Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

If you want to bring a taste of Southern comfort into your kitchen, you’re going to love this Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe!

With simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apples, you can create a delicious side dish or dessert that will quickly become a family favorite.

A little secret I’ve found is using a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties to get the perfect balance of flavors.

Fried apples are not just a sweet treat; they also make an excellent topping for pancakes, waffles, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 Apples (Granny Smith, sliced)
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by peeling and slicing the apples into thin wedges.

Make sure the slices are even for uniform cooking.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the sliced apples to the skillet and stir to coat them in the butter.

Step 3:

Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apples.

Gently stir until all the apple slices are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Step 4:

Add the lemon juice and water to the skillet.

Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally until the apples are tender but not mushy.

Step 5:

Remove the lid and let the apples cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

This helps concentrate the flavors.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Apples

Using fresh Granny Smith apples is crucial for the best texture and flavor.

They hold their shape well during cooking.

Adjust the Spices

Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste.

Some people prefer a stronger spice flavor!

Prevent Overcooking

Keep an eye on the apples to prevent them from turning mushy.

They should be tender but still slightly firm to the touch.

Experiment with Serveware

Try serving these fried apples over vanilla ice cream or pancakes.

They make a fantastic topping!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stove to maintain their texture.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Biscuits

Fluffy biscuits are a fantastic choice to serve with Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.

Their light and airy texture pairs beautifully with the juicy, caramelized apples.

Homemade or store-bought, biscuits add a delightful layer of comfort to your meal.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the warm and spicy notes of fried apples.

The cold, creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the warm apples.

Add a scoop on top of your fried apples for an indulgent treat.

Pork Chops

Pork chops are a savory option that works surprisingly well with fried apples.

The sweet and spicy flavors of the apples enhance the savory goodness of the pork.

Consider grilling or pan-searing the chops for added flavor.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an unexpectedly delightful option to serve with fried apples.

Its tangy and creamy profile balances the sweetness of the apples nicely.

Top your fried apples with a dollop of yogurt for a healthier dessert option.

Variations and Substitutions

There are plenty of ways to make this dish fit your taste!

Apple Choices

Using different types of apples changes the flavor and texture.

Granny Smith apples add a tart taste while Golden Delicious are sweet and soft.

If you like a sweeter bite, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.

Sugar Adjustments

Adjusting the amount of sugar can tweak the sweetness.

For Granny Smith apples, you may want to increase both brown and granulated sugar by a tablespoon each.

For a deeper flavor, replacing white sugar with maple syrup is a great option!

Spice it Up

Instead of apple pie spice, you can use ground cinnamon for a classic touch.

Want a more complex flavor? Add a dash of nutmeg or ground cloves.

Cooking Methods

Doubling the recipe? Use a 12-inch skillet rather than an 8-inch for even cooking.

Alternatively, cook the apples in batches to maintain consistency.

Butter Variations

Using bacon drippings instead of butter gives a savory twist.

Looking for a vegan option? Substitute butter with coconut oil.

Feel free to experiment and enjoy!

Every variation brings out a unique aspect of these delicious fried apples!

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Use an Airtight Container

When storing leftover Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, be sure to use an airtight container.

This helps maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

Glass containers are a great option because they don’t absorb smells or stains.

Refrigeration Time

Once your leftover fried apples are stored in an airtight container, place them in the refrigerator.

They can be safely stored for up to 4 days.

Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Pro Tips for Storing

Avoid using metal containers as they can sometimes react with the acidic content in the apples.

If you have a vacuum sealer, this can extend the storage time even further.

Freezing the apples is also an option for longer storage, but keep in mind they might lose some texture after defrosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Apples

When making Cracker Barrel sausage and apple recipe, it’s easy to overcook the apples.

You want them to be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them!

Check frequently and remove them from heat as soon as they reach the desired texture.

Using the Wrong Variety of Apples

Not all apples work well for this recipe.

Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious.

Stick with Granny Smith or Golden Delicious for the best results.

Skipping the Lemon Juice

Don’t skip the lemon juice!

It helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Just a small squeeze can make a big difference in taste.