The Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is one of those magical dishes that brings together tender baked apples, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and gooey, bubbling cheddar—all crowned with a buttery cracker topping. It’s a recipe that tastes like a comforting hug, equal parts sweet and savory, and a shining star at any potluck or family gathering. The apples turn meltingly soft, the cheese sharpens the flavor, and the crispy topping seals the deal. Whether you serve it as a quirky side or a cozy dessert, this classic casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with a handful of wholesome, simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the beautiful balance of flavors and textures that make Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole so special. Every bite is a testament to how just a few well-chosen components can make something extraordinary.
- 4 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith): Choose firm, tangy apples for the best texture and a wonderful contrast to the richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright zestiness while preventing the apples from browning.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps bring out their natural juices.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and that familiar apple-pie aroma everyone loves.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds gentle spice complexity to round out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpness of the cheese.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the juices so your casserole isn’t too soupy.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated): The star savory element—go for sharp cheddar to really make the flavors pop.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz): This creates the golden, crispy topping we all fight over.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Binds the cracker topping and adds luscious flavor to every bite.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze—always a win! While the oven heats, gather and prep all your ingredients so you’re ready for assembly.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
Place your peeled and sliced apples into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss thoroughly to coat. Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Give everything a good mix so that the apple slices are evenly covered with all that sweet, spiced goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spoon half of the apple mixture into the bottom of your greased casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the apples. Layer the remaining apples on top, then finish with the rest of the cheese. This double layering method helps the cheese melt beautifully throughout the casserole, binding all the flavors together.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. This mixture will create a perfectly crisp top that contrasts so wonderfully against the soft, luscious apples beneath.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top layer of the casserole. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is deeply golden and crisp. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors come together and makes for easier slicing.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated cheddar over the hot casserole adds pizzazz and a melty finish. For a pop of color, you can toss a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a dusting of cinnamon across the top before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey gives a wonderful glossy sheen and touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is its wonderful ability to swing both sweet and savory. It’s a perfect match alongside hearty pork chops, roast chicken, or holiday ham. For a lighter spread, pair it with a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted root vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This casserole shines as a family-style centerpiece, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner-party twist. Feeling adventurous? Serve a scoop atop a slice of crusty bread or as a unique filling for a savory hand pie for brunch. However you present it, this dish always delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It makes a wonderful next-day treat—if there’s any left!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your casserole, assemble everything up to the point of baking, but don’t add the cracker topping yet. Wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, zap individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method preserves that signature crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to swap in another strong, flavorful cheese like Gruyère or a smoked gouda. The idea is to balance the apples’ sweetness with a cheese that holds its own.
What variety of apples works best?
Granny Smith apples are the top choice for Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole thanks to their tartness and ability to hold their shape, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples also work beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free buttery crackers. The results will still be comforting and delicious.
Is this casserole served hot or cold?
This dish is best served warm, when the cheese is still melty and the cracker topping is nice and crisp. If you have leftovers, you can enjoy it at room temperature, but the flavors and texture shine when heated.
Could I add nuts or dried fruit?
Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty depth to the topping. A handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins mixed with the apples brings a festive twist to the casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s just a little quirky and a lot delicious, you simply have to give Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole a try. It’s that rare blend of nostalgic and unique—the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down and share with friends, family, and anyone who loves old-school flavor with a twist.
Print
Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is a delightful blend of tart apples, warm spices, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttery topping. It’s a comforting and nostalgic side dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
Seasoning and Coating:
- 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
- Mix Apples: In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour until coated.
- Layer: Spread half the apple mixture in the dish, top with half the cheese, repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
- Top and Bake: Combine crackers and butter, sprinkle over casserole. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and apples are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish complements pork or poultry dishes with its sweet-savory profile.
- For added richness, consider mixing in some apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
