9 Types of Apples Everyone Should Know (2024)

There's nothing quite as satisfying as the first bite into a sweet, juicy, freshly picked apple. But here's the thing: Not all apple types are meant to be eaten out-of-hand. Some are best for baking into pies and tarts; others pair perfectly with savory dishes like pork chops or sausage.

Here, we've covered the most popular types of apples in the United States—plus how they taste, look, and where to find them. Take a look at our apple variety chart, and read on for more info on your favorite kinds. Happy crunching!

9 Types of Apples Everyone Should Know (1)

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Fuji

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Aptly named after Mount Fuji, this perfect-for-snacking apple variety was originally developed during the 1930s in Japan and didn't make its way to the United States until the 1980s. Fuji apples are distinguished by their crisp texture, sweet flavor, and striped red-and-yellow skin. They're made by crossing Red Delicious with Ralls Janet apples.

Fuji Apple Recipe Ideas

If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser, look no further than sage and apple stuffing that calls for Fuji or Pink Lady apples. The finely diced apples also create the perfect crunch in a gorgonzola cream and prosciutto endives recipe. Or, if you're in the mood for a salad, sliced Fuji apples tossed in a lemony tahini kale salad pair perfectly with hearty turkey-and-rice meatballs.

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Red Delicious

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Red Delicious apples originated in Iowa during the 1870s. If you look up "apple" in the dictionary, you'll likely find a picture of a Red Delicious, as they're the most popular variety in the U.S.. Their iconic red skin, wide top, and footed bottoms are best for chopping up and mixing into dishes raw, like salad.

Red Delicious Apple Recipe Ideas

These sweet-tart apples are perfect for big-batch morning glory baked oatmeal, your next breakfast menu staple, due to the flavor they add to the oats. You also can't go wrong with an apple streusel cake. It has all of your favorite apple pie flavors wrapped up into a scrumptious cake with a crave-worthy streusel on top.

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Honeycrisp

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If apples were in high school, Honeycrisp apples would be on the varsity football team or would win prom queen (or both). This super popular variety is prized for its extra sweet and juicy flavor, explosive crispness, and reddish-yellow color. Honeycrisps are perfect for eating as is, tossing into salads, or making into sauces.

Honeycrisp Apple Recipe Ideas

Honeycrisp apples are known for their crisp texture that remains even after being baked. Knowing this, an apple pie skillet cake with some Honeycrisps will not disappoint. Or throw a sliced Honeycrisp into a hearty mustardy kale salad, for the perfect mixture of crispy apple and tender sweet potato, all topped with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted Honeycrisp apples also bring sweet flavor to pork and fennel on a sheet pan.

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Granny Smith

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Almost as popular as Red Delicious, this is the go-to bright green apple of the bunch. Granny Smith apples originated in Australia and have a super tart taste and crisp, firm texture. Some relish the sour taste, while others might prefer to bake it into a sweet(er) dessert or cook it down into a savory dish.

Granny Smith Apple Recipe Ideas

With only 30 minutes of hands-on time, a brown butter and vanilla pear pie, which calls for two Granny Smith apples, will surely delight your whole crew. Granny Smith apples also take center stage in a honey-apple galette with pistachio sugar, which mixes honey and apple flavors inside an inviting, flaky crust. Looking for something a little less sweet? Carrot-apple slaw served alongside your choice of protein, is made with Granny Smith apples cut into matchsticks.

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Golden Delicious

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This apple type gets its name from its bright, yellow-green skin and mild, buttery flavor. Golden Delicious apples are softer on the inside and thin-skinned, so they're prone to bruising or shriveling in storage. Eat them quickly instead. They're best for baking into pies and making sauces and work fairly well for freezing.

Golden Delicious Apple Recipe Ideas

The Golden Delicious is the golden choice for an old-fashioned apple pie—nothing says comfort quite like this dessert. Make some apple cider or kick it up a notch with an apple cinnamon-spiced co*cktail. Lastly, get cozy with delectable cinnamon-spiced apple cider donuts.

McIntosh

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Even softer than Golden Delicious, McIntosh apples are creamy (and a bit mealy) on the inside, which makes them a great option for being cooked down into applesauce or soup. They have a juicy, tart-and-tangy flavor, deep red skin, and bright white interior. Because McIntosh apples lack firmness, you'll need additional thickener if you choose to bake with them.

McIntosh Apple Recipe Ideas

The McIntosh apple is perfect for an apple-and-pear sauce made in the slow cooker as it is easy to cook down and will produce the perfect sauce consistency. Just make sure to remove the seeds before cooking the apples!

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Cortland

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Cortland apples are similar to McIntosh in shape (round and squat) and taste (creamy and tart). But because they're not quite as soft as McIntoshes, you can bake or cook with them or eat them raw. Cortlands are known for browning a bit slower than other types, so they're a smart option if you'll be slicing and serving them as a snack or in a salad.

Cortland Apple Recipe Ideas

If you've never had apple chips, you're missing out—and they're surprisingly simple to make. Cortland apples make crispy chips—ideal for (healthy) snacking or as a topper for your oatmeal or pancakes! These apples also give an excellent amount of crunch tossed in with celery and crispy buckwheat.

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Empire

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These apples popped up in the "Empire State" of New York in 1966 after the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station crossed a Red Delicious apple with a McIntosh. They're juicy, firm, and deliciously sweet. Eat Empires as a snack or for cooking or baking.

Empire Apple Recipe Ideas

Empire apples add a sweet flavor to chicken when it's being roasted, and pair nicely with leeks. For a quick treat, try microwave-baking a few Empire apples that are sure to remain juicy and tasty even after the cooking process.

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Gala

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Galas have a unique tall but small shape. They're also lighter in color than most—the red on the outside gets shown up by the bright yellow-orange undertones. Their mild, sweet, crisp flavor makes them ideal for snacking (especially for kids) or cooking.

Gala Apple Recipe Ideas

Delicious potato pierogi, which can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, calls for gala apples for their crisp texture. For the perfect savory and sweet appetizer, try caramelized onion and apple tarts—but don't expect to bring home leftovers. Finally, gala apples cut into matchsticks and paired with walnuts are heavenly in a quick and flavorful ravioli dish.