Cozy Old-Fashioned Apple And Cheese Casserole Recipe for Fall

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance around this old-fashioned apple and cheese casserole that promises comfort in every delectable bite.

Crisp autumn apples mingle with creamy cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers nostalgia.

Rustic and unpretentious, this dish connects us to simpler times when ingredients were fresh and meals felt like warm hugs.

Layers of tart fruit and rich dairy blend seamlessly, promising a taste experience that transcends generations.

Unexpected ingredients spark culinary curiosity, making this recipe a delightful surprise for adventurous cooks.

Comfort food doesn’t get more authentic than this humble yet extraordinary casserole that invites you to savor each comforting spoonful.

Prepare to fall in love with a classic that feels both familiar and exciting.

FAQs

• Why add lemon juice to the apples?

Lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and richness of the cheese.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with monterey jack or gouda for a similar creamy, melty texture that complements the apples.

• What do the crackers do in this recipe?

The crushed crackers create a crispy, buttery topping that adds crunch and a golden-brown layer to the casserole, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft apples and melted cheese.

Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Classic

• Elevate Family Dinners: A nostalgic comfort food that brings generations together with its classic combination of sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and simple ingredients, making it an ideal dish for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend dessert that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
• Create Delicious Memories: Offers a delightful twist on traditional apple desserts, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks joy and conversation around the dinner table.

Ingredients to Create Apple and Cheese Casserole

• Apples: Sweet and tart fruit that provides the main flavor and texture of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy topping.

• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from browning.
• Crackers: Creates a crunchy, buttery topping for the casserole.

How to Bake Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Apple Flavor Base

• Sliced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh lemon juice

Toss the ingredients until the apple slices are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.

Step 3: Layer First Apple Foundation

Spread half of the seasoned apple slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer of fruity goodness.

Step 4: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the first apple layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Complete Layering Process

Repeat the previous two steps by adding the remaining apple slices on top of the cheese, followed by another layer of shredded cheddar.

Step 6: Craft Crispy Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are thoroughly coated and slightly clumpy.

Step 7: Create Crunchy Topping

Distribute the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the top of the cheese and apple layers, creating a delightful crunchy surface.

Step 8: Add Creamy Moisture

Gently pour milk or heavy cream over the entire casserole, allowing the liquid to seep between the layers.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate it’s ready.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy the warm, comforting blend of sweet apples, melted cheese, and crispy topping.

Tips for Perfect Apple and Cheese Casserole

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a balanced flavor against the rich cheese.
• Experiment with sharp cheddar for a bold taste or mild cheddar for a smoother, gentler cheese profile that complements the apples.
• Toast cracker crumbs briefly before sprinkling to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that maintains its crunch throughout baking.
• Substitute heavy cream for milk to create a more luxurious, velvety texture that adds depth to the casserole's overall taste.

Variations to Try with Apple and Cheese Casserole

• Caramel Apple Crunch: Replace white sugar with brown sugar and drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking. Add chopped pecans to the cracker topping for extra crunch.
• Savory Herb Cheese Version: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the cheese layer. Use gouda or gruyere cheese instead of cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Maple Walnut Edition: Substitute sugar with maple syrup and add chopped walnuts to the apple mixture. Sprinkle extra maple syrup over the casserole before serving.
• Rustic Berry Fusion: Replace half the apple slices with mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries. Use cream cheese alongside cheddar for a tangy, creamy texture.

Pairings That Complement Apple and Cheese Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of cheese and complements apple's sweetness, creating a refreshing balance.
• Enhance with Nutty Side Salad: Arugula with toasted walnuts and light vinaigrette provides a crisp, peppery contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.
• Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: Herbal chai or spiced black tea echoes the cinnamon notes in the dish, adding warmth and depth to each bite.
• Serve Alongside Maple-Glazed Ham: Savory, sweet ham creates a perfect protein companion that elevates the apple and cheese flavors with its caramelized edges.

Proper Storage for Apple and Cheese Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.

Wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.

Preheat oven to 350F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm to prevent texture breakdown.

Old-Fashioned Apple And Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to your kitchen. Sweet apples and melted cheese create a delightful harmony that warms hearts and satisfies hungry guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Slice apples and toss them gently with sugar, ground cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice until evenly coated.
3. Layer half of the seasoned apple slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the initial apple layer.
5. Create a second layer by adding remaining apple slices on top of the cheese.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the second apple layer.
7. Crush crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter until thoroughly mixed.
8. Evenly scatter the buttery cracker crumbs across the entire casserole surface.
9. Drizzle milk or heavy cream gently over the entire casserole to ensure moisture.
10. Transfer to preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until cheese melts and top turns golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in the casserole.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent layers throughout the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or gouda to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg