Grilled apples are super versatile and easy. Serve them plain as a simple side dish, or topped with a cinnamon glaze and ice cream for dessert. Crunchy granola turns them into a unique brunch dish that will bring on the compliments.
Grilled apple slices are perfect in the fall
The weather is beautiful in the fall and we are cooking outdoors at least as much as we do in the summer. Our grills are going strong with burgers and wings for tailgate parties, smoked ham on the Big Green Egg for the holidays, and grilled chuck roast for any day of the week.
While you've got that meat and skillet potatoes on one side of the grill why not add some apples? It's apple season after all, and they're ripe, beautiful and abundant.
We make them very similar to our grilled peaches, which are a summer favorite, of course. If grilled fruit sounds good to you, you'll want to try them both.
And don't forget about brunch. Adding apples to the table with bacon or sausage and buttermilk biscuits and you've got an easy weekend meal worthy of company!
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What apples are best for grilling?
Choose any firm apple that you would use in a pie or any other type of recipe where they get cooked, but need to hold their shape. Our go-to cooking apple is the Granny Smith variety, but we also love the Honey Crisp variety and have grilled both.
Either type holds up well and has a taste that is balanced perfectly by some brown sugar and cinnamon. Jonathon apples or Braeburn would all be excellent choices as well.
Ingredient and Substitution notes
- Apples - (Info above on which type to choose)
- Lemon Juice - in most cases we recommend freshly squeezed, but bottled juice is fine here
- Vegetable or Nut Oil - Any type that will withstand high heat unless you know that your grill will be at a lower heat
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Brown Sugar -light or dark is fine
- Butter - salted or unsalted is fine
Recipe Instructions
- Naturally you'll want to thoroughly wash the apples. Then I like to slice them in about ½ inch slices. You should get about 3-4 slices out of a good sized apple.
- As you slice toss them in a shallow baking dish that you've added water and lemon juice to. About 3 Tablespoons of lemon juice is good for a pan of water. This will prevent the sliced apples from browning.
- Then take them out and core each slice. Drop back into the lemon water until ready to cook. This is the type of apple corer I use and you can order one here. You could core the whole apple before slicing, but I think it's easier to do them a slice at the time.
- Right before grilling brush the slices with a little oil. Use an oil that tolerates higher heat without burning, like pecan oil or canola oil. This is especially important if your grill is pretty hot for something you'll cook fast like burgers.
- Grill over medium heat 4-6 minutes, turn and grill another 2 minutes or so.
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Now you can get creative according to how you want to serve them
If the apples will be a side dish (perfect with pork chops or chicken) they really need absolutely nothing.
We've given you a simple brown sugar, butter and cinnamon recipe that can be brushed on when they're almost done. It's perfect if your grilled apples will become dessert. Make them even better by topping with some good quality vanilla ice cream.
You can go with or without the cinnamon mixture if your plan revolves around breakfast or brunch. Again, they would be amazing without anything added, but a crunchy granola sprinkle is an idea everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ's
Any firm cooking apple such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp or Jonathon.
Absolutely! Marinated and Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Blackened Pork Chops are favorites.
Yes! Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can warm them in a skillet, a hot oven or the microwave. Don't overdo it. They can go from warm to overcooked quickly.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Apples for Sides or Dessert
Ingredients
- 3 apples cored and cut into ½ inch slices
- 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons oil pecan or canola oil
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Stir the lemon juice into 3-4 cups of water in a shallow baking pan. Place the apples slices in the lemon water, making sure to cover the slices.
- When ready to cook remove apple slices and pat dry, then brush with oil.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and honey and heat over medium low heat until butter is melted.
- Grill apple slices over medium heat 4-6 minutes on one side.
- Turn apple slices and brush with brown sugar mixture if desired.
- Cook additional 2 minutes or until apples are tender.
Notes
- Soaking in a lemon juice and water mixture keeps the apple slices from turning brown.
- Use an oil that can withstand high heat if your grill is very hot.
- About ½ inch thick is perfect for the apple slices.
Nutrition
Jess says
These grilled apples are perfect with a scoop of ice cream on top! Perfect Fall dessert and so easy!
Pam says
So happy you loved them. Thanks, Jess!
Beth says
This is such a great idea! I haven't grilled apples yet. Can't wait to give it a try!
Pam says
Hope you enjoy!
Jenn says
I've never grilled apples before, but the idea of warm, grilled apples with ice cream on top has me in danger of drooling on my keyboard! Making this recipe this weekend for sure!
Pam says
So happy to hear it. Thanks, Jenn!
Laura Tobin says
I was looking for something different to do with apples as I have plenty in my tree this year. This is perfect, never tried before. I will now
Pam says
Awesome timing!
Angela says
A great fall dessert. Easy to prepare and a crowd pleaser!
Pam says
Thanks, Angela!
Lindsay says
Yum! Apples are just so delicious when cooked, but I hadn't tried grilling them before. This was a perfect side dish for some pork chops.
Pam says
Yay! Thanks for stopping by to let us know Lindsay!
Angela says
I love the flavor that the grill gives to these apples! Delicious!
Pam says
Thank you for taking the time to star rate the recipe, Angela. We really appreciate it.
kushigalu says
Grilled apples are just so delicious. I can eat it just like that. Yum
Pam says
Us, too. Thanks!
Tara says
Oh wow! These apples look so good. Love those grill marks. They sound amazing with a cinnamon glaze and ice cream.
Carrie says
One of my favorite recipes for fall! Tastes so good and my husband loves it too!
Jess says
I love serving these over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. So so good!
Gina says
We made this as a quick dessert while BBQing and they were a hit! Such a fantastic treat to grill up!
Nancy says
Never knew grilled apples could be so yummy
Dana says
These were perfect with a scoop of ice cream and homemade granola! So versatile and delicious. Will be using them again!