A matchstick cut is a lot what it sounds like–it refers slicing your produce into thin rectangular sticks. It’s often referred to as a julienne cut. Matchsticked apples can be a great addition to a salad, or a fun crunchy topping for a savory dish. The cut may look delicate, but if you know how to do it, it’s not challenging at all. Watch the video below to learn how to cut an apple into matchsticks.
To cut an apple into matchsticks, start by removing the core. With the apple standing upright, make four straight slices to separate each side of the apple from the core. You should end up with four slices of apple, and one rectangular portion containing the core. Discard the core and work with one apple portion at a time.
To form matchsticks, lay the apple portion cut side down on a board. Make vertical cuts from top to bottom to form thin slices all the way across the apple.
Keeping these slices lined up and stand them on their side to form a stack. One side of the stack should be straight, and the other will be the natural round shape of the apple. Start at the flat edge of this stack and make thin cuts all the way across to form thin stick-shaped slices.
Now that you know how to cut apples into matchsticks, try some of our favorite apple recipes.
Recipes with Matchsticked Apples
Pork Chops with Pan Sauce & Apple-Kohlrabi Slaw
Bright apple, tangy lime, and creamy sesame tahini make a flavorful complement to a seared pork chop.
Roast Pork with Green Apple & Endive Salad
A crisp apple, mint and raw endive side salad and a garnish of aromatic fennel pollen complete this well-balanced feast.
Sweet Potato & Fontina Pizza with Apple, Celeriac & Arugula Salad
Pair this hearty fall pizza with a seasonal salad topped with matchsticked apples.
Chicken Schnitzel with Watercress, Apple, Beet & Red Walnut Salad
Thinly pounded chicken cutlets paired with a refreshing salad of baby red beets, watercress and tart apple make a delicious dinner.
Find more easy how-to videos on Blue Apron’s YouTube channel.
