Description
A nostalgic old-fashioned apple and cheese casserole combining tart apples with sharp cheddar and a buttery cracker topping. This sweet and savory side dish is baked to golden perfection, offering tender spiced apples layered with melted cheese and a crunchy crust, perfect alongside pork or poultry.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 4 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples with Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Mix well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugars.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the apple mixture in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the apples.
- Add Remaining Layers: Add the remaining apple mixture on top of the cheese layer, and then sprinkle the rest of the grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter evenly, then sprinkle this mixture over the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs exceptionally well as a sweet-savory side with pork or poultry dishes.
- For a richer flavor, add a dash of apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture before baking.
