Apricots are a delicious fruit that can be used in many tasty recipes. From sweet desserts to savory main dishes, these fuzzy orange fruits add a unique flavor to all kinds of foods.

You can try apricots fresh, dried, canned, or cooked in different ways.

There are over 15 great apricot recipes you can make at home to enjoy this versatile fruit. You’ll find options for appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, and more.

Whether you want to bake a tart, simmer a chutney, or toss apricots in a salad, there’s an apricot recipe to suit your tastes. Trying new apricot dishes is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.

1. Apricot Almond Tart

This tasty dessert combines sweet apricots with a rich almond base. You’ll need a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom for best results.

Start by making a buttery pastry crust. While it chills, prepare the almond cream filling, also called frangipane.

Spread this mixture evenly in the crust.

Arrange fresh apricot halves on top of the almond cream. Bake the tart at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Let the tart cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. The flavors of apricot and almond blend perfectly in this elegant summer dessert.

2. Apricot Glazed Chicken

Apricot glazed chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You can make it with chicken breasts or other cuts of chicken.

The glaze typically includes apricot preserves, which give the chicken a sweet, fruity taste. Many recipes also add mustard and soy sauce for extra flavor.

To make this dish, you’ll start by seasoning the chicken. Then brush on the apricot glaze before baking or grilling.

As the chicken cooks, the glaze caramelizes, creating a sticky, flavorful coating. The result is juicy chicken with a delicious apricot crust.

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. You can serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

3. Apricot Jam Filled Cookies

Apricot jam filled cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery sweetness with fruity tartness. You can make these cookies easily at home with simple ingredients.

Start by rolling out shortcrust pastry and cutting it into circles. Place a small spoonful of apricot jam on half of the circles. Cover each with another circle and seal the edges.

Bake the cookies until they’re light golden brown and the jam is bubbly. Let them cool before dusting with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

These cookies look lovely on holiday cookie plates. The apricot filling adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the buttery cookie base. Try making a batch for your next gathering or as an afternoon snack.

4. Apricot Crumble

Apricot crumble is a tasty dessert you can make easily at home. It combines sweet apricots with a crunchy topping.

To make it, start by preparing the apricots. Cut them in half and remove the pits. Place them in a baking dish.

For the crumble topping, mix flour, oats, sugar, and butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the apricots.

Bake the crumble in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown. The apricots will become soft and jammy.

You can serve apricot crumble warm or cold. Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

5. Apricot Salad with Mint

Apricot salad with mint offers a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy flavors. You can create this dish using fresh apricots, mint leaves, and a few other ingredients.

Start by slicing ripe apricots into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a bowl with some crumbled feta cheese for a salty contrast.

Chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the apricots and feta. The mint adds a cool, aromatic touch to the salad.

For dressing, mix olive oil with a splash of lemon juice. Drizzle this over your salad and toss gently to combine all the flavors.

This light and fruity salad works great as a side dish or a healthy snack. You can enjoy it on warm summer days or anytime you crave a burst of fresh flavors.

6. Spicy Apricot Chutney

Spicy apricot chutney is a tasty condiment that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You can make it with fresh or dried apricots, depending on what’s available.

To prepare this chutney, you’ll need apricots, onions, ginger, and various spices. Common spices include cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds, and cumin.

Cook the ingredients together in a pot, stirring occasionally. The cooking time can range from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the recipe you choose.

This versatile chutney pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with cheese, meats, or as a spread on sandwiches. It’s also a great gift idea for food lovers.

7. Apricot Ginger Muffins

Apricot ginger muffins combine sweet fruit and spicy ginger for a tasty breakfast treat. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, whisk oil, milk, eggs, and apricot nectar. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped crystallized ginger.

Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown. The ginger adds a zesty kick while the apricots provide bursts of fruity flavor.

These muffins make a great on-the-go breakfast or afternoon snack. You can use fresh, dried, or canned apricots depending on what’s available.

8. Apricot Smoothie

Apricot smoothies are a tasty and healthy drink you can enjoy any time. They’re quick to make and perfect for busy mornings or refreshing breaks.

To make an apricot smoothie, blend fresh or frozen apricots with your choice of liquid. You can use milk, yogurt, or plant-based alternatives for different flavors and textures.

Add extras like banana, mango, or berries to mix up the taste. For more nutrients, try adding spinach or protein powder. Sweeten with honey or dates if needed.

Apricot smoothies are versatile and can fit many diets. They’re naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or nut-free too.

9. Grilled Apricots with Honey

Grilled apricots with honey make a tasty summer treat. Cut apricots in half and remove the pits. Brush them with olive oil and place them cut-side down on a hot grill.

Grill for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Flip them over and cook for a few more minutes. Take the apricots off the grill and put them on plates.

Drizzle warm honey over the grilled apricots. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh thyme. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of brie cheese for a delicious dessert.

