Description
This Old-Fashioned Apple and Cheese Casserole is a delightful blend of tart apples and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a unique savory treat, it combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, balanced by subtle spices and a crunchy topping. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy meal, this casserole offers a nostalgic twist on classic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Cheese Sauce
- 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)
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This prevents browning and keeps the apples fresh and vibrant during baking.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup sour cream, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup granulated sugar for balanced sweetness, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon if desired for warmth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish. Arrange the apple slices evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the apples, ensuring all slices are well-coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the cheese-coated apples to create a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve & Enjoy: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set. Serve warm alongside roasted meats or enjoy it on its own as a comforting dish.
Notes
- Using tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith brings a nice balance to the sweetness and richness of the cheese sauce.
- The roux-based cheese sauce can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk if it gets too thick.
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko adds a lighter, crisper topping.
- For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter and cheese alternatives.
- If you prefer a bit more warmth, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg.
