened with maple syrup for a slightly healthier option, grab one of these homemade muffins for a breakfast on-the-go.
Love apple butter..