Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake, a refined and decadent dish that celebrates the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Elevate your culinary experience with this gourmet casserole, where the richness of apple cider, the smoothness of bourbon, and the smokiness of bacon come together in perfect harmony. Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aroma and the luscious, indulgent flavors that will transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake
This elegant and comforting dish is a true celebration of the senses. The combination of tart apple cider, smooth bourbon, and the irresistible crunch of bacon creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and satisfying. The addition of creamy cheddar cheese and tender apples adds a delightful richness and depth to the dish, making it the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or seeking a cozy evening at home, this Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake is sure to leave you feeling inspired and utterly satisfied. Prepare to be transported to a world of gourmet comfort, where every bite is a delightful journey of flavors.
Ingredients
This exquisite Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake requires a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. From the crisp, tart apple cider to the smooth and complex bourbon, each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The smoky and salty bacon adds a delightful contrast, while the creamy cheddar cheese provides a velvety richness that ties the entire dish together. The addition of tender apples and a touch of spice from rosemary and thyme elevate this casserole to new heights of culinary sophistication.
- 1 cup – Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup – Bourbon
- 1/2 cup – All-purpose Flour
- 2 cups – Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 4 medium – Apples, sliced
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 6 slices – Bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon – Dried Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon – Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon – Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground Black Pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Lighter Touch: Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish or sheet pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring a seamless release of the casserole. Slice the apples into thin wedges, and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful seasoning blend.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish or sheet pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring a seamless release of the casserole. Slice the apples into thin wedges, and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful seasoning blend.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Drain the excess fat, reserving 2 tablespoons for the next step. In the same skillet, sauté the onion in the reserved bacon fat until translucent and fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the apple cider and bourbon, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Gently fold in the sliced apples and the seasoning blend, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish or sheet pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the crispy bacon pieces, creating a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use a plant-based protein substitute or simply increase the amount of cheddar cheese.
- Maple Sweetness: Drizzle a tablespoon of maple syrup over the top of the casserole before baking.
- Rustic Presentation: Serve the Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake directly from the baking dish, allowing the charming, homemade appearance to shine.
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, to find your preferred flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or a crusty loaf of bread, creating a delightful and elegant meal.
Storage: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal.
Reheat: Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake is a rich and indulgent dish that should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of protein from the bacon and cheddar cheese, as well as complex carbohydrates from the apples and apple cider. While the dish does contain some saturated fat from the dairy and bacon, the overall nutritional profile can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake is the perfect make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar cheese is the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of cheese. Consider using a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a delightful, melty combination, or try a sharp white cheddar for an extra bold flavor.
How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?
To keep costs down, you can reduce the amount of bacon used or substitute it with a more affordable smoked or cooked ham. Additionally, you can use a less expensive brand of cheddar cheese or opt for a store-brand variety.
Can I add additional vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! This dish can easily accommodate the addition of other fall-inspired vegetables, such as diced butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or even sautéed mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake freezes beautifully. Bake the casserole as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then cover it tightly with foil or freezer-safe wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Try These Next
- Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt
- Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings
- Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken
Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake, a refined comfort dish that combines sweet and savory elements for an elegant experience.
Ingredients
4 cups diced apples
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup bourbon
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced apples, apple cider, bourbon, and crumbled bacon.
3. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with additional bourbon before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sheet Pan & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg