Cooking With Apple Cider Vinegar

a wide-rimmed white bowl holds Creamy Pork Stew with apple slaw on top

Credit: Chef John

While apple cider vinegar has been used since ancient Greek times as a potential health remedy, it shot to popularity in the U.S. in the last five years, as it was touted as a potential weight-loss tool when sipped by the spoonful before meals. While that strategy has yet to be proven effective, apple cider vinegar can have a serious impact on something else: your teeth. Sipping it straight may strip the enamel off your teeth. But you can still enjoy the tart, bright flavor of apple cider vinegar without the worry of tooth damage. Indeed, apple cider vinegar recipes are often majorly flavorful — and pack some hidden health benefits by way of B vitamins, vitamin C, and acetic acid. Put the affordable, low-calorie flavor-booster to terrific use in these sweet and savory apple cider vinegar recipes to get your dose in a healthy and delicious (and tooth-friendly!) way.

Our Favorite Apple Cider Vinegar: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother, $12.50/2 bottles; amazon.com

1 of 15

Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

a white platter of Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

Pork chops and applesauce are a classic comfort food meal combination, so it makes perfect sense that pork with an apple sauce would be scrumptious, too. These chops are glazed in a mixture of the flavorful pork pan drippings, apple cider, and apple cider vinegar, plus Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes. Pair it with mashed potatoes or risotto to round out the supremely cozy dinner.

15 Best Side Dishes for Pork Chops

2 of 15

Caramelized Maple Apple Pie with Candied Bacon Crumble

Caramelized Maple Apple Pie with Candied Bacon Crumble on a white platter with plates stacked

Credit: Ashley Baron Rodriguez

Apple cider vinegar recipes are good. But you know what's even better? Apple cider vinegar recipes that also feature apples. This holiday-worthy pie includes both, alongside a deep maple-caramel sauce and a buttery topping that's studded with crumbled bacon. The sweet and savory pie is loaded with 10 apples and will have everyone rushing back for seconds.

12 Apple Desserts That Are Easier Than Pie

3 of 15

Barbacoa-Style Shredded Beef

Shredded beef on tostadas with avocado and pico de gallo

Credit: Baking Nana

Ideal as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, or as a topping for salads, nachos, or tostadas, this super-versatile slow-cooker beef recipe is inspired by Chipotle's barbacoa. Beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice team up in the simmer sauce to ensure each ounce is tender and succulent.

4 of 15

Creamy Pork Stew

a wide-rimmed white bowl holds Creamy Pork Stew with apple slaw on top

Credit: Chef John

Speaking of succulent, the pork shoulder in this comforting stew sure is once you braise it in a Dutch oven low and slow with a pile of veggies, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and a whole host of aromatic herbs and spices. Garnish each serving with matchstick-sliced apples to accentuate the fall fruit flavors.

5 of 15

Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts

Credit: KGora

6 of 15

Apple Cider Beef Stew

a light brown bowl holds Apple Cider Beef Stew and sits on a wooden table

For a triple-play of fall flavors, this rich beef stew calls for a large McIntosh apple, 2 ½ cups of apple cider, and ¼ cup apple cider vinegar. Along with 2 pounds of beef and plenty of hearty vegetables, this stovetop stew recipe makes for one stick-to-your ribs meal.

7 of 15

Chef John's Apple Butter

a weck jar with a knife holds Chef John's Apple Butter

Credit: Chef John

Essentially apple pie in spreadable form (yes, please), apple butter actually contains zero fat. Instead, it's deemed a butter based on its rich consistency. This condiment is made with oodles of apples, apple cider vinegar, warm spices, and white and brown sugars. Try it on toast, biscuits, waffles, banana bread, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or whatever your apple-loving heart desires.

8 of 15

Grilled Hawaiian Salmon with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

Credit: Pamie T.

Now, for something completely different. This apple cider vinegar recipe offers a taste of the islands by way of tropical fruits (strawberry and pineapple) and grilled salmon. The fresh results might just make you feel like you have your toes in the sand on a beach. Here, vinegar adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness of the strawberry preserves in the fish marinade.

9 of 15

Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

a green mug filled with Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

Credit: jrzygrl665

If you are set on sipping your apple cider vinegar, you can definitely do so safely. Just dilute it with some water, as explained in this easy tea recipe. Then for a flavor that will have you asking "what latte?!" stir in lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon.

Browse more Hot Tea Recipes.

10 of 15

Sweet & Spicy Asian Style BBQ Back Ribs

Sweet Spicy Asian Style BBQ Back Ribs on a plate with slaw

Credit: Kim's Cooking Now

While it's designed for ribs, you could use this Asian-inspired homemade barbecue sauce on any meat you love. With a sweet and spicy mix of honey, apple cider vinegar, chili garlic sauce (we love Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce; $5 for 8 ounces, amazon.com), red plum jam, tamarind juice, and soy sauce, this is one beyond-bottled condiment that trumps anything you can buy at the store.

11 of 15

Snickerdoodle-Crusted Apple Pie

a white scalloped plate with a slice of Snickerdoodle-Crusted Apple Pie and a scoop of ice cream

Credit: Allrecipes

Many pie crust recipes call for vinegar or vodka for the most tender, flaky results. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense to add a splash of apple cider vinegar to your pastry that lines an apple pie. This delicious dessert recipe takes the fall vibes to the next level with a snickerdoodle cookie-flavored crumble topping.

Or try our most popular apple pie, Grandma Ople's Apple Pie

12 of 15

Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt

a sandwich made with Maple-Brined and Apple-Smoked Pork Butt, slaw, and a pickle on a long white rectangle plate

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole

Spray your smoked meat with three parts apple cider vinegar and one part maple syrup for a tasty crust that will make the external pieces the most desired of the meal. (Psst…since you brine the pork butt in a salty maple syrup solution for a few hours before smoking, the inside is moist and craveable too.)

13 of 15

Homemade Kombucha, aka Fauxbucha

Homemade Kombucha on blue background

Credit: France C

As one of the trendiest drinks around, a daily kombucha habit can add up as a budget line item fast. But if you DIY, you'll pay a fraction of the cost per serving. All you need: Club soda, ground ginger, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and frozen blueberries.

What Is Kombucha?

14 of 15

Easy Apple Cabbage Slaw

Easy Apple Cabbage Slaw in a blue bowl on a blue and white gingham tablecloth

Credit: lutzflcat

For a refreshing side to pair with any of the barbecue recipes above, try this crisp sweet and tangy slaw. Apples, cabbage, and green onions taste incredible dressed with an apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard vinaigrette.

Get even more Coleslaw Recipes.

15 of 15

The Perfect Buffalo Wing Sauce

a black plate holds The Perfect Buffalo Wing Sauce, onion rings, and celery with a cup of ranch

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole

Craving pub fare but dining at home? Wing it! This 10-minute sauce can transform standard naked chicken wings into a work of edible art fast. All it takes is apple cider vinegar, butter, white sugar, and hot pepper sauce (like Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Wing Sauce; $10/23-ounce bottle, amazon.com).

These Apple Cider Vinegar Hair and Skin Products Are the Real Deal

Up Next