10. Apricot Yogurt Parfait

Apricot yogurt parfait is a tasty and healthy breakfast or snack option. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by layering Greek yogurt, chopped fresh or canned apricots, and granola in a glass. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon between layers. You can also mix in some vanilla extract with the yogurt.

This parfait provides protein from the yogurt and nuts in the granola. The apricots add natural sweetness and vitamins. It’s a balanced and satisfying treat you can enjoy any time of day.

11. Apricot Balsamic Glaze

Apricot balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to many dishes. You can make it by combining apricot preserves with balsamic vinegar. Heat the mixture in a pan until it thickens.

This glaze works well on pork chops. Cook the chops in a pan, then add the glaze. Let it simmer until the pork is done and the sauce coats the meat.

You can also use this glaze on chicken. It creates a rich, flavorful coating that complements the mild taste of chicken breasts.

For a fruity twist, try the glaze on fresh apricots. Cook halved apricots in a skillet with butter, then add the glaze. The result is a tasty side dish or dessert.

12. Apricot Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This tasty dish combines juicy pork with sweet apricots. You’ll start by slicing a pork tenderloin lengthwise. Next, stuff it with a mix of dried apricots, shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, and fresh thyme.

Once stuffed, you’ll roast the pork in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. While it cooks, prepare an apricot sauce using apricot preserves, honey, and a splash of sherry.

Brush the sauce over the pork during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This adds extra flavor and creates a glossy finish. The result is a tender, fruity pork dish perfect for special dinners.

13. Apricot Sorbet

Apricot sorbet is a refreshing frozen treat perfect for hot summer days. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking fresh apricots with sugar and water. Blend the mixture until smooth and add a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Pour the blend into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a machine, pour it into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes.

For extra flavor, try adding a drop of almond extract. You can also use dried apricots soaked in water if fresh ones aren’t available.

Serve your homemade apricot sorbet in chilled bowls for a cool, fruity dessert.

14. Roasted Apricots with Ricotta

Roasted apricots with ricotta make a tasty treat. You can whip up this simple dish in no time.

Start by cutting apricots in half and removing the pits. Place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast the apricots in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes. They’ll be hot and juicy when done.

Serve the warm apricots with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese. For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey on top.

This dish works great as a dessert or a fancy breakfast. You can also try it as a side dish with dinner.

15. Apricot Granola Bars

Apricot granola bars are a tasty and portable snack option. You can make these treats at home with simple ingredients.

Start by soaking dried apricots in hot water to soften them. Mix oats, wheat germ, cereal, and seeds in a bowl. Add the softened apricots to the dry mixture.

In a separate bowl, melt some margarine or coconut oil. Stir in honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and combine well.

Press the mixture into a lined baking pan. Bake until golden brown and let cool before cutting into bars.

These homemade bars are packed with fiber and protein. They make a great grab-and-go breakfast or midday snack.

Vitamins and Minerals

Apricots contain high levels of vitamin A, which helps your eyesight and immune system. One apricot gives you about 13% of your daily vitamin A needs.

They also provide vitamin C to boost your immunity and help your body absorb iron.

You’ll get potassium from apricots too. This mineral supports heart health and helps control blood pressure.

Apricots offer small amounts of vitamins E and K, plus some B vitamins.

The fruit contains fiber to aid digestion. A single apricot has about 0.7 grams of fiber.

Eating a few can help you reach your daily fiber goal.

Health Benefits

The nutrients in apricots may lower your risk of some health issues. Their vitamin A content supports eye health and may reduce your chances of vision problems as you age.

Apricots’ antioxidants fight harmful molecules in your body. This could lower your risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

The fruit’s fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly.

The potassium in apricots supports heart health. It may help control your blood pressure and lower your risk of stroke.

Apricots also contain compounds that could improve skin health and slow skin aging.

Cooking Tips for Apricot Dishes

Apricots can add a sweet and tangy flavor to many recipes. To get the best results, it’s important to choose ripe fruit and handle it properly. Here are some tips for working with apricots in your cooking.

Selecting the Best Apricots

Look for apricots with a deep orange color and a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid fruit that is too soft or has brown spots.

The sweetest apricots will have a strong, fruity smell. If they don’t have much scent, they may lack flavor.

For cooking, you can use fresh or canned apricots. Fresh ones work well in tarts and jams. Canned apricots are good for sauces and glazes.

When buying dried apricots, choose ones that are soft and pliable. Hard, brittle apricots may be old and lack flavor.

Storage and Preparation

Store ripe apricots in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them in a paper bag to absorb extra moisture.

To ripen firm apricots, leave them at room temperature for 2-3 days. Put them in a paper bag with a banana to speed up the process.

Wash apricots just before using them. The fuzzy skin is edible, but you can peel it if you prefer.

To remove the pit, cut the apricot in half and twist the halves apart. Then pop out the pit with your fingers or a spoon.

For smoother sauces, puree the apricots in a food processor. Strain out any large pieces of skin if needed.