Cozy Old-Fashioned Apple And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Nostalgia dances through this classic apple and cheese casserole, blending comfort with unexpected flavor combinations.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around each creamy, golden-crusted bite.

Sharp cheddar melts into sweet, tender apples, creating a symphony of textures that surprises and delights.

Rustic ingredients whisper stories of traditional home cooking, inviting you to reconnect with simpler times.

Warmth radiates from this hearty dish, promising a culinary journey that feels like a loving embrace.

Seasonal produce transforms into something magical when carefully layered and baked with care.

Apple Cheese Casserole With Sweet and Savory Mix

• Savor Sweet and Savory Comfort: This old-fashioned apple and cheese casserole offers delightful culinary experiences.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Assemble the dish in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients found in most kitchens, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a unique side dish or dessert that bridges sweet and savory flavors, appealing to both adults and children with its comforting texture and taste.
• Family-Friendly Cooking: Engage kids in the recipe by letting them help layer ingredients or crush crackers, creating fun bonding moments while learning basic cooking skills.

Apple and Cheese Casserole Old-Fashioned Ingredients

• Apples: Sweet-tart base of the casserole, crisp and firm varieties work best for baking.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that complements the apples, medium or sharp varieties recommended.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the casserole, creates a creamy texture.

• Sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture, helps create caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances apple flavor, optional but recommended.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds slight tartness.
• Crackers: Provides crunchy topping, saltine or butter crackers work well.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness.

Apple and Cheese Casserole Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruity Base

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh lemon juice

Gently toss until the apples are evenly coated and glistening.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Arrange the first half of seasoned apple slices across the bottom of the baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese over the apples.

Repeat the layering process with remaining apples and cheese, creating a beautiful, rustic pattern.

Step 4: Add Crispy Topping

Crush buttery crackers into fine crumbs.

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the cracker crumbs.

Scatter the buttery crumb mixture evenly across the layered apples and cheese.

Drizzle milk or heavy cream over the entire casserole to create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Apple Cheese Casserole Tips for a Cozy, Old-Fashioned Favorite

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance to the rich cheese.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet apples.
• Toss apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain a fresh, appetizing appearance in the casserole.
• Swap traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives or try different types like graham crackers or panko breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
• Adjust sugar amount based on apple variety and personal preference, using less sugar for sweeter apples or adding a touch more for tart varieties.

Reheat Apple and Cheese Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. This method helps maintain the crispy cracker topping.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. The texture might become slightly softer compared to oven reheating.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Complements

• Pair Sparkling Cider: Complement the sweet and savory apple cheese casserole with a crisp, effervescent sparkling apple cider that echoes the dish's fruity notes.
• Serve with Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Create a balanced meal by adding a tender, herbed roasted pork tenderloin that matches the casserole's rich and comforting flavors.
• Match with Butter Lettuce Salad: Balance the dish's richness with a light, refreshing butter lettuce salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy cheese and sweet apples.
• Pour Pinot Noir Wine: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit undertones that harmonize beautifully with the apple and cheese combination, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Apple Cheese Casserole in Old-Fashioned Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed almond flour cookies. Use certified gluten-free cheese and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Select tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to reduce overall sweetness. Decrease sugar quantity by half.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use heavy cream instead of milk. Choose high-fat cheese like aged cheddar. Select low-carb apples such as raspberries or strawberries in smaller quantities.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this casserole?

Yes, you can use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Aim for firm apples that hold their shape during baking.

• Is this dish considered a side or a dessert?

This versatile casserole can be served as both a sweet side dish or a unique dessert. Its combination of savory cheese and sweet apples makes it adaptable to different meal settings.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.

• What type of crackers work best for the topping?

Ritz or butter crackers are ideal for creating a crispy, golden topping. Saltine crackers can also work well, adding a nice salty crunch to the casserole.

Old-Fashioned Apple And Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade old-fashioned apple and cheese casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet fruits with rich dairy. Warm spices and golden crust invite you to savor this classic comfort dish that whispers memories of family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed Ritz crackers (or butter crackers)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×9-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Slice apples into uniform thin wedges, ensuring consistent cooking. Delicately coat the apple pieces with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning.
3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the seasoned apple slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich, savory blanket over the fruit.
4. Mirror the previous layer by adding the remaining apple slices atop the initial cheese layer. Repeat the cheese distribution, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy elements.
5. Transform crisp crackers into delicate crumbs by crushing them into fine particles. Merge the cracker fragments with melted butter, creating a golden, textured topping mixture.
6. Evenly scatter the buttery cracker crumbs across the apple and cheese landscape. Gently stream milk or heavy cream over the entire casserole, ensuring complete moisture distribution.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and enticing golden-brown coloration.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Select tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in the casserole.
• Adjust the cheese quantity based on personal preference, using sharp cheddar for more intense flavor or mild for a gentler taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Reduce sugar content by using baking stevia or a sugar alternative for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg