Southern Fried Apples

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Southern Fried Apples are a warm, cozy, and classic comfort food side dish (or dessert!) straight from the heart of the South. Sweet apples are pan-fried in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized. They’re perfect for breakfast with biscuits or pancakes, as a side with pork chops, or even topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Squeeze of lemon juice (to balance sweetness, optional)

Directions

1. Prep the apples: Wash, core, peel (optional), and slice apples into ½-inch wedges.

2. Melt butter: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

3. Add apples & sugar: Stir in apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.

4. Cook until tender: Sauté apples for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized but not mushy.

5. Finish with vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

6. Serve warm: Enjoy on their own, or as a topping for biscuits, pancakes, pork chops, or ice cream.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Bourbon Fried Apples: Add a splash of bourbon for depth and richness.

• Maple Apples: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor.

• Spiced Apples: Add cloves, allspice, or ginger for a holiday twist.

• Healthier Version: Use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter.

• Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and warm before serving.

FAQs

Q: What are the best apples to use?
A: Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape best while cooking.

Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
A: No, it’s optional! Peeled apples give a softer texture, while unpeeled add extra fiber and color.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes! Fried apples reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday dinners.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Apples are a true taste of Southern hospitality — warm, buttery, and filled with cinnamon-spiced sweetness. Whether served as a cozy side dish, a topping, or a dessert, they’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. ✨

Southern Fried Apples

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These Southern Fried Apples are sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon and sugar. A true Southern classic, they make the perfect side dish for pork chops, a topping for pancakes or biscuits, or a cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re pure comfort food in a skillet!

• Author: Emily
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Southern / American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, balances sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

• Melt butter: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Cook apples: Add sliced apples and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add flavor: Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Cook another 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until apples are tender and caramelized.
• Serve: Enjoy warm as a side dish, breakfast topping, or dessert.

Notes

• Best served warm, but leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Use firm apples so they don’t get mushy while cooking.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Delicious over pork chops, pancakes, waffles, or biscuits.