10 Ways to Use Leftover Apple Peels

It’s that time of year, when apple-filled desserts reign supreme. Whether it’s classic apple pie, German apple cake, slow-cooked apple crisp, or streusel-topped muffins one thing is certain — it’s only a matter of time before you’re staring down a big pile of apple peels. Instead of tossing them, here are seven ways to give those peels a new life in the kitchen.

Tossed with a touch of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar, apple peels can be roasted into the light and crispy snack your fall afternoon needs.

Steeped in boiling water, along with a cinnamon stick and honey, apple peels make a soothing tea. Bonus: Use the peels of red apples and you’ll brew up a lovely pink-hued beverage.

Apples peels bring a big boost of fiber, along with extra sweetness, to smoothies. Add them along with other fibrous ingredients like greens. Keep them stored in a resealable bag in the freezer in between blending up a drink.

For a garnish that’s as pretty as it is delicious, julienne apple peels into thin strips for a sweet seasonal salad topper.

Here’s a reason to save the apple cores along with the peels. Mixed with sugar and submerged in water, it’s easy to turn apple scraps into a batch of DIY apple cider vinegar.

Combined with water, then brought to a boil and simmered for about 30 minutes, the acid in the apple peels helps to remove stains from aluminum cookware.

Chop up peels and add them to you next batch of pancakes, classic waffles, or whole grain muffins. The peels add a subtle apple flavor and will boost the fiber content of any of these dishes. Pair them with cinnamon to keep everything tasting like apple pie.

Apple stock is as simple as taking all of your apple scraps, taking cues from a savory stock, and boiling it off.  Homemade apple stock can be added to cocktails, such as sangria or a spritz. It can also be cooked down to a glaze for chicken or roasted vegetables, or used in place of apple cider in cider doughnuts.

Apple peels and cores are full of apple-y flavor. Take advantage of this by infusing liquor to make an apple-scented base for fall cocktails. Vodka is a great option for fruit infusions, but you could also try adding a few cinnamon sticks and infusing some bourbon.

Add finely chopped apple peels to your morning oatmeal for a hit of apple flavor. You can also puree the peels in a blender or food processor and swirl it into oatmeal or hot cereal.