There’s just something special about going to Cracker Barrel for lunch. No, it’s not the checkers outside or the store in the front of the restaurant. It has to be the epic side dishes you can get with your meal. It never fails… my order is the same every time I go there. Chicken and dumplings with fried apples, mac and cheese, and the hashbrown casserole. For the longest time, Cracker Barrel was my choice because I couldn’t get those darn apples anywhere else. Want to know a secret, though? I learned how to make a spot-on copycat so I don’t have to drive quite as far for that heavenly cinnamon apple goodness… without further ado, here’s how to make Cracker Barrel Style Fried Apples (in your slow cooker!)
To get started, you’ll need 10 apples. I used a variety of kinds of apples to really make a diverse texture. Different apples have different textures when cooked, and having a couple of different kinds will really give you the flavor and color you’re looking for. Steer clear of extra-soft apples like red delicious, and go for harder ones like granny smith or pink lady.
Don’t be alarmed if your slow cooker is looking a little full after you pile in the apples– they’ll break down and get a lot smaller as they cook.
On top of the apples, you’ll want to add 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn starch, and an entire stick of butter.
Now, you’ll see a lot of recipes on the web calling for you to add a little water to help these cook. Don’t do that– skip the water and pack in the apple cinnamon flavor by pouring on 1/2 cup of apple cider. I went with something local, but just use your favorite.
Cover with your slow cooker lid, then cook on high for 3-4 hours until apples are tender.
Eat these as a side to your favorite comfort food (I recommend these homemade chicken and dumplings and my Texas-style potatoes to get the full Cracker Barrel effect), or serve them up for breakfast (they’re great on oatmeal!) Heck, make them a dessert, I don’t care how you serve them… just MAKE THEM. Trust me, you will not regret making these apples. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who digs good down-home cooking.
- 10 apples, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 stick butter
- Dusting pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- Place apples in slow cooker.
- Top with cinnamon, brown sugar, corn starch, butter, and pie spice.
- Pour cider on top.
- Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours until apples are tender.
- Great on oatmeal for breakfast or on their own as a side dish to your favorite comfort food.
What’s your favorite comfort food recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
(This post is not affiliated with Cracker Barrel in any way. It’s merely a copycat of a recipe I love from their restaurant. All opinions are my own).
