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Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a beloved classic, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. This warm, comforting dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side or dessert. Let's dive into the ingredients that bring this delicious recipe to life.
Ingredients
- Butter: 4 tablespoons. It adds a rich flavor and helps in caramelizing the apples.
- Tart Apples: 5–6 apples (about 2 lb), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges. Choose varieties like Granny Smith for the best results.
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, packed. It provides sweetness and deepens the caramelization.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. A warm spice that enhances the flavor of the apples.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon or bottled lemon juice. It prevents the apples from browning and adds a slight tanginess.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2-inch wedges. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apple slices and toss to coat them evenly. This step helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
- Step 2:
- In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes bubbly. The butter should be fully melted and slightly foamy before adding the apples.
- Step 3:
- Add the prepared apple slices to the skillet. Sprinkle them with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The sugar will caramelize, creating a sweet and slightly sticky coating on the apples.
- Step 4:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the apples cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don't stick to the bottom. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Step 5:
- Once the apples have reached your desired level of tenderness and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the fried apples warm, either as a comforting side dish or a delectable dessert.