Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

If you’ve never had the magic of Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole, then you’re in for a treat. Picture this: tender apples baked to perfection in a rich, gooey cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy, golden crust. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and oh-so-delicious. The best part? It’s easy to make and will instantly elevate your dinner table or holiday spread. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug, balancing the tartness of apples with the richness of melted cheese. It’s definitely not your average casserole—and trust me, you’re going to love it.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

Here’s why you’re going to want to add this dish to your recipe box:

Sweet and Savory Magic

This casserole is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with apples bringing that delightful fruitiness and cheese providing the creamy richness. It’s like the ultimate flavor balance in every bite.

Great for Fall and Holiday Dinners

It’s the perfect dish for cooler weather, especially around Thanksgiving or Christmas. It pairs so well with roast meats like turkey, ham, or pork, but it’s also great as a side dish for just about any meal.

Super Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up this casserole. With simple ingredients and just a few steps, you can have this dish ready in no time—no complicated techniques needed.

Comforting and Cozy

Every bite of this casserole is cozy and satisfying. The tender apples, the melted cheese, and that crispy, buttery topping? It’s the kind of food that makes you want to curl up and enjoy every bite.

Perfect for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. The flavors even deepen overnight, making this dish perfect for meal prep or a comforting next-day lunch.

Ingredients in Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making this comforting, flavor-packed casserole:

Apples

The star of the show! You’ll need tart apples—Granny Smith apples work beautifully, as their tangy flavor contrasts perfectly with the richness of the cheese.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

This gives the casserole its bold, cheesy flavor. You want to use a sharp variety to balance the sweetness of the apples and create that gooey, melty cheese sauce.

Eggs

The eggs help bind everything together and create that custardy, smooth texture that makes every bite irresistible.

Milk & Cream

A combo of milk and heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, making it rich and velvety.

Sugar & Cinnamon

A little sugar brings out the apples’ sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic touch that takes this casserole to the next level.

Butter

You’ll need butter to coat the apples before baking and to add richness to the topping. It helps create a crispy, golden crust on top, which is always the best part!

Bread Crumbs

The bread crumbs form a crunchy, buttery topping that adds texture and a savory contrast to the tender apples and creamy cheese.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious casserole? Here’s how to bring it to life:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.

Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. Toss them in a little bit of melted butter and cinnamon, and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread them out evenly.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then gradually add the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Add the Eggs

Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then carefully pour them into the cheese sauce while stirring continuously. This helps create that creamy, custard-like texture. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the apples, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Add the Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, and dot with a little extra butter for a crispy, golden finish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. The apples should be tender and the cheese sauce should be thick and creamy.

Let It Cool

Once baked, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a serving of this golden, cheesy, apple-filled goodness and enjoy! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 250mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 250mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is so versatile, and there are several ways to serve it:

As a Side Dish

It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like turkey, ham, or pork, and adds a sweet-savory element to your meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh salad.

For Holiday Dinners

This casserole is a holiday favorite, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its unique flavor profile makes it a standout side dish at any holiday feast.

As a Light Main Dish

You can easily enjoy it on its own, served with a light side salad or some steamed veggies. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish for lunch or dinner.

With a Crisp Green Salad

For a nice contrast, serve this casserole with a crisp, fresh salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness will balance out the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Apples

For the best results, go with tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold up well when baked and contrast nicely with the cheese sauce. Avoid overly sweet apples, as they may make the casserole too sugary.

Add More Flavor

Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the warm, comforting flavors. You can even toss in some chopped pecans for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.

Make It Ahead of Time

You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed. It’s perfect for busy holiday meals!

Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freeze for Later

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Yes! While sharp cheddar works wonderfully, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for a unique twist.

Q2: Can I use a different type of apple?

A2: Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are the best for balance, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for a sweeter variation.

Q3: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

A3: Yes! Prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Q4: Can I add nuts to the casserole?

A4: Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts would provide a lovely crunch and complement the sweetness of the apples.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?

A6: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. Thaw overnight and bake until hot.

Q7: Can I make this dish without breadcrumbs?

A7: Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer. The casserole will still be delicious, though you might miss out on the crispy topping.

Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A8: You can make this casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and substituting the milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

A9: Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to use a larger baking dish. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Q10: What kind of side dishes go well with this casserole?

A10: This dish pairs beautifully with roast meats, like turkey or pork. It also goes well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is the kind of dish that combines nostalgia, comfort, and rich flavor. It’s easy to make, sure to impress, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or just to enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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