Description
This Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole combines tart Granny Smith apples with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping for a nostalgic sweet-savory side dish. Perfectly baked until golden and tender, it offers a delightful balance of flavors that pairs wonderfully with 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 Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Mix Apples: In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tartness.
- Add Seasonings and Sugar: To the apples, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and all-purpose flour. Toss well so all apples are evenly coated with the mixture, ensuring balanced flavor and thicker consistency when baked.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the apple mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the apples.
- Top with Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining apple mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese for a rich cheesy finish.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well combined to form a crunchy topping.
- Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture over the top of the casserole for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
Notes
- This casserole pairs beautifully as a sweet and savory side dish alongside pork or poultry dishes.
- For enhanced flavor, consider adding a dash of apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture before baking.
