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Savory Cracker Barrel Loaded Fried Apples Recipe Easy Homemade Snack

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A cozy and flavorful snack featuring tender fried apples loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and a hint of spices, inspired by Cracker Barrel’s loaded fried apples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick slices, keeping them uniform for even cooking (5-7 minutes).
  2. Cook 4-5 strips of bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cool (about 10 minutes). Alternatively, use pre-made bacon bits.
  3. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and add butter. Let it melt completely and start to bubble (1-2 minutes).
  4. Add sliced apples to the skillet. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper over the apples. Stir gently to coat evenly and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Continue cooking the apples for another 7-8 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until tender but still holding shape. Add a splash of water or an extra teaspoon of butter if apples start to stick.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract if using, then sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot apples to melt slightly.
  7. Top with crispy bacon bits and chopped nuts. Gently stir to distribute evenly but leave some texture on top.
  8. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

For extra caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Cook apples in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Use medium heat to prevent burning and maintain tender texture. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried apples, loaded fried apples, Cracker Barrel recipe, savory snack, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, cinnamon apples

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/savory-cracker-barrel-loaded-fried-apples-recipe-easy-homemade-snack/