Description
This Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is a delightful vintage Southern side dish combining tart apples with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful bake that pairs wonderfully with pork or ham, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 4 large tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar for a balanced flavor.
- Layer Apples and Cheese: Spread half of the apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the apples. Repeat by layering the remaining apple mixture and topping it with the remaining cheese.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter, mixing thoroughly until the crackers are fully coated, which will create a crispy, rich topping.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the layered apples and cheese in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm as a comforting side dish to meats like pork or ham.
Notes
- This classic Southern side dish is perfect with pork or ham, adding a sweet and savory complement.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced, bold flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the apple mixture before baking.
- You can prepare the casserole a few hours in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
