It’s apple season, y’all! Nothing makes our house smell cozier than apples cooking on the stove. Growing up in Kansas, fall meant apple pies cooling on the counter and crisp weather that made you want to stay in the kitchen all day.
These days, life looks a little different. Between school drop-offs, sports, and the Texas heat, I’m all about keeping things simple — no farmers market hauls here. Instead, I fill my cart with whatever’s fresh (thank you, H-E-B curbside!) and make the most of it during Sunday meal prep.
Just 90 minutes of prep turns our busy weeknights into calm, delicious dinners — and yes, even my picky eaters are on board. Here are three apple-forward meals my kids actually cheer for when they see them on the table!
These breakfast quesadillas are my secret weapon for busy mornings. They’re packed with protein and fruit, can be prepped ahead, and my kids think they’re getting dessert for breakfast! I often make extra filling during Sunday meal prep so we can quickly assemble these before school.
Key Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas, cream cheese (I use reduced-fat), apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work great), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, honey, butter for cooking.
Pro Tip: Slice and soak your apple pieces in a little lemon water during meal prep day—they’ll stay fresh and won’t brown in the fridge for up to 3 days!
This dish combines our Texas home with my Kansas roots! The sweet-tart apple slaw cuts through the rich BBQ chicken perfectly, and I can have this on the table in 25 minutes flat. My son, who usually pushes anything green around his plate, devours this slaw without complaint!
Key Ingredients: Boneless chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce (we like to make our own with less sugar), green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned apples (Granny Smith adds nice tartness), carrots, plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seeds.
Pro Tip: Double the slaw recipe during meal prep and store half without dressing—it makes a perfect side for lunches later in the week!
This cozy dish is what happens when comfort food meets nutrition! The combination of savory and sweet flavors makes this an absolute winner in our house. My daughter calls it “apple mac” and asks for it weekly during fall. The best part? One pot means minimal cleanup!
Key Ingredients: Whole grain pasta (we use rotini or penne), chicken or turkey sausage, onions, garlic, apples (Braeburn or Jonagold hold their shape well), fresh sage, spinach, chicken broth, white cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs.
Pro Tip: The entire dish can be assembled up to the baking point during meal prep, then refrigerated and popped in the oven when needed! Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
These recipes have truly been lifesavers in our household. They prove that eating seasonally doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition, and that budget-friendly family meals can still feel special.
What are your favorite ways to incorporate seasonal fruit into family meals? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!