If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dish that puts those fresh fall apples to good use, this apple cheese casserole is a great one! With its sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become one of your favorite potluck recipes. The combination of juicy apples and melted cheese might sound surprising, but it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or on its own, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.
Jump to RecipeApple Cheese Casserole
This is one of those old-fashioned recipes that takes me back to childhood. Sundays in the Deep South were something to be celebrated. Apple Cheese Casserole was a common find on the southern table accompanying a pot roast and veggies.
Fall always brings an abundance of apples. While I do love a good Apple fritter or Apple cobbler, this sweet and savory dish might be my favorite way to eat them.
It’s made using just a few simple ingredients and is surprisingly delicious!
Why You’ll Love an Apple Cheese Casserole
It’s a mix of sweet and savory. The combination of tart apples and sharp cheddar cheese creates a balanced flavor that’s both comforting and unique.
It has cozy fall flavors of baked apples. Baked apples always bring back memories of fall. It’s a taste of autumn in every bite.
It’s super easy to make. This recipe is made using just a few ingredients and is quick to throw together for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon meal.
It’s a unique dish. Apple cheese casserole is your everyday cream of whatever casserole. It’s unique and delicious. Your guests will definitely ask you to bring it again!
How to Make An Old-Fashioned Apple Cheese Casserole
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Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
- Apple Slicer (optional, but oh so convenient)
- Cheese grater
- Pastry cutter
- Glass Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Sugar
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ½ cup flour– All purpose flour will work
- ¼ cup butter cold
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese-I use cabot’s seriously sharp white cheddar and it’s my favorite for this dish.
- 7 medium Apples sliced and peeled -I use Honeycrisp, but any tart apple will do.
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350° F.
- Stir the ¾ cups sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ cup flour together in a small bowl until it’s combined.
- Cube the ¼ cup cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until you have course crumbles. I use a pastry cutter for this. The process is similar process to making biscuits.
- Next, combine the shredded cheese with the flour mixture and set it aside.
- Combine the 7 sliced and peeled apples in a separate large bowl with the water and lemon juice. Toss the apple slices until they’re coated.
- Prepare a 9 x13 baking dish. Place apples to the buttered baking dish. Layer apples in one even layer along the bottom of casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture over the top of the apples and press it down lightly.
- Bake the casserole at 350° for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Keeping the butter very cold creates a thicker crust in the casserole. Take your butter out of the fridge just before you use it.
Coating the peeled and cut apples in the lemon juice helps keep them from turning brown. Try to coat them right after they’re cut.
If you want a thicker casserole, bake the recipe in an 8×8 square dish.
Use fresh firm apples. This will prevent the apples from getting mushy while baking.
Shred your own cheese. Shredding the cheese yourself will help it to melt better in the casserole. Pre-shredded cheese just isn’t as good.
Let it rest before serving. After baking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together. This will make the casserole moist & delicious.
Don’t over bake the casserole. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not too browned, to avoid drying out the casserole.
Apple Cheese Casserole FAQs
What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any apples you like, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great since they balance out the sweetness of the dish. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will make the casserole taste a bit more dessert-like.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Some people like to add a crumb topping, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give it more flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Final Thoughts
In the end, apple cheese casserole is one of those dishes that are simple, comforting, and just a little unexpected. Whether you’re looking for a cozy side dish for a family meal or a unique recipe to bring to your next potluck, this one is sure to hit the spot. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s easy to see why this old-fashioned recipe has stood the test of time. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it every fall!
If you enjoyed this apple recipe, please share it!
More From The Farm
You are going to love this spicy sausage apple stuffed acorn squash recipe. It uses simple ingredients and gives you all the fresh flavors of fall in one dish. Not to mention it looks beautiful on your plate. Give it a try when you want something seasonal and special!
Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Cheese Casserole
Equipment
- 9"x13" casserole dish
- Apple Slicer
- Cheese grater
- pastry cutter
- Glass Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup flour all purpose
- 1/4 cup butter cold
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 7 medium apples peeled and sliced
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350° F.
- Stir the ¾ cups sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ cup flour together in a small bowl until it’s combined.
- Cube the ¼ cup cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until you have course crumbles. I use a pastry cutter for this. The process is similar process to making biscuits.
- Next, combine the shredded cheese with the flour mixture and set it aside.
- Combine the 7 sliced and peeled apples in a separate large bowl with the water and lemon juice. Toss the apple slices until they're coated.
- Prepare a 9 x13 baking dish. Place apples to the buttered baking dish. Layer apples in one even layer along the bottom of casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture over the top of the apples and press it down lightly.
- Bake the casserole at 350° for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
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