Name: Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a unique, comforting bake that’s equal parts sweet and savory, the Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole checks every box. Imagine juicy tart apples layered with rich, sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a buttery cracker crumble — you get a warm, bubbly dish with contrast in every bite. This classic Southern favorite has been beloved for generations, and once you try it, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!

Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The soul of Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole lies in its humble handful of ingredients. Each adds its own personality, whether it’s tartness from apples or that irresistible crunch from the buttery cracker topping. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

4 cups tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): Go for Granny Smith or a mix with Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tart and sweet that holds up to baking.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the apples’ flavor and keeps them from browning as you prep.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just enough to complement the savory cheese without turning this dish into a dessert.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, gentle spice that deepens the casserole’s flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: That touch of warmth you only get with nutmeg, pairing beautifully with both apple and cheese.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The star of the show, delivering big, bold flavor and melty goodness in every layer.
1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz): Brings irresistible crunch and a nostalgic flavor that ties the whole casserole together.
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Marries with the crackers to create the golden, crisp topping we all crave.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help those delicious flavors meld together smoothly as the casserole bakes.

Step 2: Toss the Apples

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every apple slice is evenly coated — you’ll immediately smell the irresistible sweet and spicy aroma. This quick toss ensures all the flavors mix and the apples stay fresh and vibrant.

Step 3: Layer Apples and Cheese

Spread half of your apple mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, sprinkle half of your sharp cheddar cheese over the apples, blanketing them with that savory touch. Repeat both layers with the remaining apples and cheese. This creates a perfect balance of gooey, cheesy layers and juicy, baked apples.

Step 4: Mix and Add the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until every crumb glistens. Then, spread this mixture evenly over your cheesy apple layers — this topping gives the dish its famous golden, crispy crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When the apples are tender and the cracker topping is irresistibly golden and crisp, you’re done! Let it cool slightly before serving so all those savory, sweet juices can settle.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole

Garnishes

Top your Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, or a light dusting of cinnamon. A drizzle of honey can also add sweetness for adventurous eaters — and don’t forget a few extra cheese shreds for that ultimate melty finish!

Side Dishes

This casserole shines brightest alongside classic Southern mains. Serve it with baked ham, roast pork, or grilled chicken for a soul-satisfying meal. It does wonders as a holiday side, mingling beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a big pan, you can bake Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole in individual ramekins for adorable single servings. Or stuff hollowed apples with the casserole mixture for an entirely new spin — the presentation will wow your guests and pad out any special gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole stores brilliantly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors become even cozier and well-blended with time, making lunch the next day extra satisfying!

Freezing

Yes — you can freeze this casserole! Let the baked dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the casserole back in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil, until warmed through — about 15 to 20 minutes. For a crispier topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Microwave reheating works, too, but the oven does a better job of reviving that crunchy crown.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar traditionally brings the best savory bite for Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole, feel free to experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for a fun flavor twist.

What apples work best?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith or a blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp give a harmonious sweet-tart flavor and hold their shape during baking — perfect for this casserole’s rustic charm.

Is this dish sweet or savory?

This is what makes Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole so beloved: it beautifully toes the line between sweet and savory, with just enough sugar to highlight the apples and that wonderful hit of cheese for richness.

Can I prepare it ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping, then store covered in the fridge for up to a day. When it’s party time, add the topping and bake as directed for fresh, crisp perfection.

What’s the history behind Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole?

This comforting casserole traces its roots to Southern kitchens, where apples and cheese have long been paired together. It’s a nostalgic side that often graces holiday tables and potlucks, beloved for its creativity and cozy flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole before, consider this your sign! It’s a joyful, crowd-pleasing dish that always sparks conversation and second helpings. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let it become one of your signature recipes — Southern comfort at its finest!

Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole, a delightful sweet and savory side dish that combines tender tart apples with gooey cheddar cheese and a crispy buttery cracker topping.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare apple mixture: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread half of the apple mixture in the dish and top with half of the shredded cheddar. Repeat with remaining apples and cheese.
Make cracker topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Spread over the cheese layer.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden. Let cool slightly before serving.