Make Cracker Barrel’s Fried Apples at home with this quick & easy recipe. Tastes just like the classic Southern side dish served at the infamous American restaurant!
Unlocking the Sweet Southern Secret: Homemade Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm plate of fried apples, especially when they evoke the nostalgic flavors of a beloved roadside diner like Cracker Barrel. For many, including myself and my partner Janette, a stop at Cracker Barrel isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished ritual on any long road trip. The moment we spot that familiar sign, our minds immediately drift to their comforting, home-style menu, and for me, their fried apples always top the list. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory, stirring feelings of Sunday dinners at my mom’s house.
With the holiday season drawing near, my thoughts naturally turned to crafting the perfect side dishes to share with loved ones. Cracker Barrel’s Fried Apples instantly came to mind. I embarked on a mission to perfect a copycat recipe that captures their signature sweet and tender essence. After several delightful test runs, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that I believe truly replicates that classic taste, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
So far, these fried apples have become a fantastic accompaniment to savory dishes, pairing exceptionally well with juicy pork chops. But their versatility doesn’t end there! I’ve discovered that any leftovers make for an incredibly delicious addition to morning oatmeal, transforming a simple breakfast into a decadent treat. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug for your taste buds, bringing a touch of Southern charm right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Adore This Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
If you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel’s iconic fried apples, you’re in for a real treat. This homemade version is designed to bring that exact same comfort and flavor right into your kitchen, without the need for a long road trip. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Authentic Flavor: We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to mirror the sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced taste that makes Cracker Barrel’s version so irresistible. Each bite will transport you straight to your favorite Southern-style restaurant.
- Simple & Quick: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of these delectable apples ready in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile Side Dish: These fried apples are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as a comforting side for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, complementing everything from pancakes and waffles to roasted meats like pork, chicken, or ham.
- Holiday Perfect: Elevate your holiday spread with a dish that’s sure to impress. These apples add a touch of warmth and sweetness that makes them an ideal addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal.
- Control Your Ingredients: Making them at home means you know exactly what goes into your food. You can adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even choose organic ingredients for a healthier twist if you desire.
Prepare to fall in love with the ease and deliciousness of these homemade Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. They’re more than just a side dish; they’re a taste of tradition and comfort.
Selecting the Perfect Apples for Frying
The secret to perfect fried apples, much like Cracker Barrel’s own, lies in the choice of apples. While researching Cracker Barrel’s recipe, it became clear that many believe Golden Delicious apples are their secret weapon, and my testing confirms this. Their ideal balance of sweetness and firmness holds up beautifully during cooking, resulting in tender, not mushy, slices.
However, if Golden Delicious aren’t available or if you prefer a different variety, don’t fret! The key is to choose apples that are somewhat firm and won’t completely disintegrate into applesauce when cooked. Excellent alternatives include:
- Honeycrisp: Known for their crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor, Honeycrisps retain their shape well and add a lovely depth to the dish.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): These apples are firm, tart, and sweet, providing a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery sauce.
- Fuji: Fujis are sweet, crisp, and also hold up well to heat, offering a similar texture to Golden Delicious.
- Granny Smith (for a tart twist): If you enjoy a bit more tang, Granny Smiths can be used, though you might want to slightly increase the sugar to balance the tartness. They are incredibly firm and will maintain their structure.
No matter which apple you choose, ensure they are fresh and firm. You can peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the peels on for added fiber and a rustic look. I personally prefer to peel them for that authentic Cracker Barrel experience.
When it comes to cookware, I find that cooking Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a cast-iron skillet imparts an unparalleled depth of flavor and even heat distribution. The skillet’s ability to retain heat creates a beautiful caramelization on the apples. However, any large non-stick skillet will also work wonderfully, ensuring your apples cook evenly without sticking.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Creating these delightful fried apples requires a simple list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature Cracker Barrel taste:
- Golden Delicious Apples: As discussed, these are the star of the show, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Butter: Real butter is essential for rich flavor and helps in caramelizing the apples beautifully. It creates the luxurious base for our sauce.
- White Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in the caramelization process, giving the apples a lovely golden hue.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, more complex sweetness with hints of molasses, which is characteristic of Southern-style fried apples. It contributes to the rich, syrupy sauce.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apples! Cinnamon infuses the dish with its warm, aromatic notes, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Apple Cider: This liquid is vital for creating the flavorful sauce. Apple cider (or apple juice if cider isn’t available) adds an intense apple flavor and provides the moisture needed for the cornstarch to thicken into a delicious syrup.
- Cornstarch: Our thickening agent. Cornstarch, when whisked with apple cider, creates a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the apples perfectly, giving them that irresistible Cracker Barrel sheen and consistency.
Together, these ingredients transform simple apples into a truly extraordinary and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Other Copycat & Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy recreating restaurant favorites at home, or are looking for more delicious side dishes, here are some other recipes to explore:
Other Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
- Copycat Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte
- Copycat Wendy’s Chili in Instant Pot
- Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla
Other Side Dish Recipes
- Instant Pot Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Secret Ingredient Sweet Potatoes
- Holiday Cranberry Compote
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup White Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 lbs Golden Delicious Apples, cored and cut into 1/2″ slices (use an apple cutter to make this easy)
- 1/2 Cup Apple Cider or Apple Juice
- 3/4 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to mix, then set aside.
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet. Ensure the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, but not browning.
- Once the butter has melted, add the sliced apples to the skillet. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Carefully remove the tender apples from the pan and set them aside in a separate bowl.
- In a small heat-proof cup (like a Pyrex measuring cup), whisk together the apple cider and cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. The liquid will begin to thicken rapidly into a glossy, clear syrup.
- Return the cooked apples to the pan with the thickened sauce. Stir gently to coat all the apple slices thoroughly with the sweet, cinnamon-infused syrup.
- Serve immediately while warm, either on their own or as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition
Expert Tips for the Best Fried Apples
To ensure your homemade Cracker Barrel Fried Apples turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Consistent Apple Slices: Cut your apples into uniform 1/2-inch slices. This ensures that they cook evenly, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still firm. An apple slicer can be a huge time-saver here.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook apples in a single layer if possible. If your skillet is too small, cook them in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of frying, which can make the apples watery and less tender-crisp.
- Monitor Heat: Medium-high heat is ideal. You want enough heat to brown the apples slightly and soften them, but not so high that the sugar burns before the apples are cooked through. Adjust as needed.
- Stir Frequently: Gentle but frequent stirring is key. This prevents sticking, promotes even cooking, and allows the apples to absorb the delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture uniformly.
- Perfect Tenderness: The goal is tender apples that still have a slight bite, not a mushy consistency. Start checking for tenderness around the 10-minute mark, and adjust cooking time based on your apple variety and desired texture.
- Whisk Cornstarch Thoroughly: When combining cornstarch with apple cider, whisk it very well until there are absolutely no lumps. This prevents a lumpy sauce. Cold liquid helps dissolve cornstarch better.
- Thicken Sauce Quickly: Once the cornstarch mixture hits the hot pan, stir continuously. Cornstarch thickens rapidly, usually within a minute. Don’t stop stirring to ensure a smooth, uniform syrup.
- Serve Immediately: Fried apples are best enjoyed warm and fresh. The sauce will be at its peak consistency, and the apples will be perfectly tender.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, white sugar, or brown sugar to your preference. If your apples are very sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly. If they’re tart, you might add a touch more.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Fried Apples
These Cracker Barrel-style fried apples are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways, from breakfast to dessert. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Classic Southern Side: Pair them with savory dishes like roasted pork chops, ham, grilled chicken, or even turkey for a comforting meal. They add a wonderful sweetness that balances rich meats.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Elevate your morning meal by serving them alongside pancakes, waffles, French toast, or scrambled eggs. They’re also fantastic stirred into oatmeal or yogurt.
- Dessert Delight: Spoon them over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert. A dollop of whipped cream also makes a fantastic topping.
- Pie Filling Alternative: While not a direct pie filling, these apples can be used as a quick, warm topping for shortbread or served alongside a scoop of unsweetened pie crust for a deconstructed apple pie feel.
- Holiday Feast: They make an excellent addition to any holiday table, offering a sweet, spiced contrast to traditional savory holiday dishes.
Storing and Reheating Fried Apples
While these fried apples are undeniably best when fresh and warm, you can certainly enjoy leftovers. Proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious.
- Storage: Allow the fried apples to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: This is the preferred method for the best results. Place the refrigerated fried apples in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until they are heated through and the sauce has loosened. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of apple cider or water if the sauce is too thick.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion of fried apples in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the apples mushy.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended as the apples can become very soft and watery upon thawing, and the sauce may lose its smooth texture. However, if you must, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Yes, while Golden Delicious are recommended for their ideal texture and flavor balance, other firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or even a blend of sweet and tart apples work well. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they will turn mushy when cooked.
Q: Can I make these fried apples ahead of time?
A: Fried apples are best served fresh, but you can certainly make them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: Why are my fried apples mushy?
A: Mushy apples are usually due to one of a few reasons: using an apple variety that is too soft (like Red Delicious), overcooking them, or cutting the slices too thin. Ensure you use firm apples, cut them to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness, and cook them only until tender-crisp, stirring gently.
Q: Can I make this recipe healthier?
A: You can reduce the amount of butter or use a butter substitute. You can also cut down on the white and brown sugar, or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey to taste. Keep in mind that these adjustments may alter the traditional Cracker Barrel flavor profile and sauce consistency.
Q: What if I don’t have apple cider?
A: Apple juice is a perfect substitute for apple cider. Both will provide the necessary liquid and apple flavor for the sauce. You can also use a combination of water and a splash of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor, though apple juice/cider is preferred for authenticity.
Q: Can I add other spices?
A: Absolutely! While cinnamon is traditional, you can enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg, a tiny dash of ground cloves, or even a touch of allspice. A splash of vanilla extract added at the very end can also deepen the flavor profile.
Variations to Customize Your Fried Apples
While the classic Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is perfect as is, there are several ways to customize it to your liking:
- Spice it Up: In addition to cinnamon, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or a dash of apple pie spice blend to the sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Add a Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from turning too sweet.
- A Touch of Vanilla: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with the cornstarch mixture for an extra layer of warmth and aroma.
- Boozy Apples: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy to the skillet with the apple cider. Allow the alcohol to simmer and cook off for a minute before adding the cornstarch.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the finished fried apples just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruit Infusion: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples during cooking for bursts of chewy sweetness.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make this classic Southern side dish uniquely your own!