Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a beloved Southern side dish that captures the essence of warm, comforting flavors reminiscent of apple pie. This recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the richness of butter, and the subtle spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped around tender, caramelized apples. It’s a dish that not only complements pork chops or breakfast but also stands alone as a delightful dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream. The cultural significance of fried apples lies in their ability to evoke a sense of home and tradition, often served at family gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
- : 4-5 large Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch wedges
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt: Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Squeeze lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning and mix well.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Apples and Sugar: Add the apple slices, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the melted butter. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook Apples: Cover the skillet and cook for 11-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the apples warm, drizzling any remaining syrup over them. You can also top with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Top Tips
- Use Tart Apples: Choose apples like Granny Smith for a better balance of flavors.
- Prevent Browning: Squeeze lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
- Caramelization: Stir occasionally to ensure even caramelization of the apples.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste.
- Butter Substitute: Use bacon drippings for a smoky flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a side dish or dessert with ice cream or whipped cream.
Variations
- Bourbon Fried Apples: Add a splash of bourbon to the apples during cooking for a sophisticated twist.
- Spicy Fried Apples: Add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Cider Glaze: Use apple cider instead of lemon juice for a deeper apple flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples for added texture.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook the apples in a slow cooker on low for two hours for a hands-off approach.
Nutritional Guide
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | 250-375 | 12-18g | 35-45g | 0.5-1g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is rich in carbohydrates and fat due to the sugar and butter content. However, it provides a good source of fiber from the apples. To make it healthier, consider using less sugar or substituting some of the butter with healthier fats. The dish is best consumed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
