5 Delicious Recipes Using Fresh Apples from Breeden’s Orchard
Bring the Orchard to Your Kitchen
There’s something special about cooking with apples straight from the orchard. At Breeden’s Orchard in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, every apple we sell is hand-picked from trusted local growers who share our same care for quality and freshness. While we don’t currently offer U-Pick apples, our farm store is stocked weekly with fresh Tennessee-grown apple varieties and orchard-made favorites, from cider and apple butter to jams and baked treats.
Whether you’re baking, sautéing, or snacking, our crisp, farm-fresh apples turn every dish into a taste of the season. This collection of five easy, family-friendly recipes celebrates the flavor and versatility of orchard apples, from cozy pies to crisp salads and breakfast favorites.
So grab a basket from our market, gather your ingredients, and bring a little orchard magic to your kitchen. These recipes are simple, comforting, and meant to be shared, just like a day at Breeden’s.
Why Cook with Local Apples?
Cooking with local apples isn’t just about flavor; it’s about freshness, nutrition, and community. When you buy apples from Breeden’s Orchard, you’re getting fruit that’s been delivered directly from nearby Tennessee farms, often within days of harvest. That means brighter flavor, more nutrients, and a satisfying crunch you won’t find in store-bought apples that have traveled hundreds of miles.
Each week, our farm store features a rotating selection of fresh apple varieties, such as:
Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and crisp texture.
Fuji for snacking and salads.
Granny Smith for tart bakes and sauces.
Gala and Jonagold for pies, crisps, and apple butter.
When you shop local, you’re not only getting peak-season fruit, you’re also helping to preserve Tennessee farmland and sustain small growers who make Mt. Juliet’s food scene so vibrant. Every apple tells a story of care, community, and the beautiful rhythm of orchard life.
Recipe 1: Classic Apple Pie
There’s nothing more comforting than a golden, flaky apple pie baked with orchard-fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
6 cups thinly sliced Breeden’s Orchard apples (Honeycrisp or Jonagold work best)
¾ cup sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter
1 double pie crust
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Place one crust in a 9-inch pie dish; fill with apple mixture and dot with butter.
Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut slits for steam.
Bake 45–50 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Serving Tip: Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of Breeden’s Orchard cider for the perfect Southern dessert.
Recipe 2: Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon
Simple, rustic, and full of cozy flavor.
Ingredients:
5 cups peeled, sliced Breeden’s Orchard apples
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup flour
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Spread apples in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serving Tip: Enjoy warm with a drizzle of orchard honey or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream, perfect with a mug of hot cider from our market.
Recipe 3: Fresh Apple Salad with Honey Dressing
Crisp, colorful, and refreshing, this salad is a perfect way to enjoy our weekly apple deliveries.
Ingredients:
2 Breeden’s Orchard Fuji apples, thinly sliced
3 cups mixed greens or spinach
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
2 tbsp dried cranberries
Honey Dressing:
2 tbsp orchard honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Whisk dressing ingredients together.
Combine greens, apples, nuts, cheese, and cranberries in a bowl.
Toss with dressing before serving.
Serving Tip: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a cup of hot apple cider for a fresh, wholesome meal.
Recipe 4: Homemade Apple Butter
Smooth, spiced, and deeply flavorful, this recipe captures the essence of fall in a jar.
Ingredients:
6 cups peeled, chopped Breeden’s Orchard apples
½ cup apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
Combine apples and cider in a slow cooker. Cook on low 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Mash softened apples, then stir in sugar and spices. Cook another hour until thick and spreadable.
Cool and store in airtight jars.
Serving Tip: Spread over biscuits, swirl into oatmeal, or enjoy with our Breeden’s Orchard cider donuts for a comforting fall treat.
Recipe 5: Caramelized Apple Pancakes
Start your morning with a farm-fresh breakfast that tastes like the orchard.
Ingredients:
2 Breeden’s Orchard Gala apples, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Pancake batter (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Melt butter and sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples and cinnamon; sauté until tender and caramelized.
Pour pancake batter onto the griddle; place a few caramelized apples on each cake.
Flip and cook until golden.
Serving Tip: Stack high and drizzle with local honey or maple syrup. Serve with a warm cup of orchard cider.
Tips for Cooking with Orchard Apples
To get the best flavor and texture from our weekly fresh apples:
Match the apple to the dish: Tart varieties (like Granny Smith) are great for baking; sweet ones (like Fuji or Gala) shine in salads or pancakes.
Store properly: Keep apples refrigerated in a paper bag or breathable container to maintain crispness for up to four weeks.
Preserve freshness: A light coating of lemon juice prevents browning in pre-sliced apples.
Think beyond dessert: Add apples to pork dishes, roasted vegetables, or grilled sandwiches for a sweet and savory twist.
Each apple you cook with supports a tradition of Tennessee farming and a local network of growers who bring fresh produce to Breeden’s every week.
