Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole
Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is a warm, comforting classic that perfectly combines the sweet tartness of crisp apples with creamy, melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, featuring a golden, crunchy topping and a tender, cheesy apple interior. Ideal for family dinners, brunch, or special occasions, it offers nostalgic charm with simple ingredients and versatile serving options.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fruits
- 4 cups tart and sweet apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
Cheese & Dairy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup cream or milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (for greasing and topping)
Toppings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown, to toss with apples)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them gently with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar to infuse warmth and sweetness.
- Mix the Cheese and Cream: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and combine it with cream or milk, stirring until smooth. This mixture will bind the apples and cheese harmoniously in the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Butter a casserole dish and layer the seasoned apples evenly. Pour the cheese and cream mixture over the apples, allowing the flavors to meld and moisture to lock in.
- Add Topping: Mix breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the top to form a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is browned and bubbly and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Grate cheese fresh for creamier melting and better texture.
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure even baking.
- Do not overcrowd the casserole dish to avoid mushy apples.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to set properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: apple casserole, cheese casserole, baked apples, comfort food, family dinner, brunch dish, cheddar cheese, easy casserole, nostalgic recipe