Description
This Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole combines the sweet tartness of apples with the creamy richness of cheese, creating a unique and comforting dish. The perfect balance of savory and sweet, this casserole is a great side dish for fall or holiday meals, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats or even as a standalone treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional for added warmth)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add the milk and sour cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish, layer the sliced apples evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the apples, making sure they are well-coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a delicious stand-alone dish.
Notes
- You can use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- For a bit of texture, you can add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the breadcrumb topping.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg