Apples top the list for fresh lunch bag snacks. They're durable, healthy and tasty any time of day of night. However, when you use them in cooked or baked dishes, it's important to know the best types for optimum results. Different apple varieties differ in taste and texture, both of which significantly affect recipes.
The top apple choices for cooking and baking include Granny Smith, Fuji, Winesap, Honeycrisp, Gala and Red Delicious. Granny Smiths are tart, and perfectly balance the sweet ingredients in pies. Fujis are sweet and tart; like Granny Smiths, they hold up well to heat. Winesap flavors are complex, with strong apple flavor that can overpower other flavors in your dish. Honeycrisp is not only a great out-of-hand treat — true to its name, it stays crisp when you cook or bake it. The Gala variety is lightly flavored with a smooth, rich flesh that doesn't brown as quickly as other apples, so it's ideal for salads. Red Delicious? Great for mulled cider but a little too sweet for most baked goods. No matter which apple you choose, these apple casseroles are scrumptious. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, dessert or as a special side dish to balance a meal heavy on savory flavors.
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Make-ahead French toast with apple casserole
This decadent apple dish will delight your palate and warm your heart and soul with soothing spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Sweet egg custard and brioche bread surround the apples, which get a boost from a bit of applesauce in the mix. An added plus: It turns out better if you make it the night before. Get the recipe here.
This decadent apple dish will delight your palate and warm your heart and soul with soothing spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Sweet egg custard and brioche bread surround the apples, which get a boost from a bit of applesauce in the mix. An added plus: It turns out better if you make it the night before. Get the recipe here.
Easy apple fritter casserole
Apple fritters are delicious but a real task to make, especially for a group of hungry guests. Instead of being fried, this casserole has the bread on the inside, a clever use of cinnamon sugar doughnuts. The creamy custard brings it all together to create a mouthwatering treat that enhances any meal. Get the recipe here.
Apple fritters are delicious but a real task to make, especially for a group of hungry guests. Instead of being fried, this casserole has the bread on the inside, a clever use of cinnamon sugar doughnuts. The creamy custard brings it all together to create a mouthwatering treat that enhances any meal. Get the recipe here.
Beautiful cinnamon and apple pancake casserole
Easy enough to whip up for an impromptu brunch or breakfast, or a surprise dessert at a dinner party, this casserole will fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon. Don't be dismayed when it deflates as you remove it from the oven. The taste is tantalizing, and you can top it with a swirl of fresh whipped cream to dress it up. Get the recipe here.
Easy enough to whip up for an impromptu brunch or breakfast, or a surprise dessert at a dinner party, this casserole will fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon. Don't be dismayed when it deflates as you remove it from the oven. The taste is tantalizing, and you can top it with a swirl of fresh whipped cream to dress it up. Get the recipe here.
Cranberry-apple casserole
Cranberries and apples bring out the best in each other, that inimitable and engaging sweet-tart partnership. A brown sugar streusel topping with a sprinkling of pecans on top adds a delightful texture. This casserole is so versatile, you can serve for dessert or as a side to any meal of the day. Get the recipe here.
Cranberries and apples bring out the best in each other, that inimitable and engaging sweet-tart partnership. A brown sugar streusel topping with a sprinkling of pecans on top adds a delightful texture. This casserole is so versatile, you can serve for dessert or as a side to any meal of the day. Get the recipe here.
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