Introduction
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air becomes crisp with autumn’s embrace, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm, comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. Enter my Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole—an easy, delightful recipe that seamlessly blends the sweetness of fresh apples with the rich creaminess of cheese.
This family favorite is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner when you’re looking for something a little special. With its warm, cheesy goodness and the hint of cinnamon-spiced apples, this casserole captures the essence of fall in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy families wanting to enjoy the tastes of autumn without spending hours in the kitchen.
So grab your favorite apples—Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or whatever’s in season—and let’s whip up a dish that will quickly become a staple on your fall menu! Trust me; your family will be asking for seconds—and thirds—before you know it!
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups crusty bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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- In a sizable bowl, mix the sliced apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a small amount of salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
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- Place half of the cubed bread at the base of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the seasoned apple mixture over the bread. Top with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
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- Follow by adding the remaining cubed bread. Then layer the rest of the apple mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Finish with a handful of chopped walnuts.
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- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Drizzle this mixture uniformly over the layered casserole, ensuring it seeps into the bread and apples.
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- Gently press down on the layers with a spatula to help the liquid absorb.
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- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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- After 30 minutes, take off the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
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- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and savor this delightful fall-inspired dish!
- Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 65 min | Servings: 8
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4-5 medium-sized, preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar for a bold cheesy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, preferably whole wheat or panko for added texture in the casserole.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon to add a warm, spicy note typical of fall recipes.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of aromatic flavor.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted, to bring richness to the dish and to help crisp the bread crumbs.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to elevate the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Milk: 1/2 cup to add creaminess and help bind the ingredients together.
- Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or additional cheese for a crunchy, indulgent finish.
This harmonious combination of flavors and textures will make your Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole a delightful centerpiece for any fall gathering!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your casserole.
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Prepare the Apples: Wash and peel the apples. Core and slice them into thin wedges. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. You can also add cinnamon and sugar at this stage if you’d like to enhance the flavor.
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Layer the Apples: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the dish. Arrange them nicely to ensure even baking and flavor distribution.
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Mix the Cheesy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine your chosen cheeses (like sharp cheddar and cream cheese) with breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. If you’re using nuts, stir them in at this stage for added texture.
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Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle the cheesy mixture evenly over the top of the layer of apples, covering them completely. This will create a deliciously gooey and crispy topping as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesy topping is golden brown and bubbling.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will help the layers set slightly. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your comforting and delectable Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole as a delicious centerpiece for your fall family gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole is a delightful dish that can easily transition from a cozy family dinner to a festive gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
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Pair with Savory Proteins: Serve the casserole alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or turkey for a hearty meal that balances the sweetness of the apples with savory flavors.
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Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or thyme. The herbs will enhance the aroma and add a delightful freshness to each bite.
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Add a Drizzle of Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the casserole just before serving. It complements the flavors beautifully and adds a touch of elegance.
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Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tart vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing for a refreshing contrast.
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Offer a Variety of Cheeses: Set out a cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses—sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or tangy blue cheese—that guests can sample alongside the casserole for a fun tasting experience.
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Perfect for Brunch: This casserole also makes an excellent addition to your brunch spread. Serve it warm alongside other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful meal.
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Leftovers for Lunch: If you have any leftovers, consider packing individual portions for a tasty lunch option. It heats up beautifully and retains its delicious flavors.
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Add a Side of Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re leaning towards dessert, serve a warm portion of the casserole with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for a comforting treat.
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Warm Beverage Pairing: To bring out the fall vibes, pair the casserole with a warm beverage like spiced cider, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.
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Festive Touch: For special occasions, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the casserole before baking. They provide a nice crunch and a festive flair, perfect for those autumn gatherings.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite in your fall repertoire!
Conclusion
This Baked Cheesy Apple Casserole is the perfect dish to embrace the cozy flavors of fall while providing a delightful twist on traditional apple recipes. Its combination of sweet, tart apples and savory cheese creates a comforting medley that is sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for holiday gatherings or enjoying it as a warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this casserole brings warmth and joy to any table. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s a recipe that’s destined to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. So gather your loved ones, savor the essence of fall, and enjoy every cheesy, apple-filled bite! Happy cooking!
