Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: A Sweet and Buttery Delight

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a deliciously nostalgic dish that combines tart apples with buttery caramelized flavors. This warm, sweet side dish is a signature item at the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant, and with this recipe, you can easily recreate it at home. Perfect as a comforting side or dessert, these fried apples are a wonderful addition to any meal, from breakfast to dinner. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish step by step.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter: The butter is essential for creating the rich, caramelized flavor that makes these apples so indulgent. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 5–6 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges (about 2 lb): Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe. They hold up well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can also use other tart varieties such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples. It also helps create the syrupy glaze that coats the apples.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the dish, making these fried apples extra cozy and flavorful.
• Pinch of salt: Just a small pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Juice of 1 lemon (or bottled lemon juice): Lemon juice adds a touch of brightness to the apples, preventing them from browning and cutting through the richness of the butter and sugar.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Apples:
   • Begin by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and slice them into 1/2-inch wedges. Tart apples work best for this recipe as they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
   • After slicing the apples, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them and toss them gently. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
2. Melt the Butter:
   • In a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter will begin to bubble and foam as it heats up, creating a rich base for cooking the apples. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly, ensuring that the apples cook uniformly and achieve a beautiful caramelization.
3. Cook the Apples:
   • Once the butter is fully melted and bubbly, it’s time to add the prepared apple slices to the skillet. The sizzle of the apples hitting the hot butter is a sound that promises something delicious is on the way.
   • Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The sugar will begin to dissolve into the butter, creating a sweet and sticky sauce that coats the apples.
4. Simmer to Perfection:
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the apples over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir the apples occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly and are fully coated in the buttery sugar mixture. As the apples cook, they will become tender, and the sugar will transform into a caramel-like sauce that clings to the fruit.
   • You’ll know the apples are ready when they are tender but not mushy. They should hold their shape while being soft enough to cut through with a fork.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the apples are tender and caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the fried apples warm, either as a side dish or as a dessert. The buttery sauce that coats the apples is deliciously rich, making these fried apples a perfect pairing for savory dishes like pork chops or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Fried Apples:

• Choose the Right Apples: The type of apple you use can greatly affect the outcome of this dish. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended because they hold up well during cooking and balance out the sweetness of the sugar. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they may become mushy when cooked.
• Don’t Overcook the Apples: While you want the apples to be tender, it’s important not to overcook them. Overcooking can cause the apples to lose their shape and turn into applesauce. Aim for a texture that is soft but still has a slight bite.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer your fried apples on the sweeter side, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. For a less sweet version, simply reduce the sugar to taste. You can also experiment with adding a bit of maple syrup or honey for extra depth of flavor.
• Adding More Spice: Cinnamon is a classic addition to fried apples, but you can also add other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. A pinch of ground ginger can add a nice warmth and zing to the dish as well.

Variations:

• Apple Toppings: These fried apples can be used as a topping for a variety of dishes. Spoon them over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet and fruity breakfast. They also make a great topping for vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or yogurt.
• Savory Pairings: Fried apples pair beautifully with savory dishes, especially pork. Serve them alongside roasted pork tenderloin, grilled pork chops, or a holiday ham for a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to impress.
• Crumble Topping: Turn these fried apples into a quick dessert by adding a crumble topping. Mix together oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter to create a simple crumble, sprinkle it over the cooked apples, and bake in the oven until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

• Breakfast: Serve these fried apples as a sweet and cozy breakfast side dish. They pair wonderfully with bacon, sausage, or eggs, and can also be used as a topping for your morning oatmeal or yogurt.
• Dessert: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a delicious dessert on their own, but they’re even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Holiday Sides: These fried apples make an excellent side dish for holiday meals. They’re especially popular as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out savory mains like turkey or ham.

Storing and Reheating:

• Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples will continue to absorb the buttery sauce, becoming even more flavorful over time.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the fried apples in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.

Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Fried Apples:

• Comforting and Nostalgic: These fried apples have a comforting, homemade quality that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. They’re the perfect dish for when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is quick and easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
• Versatile: Fried apples can be enjoyed in so many ways, from a breakfast side dish to a dessert topping. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any meal, and they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a simple yet delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves warm, comforting flavors.