Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: There is something magical about the warm, cinnamon-kissed fried apples you find on the side of your plate at Cracker Barrel. They aren’t just a side dish, they’re a plate of nostalgia. The apples are soft and buttery to the touch and sweet from the brown sugar and spice. Yep, we’re copying that warm, comforting classic with this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Whether you’re serving them up with Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes or alongside your Instant Pot Beef Stew, these apples can hang with the best of your comfort food lineup.

What’s even better? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and way more affordable than ordering them out. Plus, if you’re all about that Southern soul-food vibe, check out our Comforting Casseroles & Easy Dinners board for more warm-and-fuzzy goodness. And for those wondering if they can still enjoy these fried beauties while watching calories, the good folks at Nutritionix break it all down. 1 cup of fried apples clocks in at around 200–300 calories, depending on the recipe.

Need more autumn-approved cozy ideas? Pair these apples with our King Arthur Brownie Recipe, serve them over Mashed Potato Cups for a sweet-savory twist, or let them shine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a last-minute dessert. However you serve ’em, this fried apple side is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat, especially around the holidays or during lazy weekend brunches.

• Origins of the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
• Health Benefits of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
• Serving Ideas & Variations for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
• Tips & Tricks for the Best Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
• Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe From OoohDelish!
• Share Your Twist on These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples!
• FAQs: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Origins of the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

If you’ve ever taken a road trip through the U.S. South, or let’s be real here, anywhere with a Cracker Barrel sign, you’ve probably encountered their iconic fried apples. Sandwiched between chicken and dumplings and country-fried steak on the menu, this warm side dish has become a cult favorite of sorts. But where did this sweet, cinnamon-glazed masterpiece come from?

Fried apples trace their roots to old-fashioned Appalachian and Southern kitchens, where resourcefulness turned pantry staples into soul-soothing sides. Before refrigeration was common, families used apples in everything from pies to skillet sides to stretch meals and use up the bounty from fall harvests. The concept was simple: slice up tart apples, cook them low and slow with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and let nature’s candy do the rest. The result? A sticky-sweet, golden dish that could pass for dessert or sit proudly next to pork chops.

Cracker Barrel didn’t invent fried apples, but they sure helped put them on the map. With thousands of diners digging into their signature recipe every day, it was only a matter of time before the craving followed us home. That’s why we recreated this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: so you can enjoy that nostalgic warmth any time you want without changing out of your pajamas or waiting for a table. Bonus points if you serve it alongside our Easy Dinner Ideas or under a scoop of vanilla from your freezer.

Health Benefits of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Okay, let’s be real; this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe isn’t exactly green juice. But that doesn’t mean it’s empty calories either. Apples are naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, and when you keep the sugar moderate and skip the ultra-processed stuff, these warm, cinnamon-laced beauties can absolutely have a seat at your wellness table.

The base ingredient (apples) offers some legit health perks. According to Healthline, apples may aid digestion, support heart health, and even help regulate blood sugar when eaten with the skin (though we peel them here for that classic Cracker Barrel texture). And while brown sugar and butter do add richness (and okay, some extra calories), a homemade version means you control the sweetness level and quality of ingredients. No weird preservatives here!

Here’s a quick nutrition snapshot of what you might expect per serving, based on Nutritionix data and our slightly lighter spin:

So while this isn’t a kale salad, it is a pretty solid option when you want to cozy up with something naturally sweet and satisfying. And hey; it pairs perfectly with our Lemon Blueberry Smoothie Cake or even a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for breakfast. We’re not judging.

Serving Ideas & Variations for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Excited, one of the best things about this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe? It’s ridiculously versatile. I think it’s fine served warm, chilled or even cold from the fridge (midnight snack, anyone?). Whether you’re serving it with a savory main or turning it into a shortcut dessert, these buttery apples know how to show up.

For a classic approach, serve them as a side to cozy mains like Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes or Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. The sweet-savory combo is 🔥. You can also serve them over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a brunch that deserves its parade feeling extra. Top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a 5-minute dessert your guests will beg for.

Want to mix it up? Here are some variation ideas:

• Maple twist: Swap out some of the brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper, fall flavor.
• Spiked apples: Add a splash of bourbon or rum extract for a grown-up twist perfect for holidays.
• Apple crumble cheat: Layer them over our King Arthur Brownie Recipe and top with oat crumble for a 10-minute faux cobbler.
• Savory style: Reduce the sugar and add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a side that pairs great with roast pork or chicken.

And don’t forget: if you’re all about cozy, comfort-forward flavors, check out our Comforting Casseroles & Easy Dinners category for more soul-warming recipes that play nice with these apples.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Want fried apples so good your kitchen smells like a Cracker Barrel gift shop and grandma’s kitchen had a cinnamon-scented baby? These tips will get you there. Whether you’re a skillet wizard or a stovetop newbie, these little tricks make all the difference.

1. Pick the Right Apples: Go for firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape while soaking up all that syrupy goodness. Avoid Red Delicious unless you’re aiming for apple mush (we love mush, just not here).
2. Low and Slow Wins the Race: Don’t crank up the heat medium-low is your friend. Let those apples soften gently and absorb all the buttery cinnamon-sugar vibes without turning into apple soup.
3. Don’t Drown the Apples: The goal is a glossy coating, not a syrupy soup. Add just enough liquid (butter and sugar will do most of the work) and keep stirring. This lets the apples caramelize slightly and gives you that Cracker Barrel-style texture.
4. Boost with Spices: Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of vanilla, or even a little clove. Want to go wild? Try a drop of almond extract for a subtle twist.
5. Make Ahead: These apples reheat beautifully. Store in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or butter to revive that glossy glaze. Perfect for meal prep, brunch spreads, or, let’s be honest, late-night cravings.

Bonus tip: Serve them with our Cold Cucumber Mint Soup for a hot-cold combo that feels like an upscale spa brunch at Cracker Barrel. (Yes, that’s a thing now.)

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe From OoohDelish!

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, just like the ones served at your favorite roadside restaurant. The perfect cozy side dish or easy dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet (preferably cast iron)
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Peeler
• 1 Sharp knife

Ingredients

  

• 4 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
• 1/4 cup water adjust as needed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch wedges.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and sauté for 5 minutes.
• Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Cook for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Great as a side for Instant Pot Beef Stew, or served over pancakes or ice cream.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Keyword cinnamon apple slices, cracker barrel fried apples recipe, skillet fried apples, southern fried apples

Share Your Twist on These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples!

Did you use maple syrup instead of brown sugar? Add a splash of bourbon extract for the holidays? Or go full rebel and serve them on waffles with whipped cream? We’re here for it all!

📸 Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist. Your creative twist might just get featured!

💌 Got a family version passed down from Grandma? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com we might test it in our kitchen and give you a shoutout!

Let those apple adventures begin your remix could become the next cozy classic!

FAQs: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples