All the warm, fuzzy feelings of Southern cuisine and autumn days wrapped up in one glorious dessert.
Hello to all my fellow readers with a sweet tooth! For anyone who doesn’t reside in a southern U.S. state, I’d like you to close your eyes and picture this: you walk into a kitchen on a gentle, summer evening. The hum of cicadas, the occasional chirp of crickets, and the soft rustle of the willow trees outside swaying in the wind fills your ears. You feel a strong sense of welcome, of rustic elegance and cozy comfort. But above all, your spirit is uplifted by the aroma of apples sizzling on the stove. The blend of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is so enticing, that you can’t help but grab a serving, take a seat at the kitchen table and stay a while.
If I could write a love letter to fried apples, I would. A time-honored dish, fried apples are rooted in American cuisine, their warm flavor transcending generations. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast side or a delectable dessert, fried apples can change the course of a bad day, strengthen family bonds and friendship, and truly warm the stomach like no other dish. One could say they are the poster boy of American home cooking, earning them a rightful spot in the classics section of your cookbook. So, roll up your sleeves, tie your apron, and get ready to immerse yourself in the comfort of Southern cooking.
Are Fried Apples Healthy?
While they warm the heart, fried apples aren’t the healthiest since they’re fairly high in carbs. But sometimes the health benefits of a dish are not easily spotted. As they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so let’s dive in a little further. Apples are only around 60 calories each, meaning they pack a heavy nutritional punch without a high calorie count. Apples are rich in antioxidants and fiber, as well as being 85% water and thus a great hydrating snack. Of course you do lose some of this when cooking apples, but not all the benefits disappear in the pan. So, while fried apples are not as healthy as raw apples, their nutritional profile makes them a beneficial choice when you do decide to indulge.
Do I have to use Granny Smith for fried apples?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice for fried apples, as well as pie fillings and other dessert preparations because they can withstand high heat without turning to mush. Plus, their acidity cools and caramelizes when cooked, making their tartness blend into the perfect sweetness. However, they are not the only baking apple out there. Braeburn, Cortland, Honeygold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin are all baking apples that are firm enough to handle the cooking process. They all have their own strengths of course, so if you choose to use one of these baking apples, I highly recommend doing your own research on how they will fare when fried.
How to make ahead and store
Once your fried apples are cooked and have cooled down, you can place them in an airtight container for storing. Fried apples will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy their buttery goodness all week long. They also freeze well for about 3 months when stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving the next day, either cold or heated up on the stove at medium temp.
Serving Suggestions
“What can I serve fried apples with?” I think the better question may be, “What CAN’T I serve fried apples with?” Fried apples are surprisingly versatile, and I have many serving recommendations.
When Saturday morning rolls around, fried apples would be the perfect topping for Fluffy Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, and Healthy French Toast. You could even use them as a filling for Crêpes! For lunch or dinner, you might be surprised to learn that apples and pork complement each other really well. Therefore, a nice plate of Baked Pork Chops with fried apples on top would be divine. Last but certainly not least… dessert! Fried apples can be a pie or Apple Pie Bar filling, or they can simply be paired with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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