Fried Apples with Bacon Recipe
Description
Dive into the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with this Fried Apples with Bacon recipe from Love With Recipes. This dish is a wonderful way to start your day, combining the succulent crispiness of bacon with the tender, caramelized sweetness of tart apples. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or a comforting brunch, offering a unique twist that is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Recipe Category
Breakfast
Keywords
- Pork
- Apple
- Fruit
- Meat
- Kid Friendly
- < 30 Mins
- Easy
Ingredients
- Bacon: 1 strip (or more, as desired for additional servings or preference)
- Tart Apples: 6 (such as Granny Smith or similar variety)
- Flour: 1/2 cup
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Ground Nutmeg: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 561.4
- Fat Content: 34.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.5mg
- Sodium Content: 632.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 54.6g
- Fiber Content: 5.5g
- Sugar Content: 38.8g
- Protein Content: 10.4g
Servings
- Recipe Servings: 6
Cook and Prep Time
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
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Fry Bacon: Start by frying the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crisp. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
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Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain all but 1/4 cup of the melted bacon fat from the pan. This reserved fat will be used to fry the apples, infusing them with a rich, smoky flavor.
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Prepare Apples: Core the apples but do not peel them. Slice the apples into 1/2-inch thick round slices. Keeping the skin on adds a lovely texture and helps the apples hold their shape during cooking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, sugar, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
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Coat Apple Slices: Roll each apple slice in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. The flour mixture will help create a light crust on the apples as they fry, adding a delightful crunch.
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Fry Apples: In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, fry the coated apple slices over medium heat. Cook until the slices are golden brown on both sides and can be easily pierced with a fork, indicating they are tender and cooked through.
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Serve: Serve the hot apple slices immediately, paired with the crisp bacon slices. The combination of the sweet, spiced apples and the salty, smoky bacon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.
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Presentation: This recipe makes 6 servings. For a lovely presentation, arrange the apple slices and bacon on a platter, allowing guests to help themselves.
Family Recipe Note
This treasured recipe comes from the Family Recipe Box, written in Julie’s handwriting during her teenage years. It carries the warmth of family tradition and the joy of shared meals, making it not just a dish, but a piece of culinary history passed down through generations.
Tips for Perfect Fried Apples with Bacon
- Choosing Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold up well during cooking and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness added from sugar.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the flour mixture or use a sugar substitute.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice can give the dish a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Variations: The type of bacon you use can also affect the flavor. Thick-cut bacon offers more meatiness and a substantial bite, while maple or applewood-smoked bacon can add a unique, complementary sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of breakfast and brunch options. Here are a few ideas to complement your Fried Apples with Bacon:
- Pancakes or Waffles: Serve alongside fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles. The apples and bacon make an excellent topping, especially when drizzled with a bit of maple syrup.
- Eggs: A side of scrambled or poached eggs can add protein and round out the meal. The richness of the eggs balances the sweetness of the apples.
- Yogurt Parfait: For a lighter option, serve with a yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh berries. The creamy yogurt provides a cool contrast to the warm apples and bacon.
- Toast: A slice of buttered toast or a toasted English muffin can be used to soak up any leftover apple juices and bacon fat.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
- Storing: Place any leftover apples and bacon in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use a skillet over medium heat to warm the apples and bacon until they are heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat and dry out the apples.
Variations and Adaptations
There are countless ways to adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegan Option: Replace the bacon with a plant-based alternative and use coconut oil or vegan butter for frying the apples.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the apple slices instead of regular flour.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the finished dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the apples and the savory bacon.
Historical and Cultural Context
Apples and bacon have been staples in various cuisines for centuries. The pairing of fruit with meat is a classic combination seen in many traditional dishes around the world. In this recipe, the simplicity and comfort of American home cooking shine through, reflecting a time when meals were made with readily available ingredients and a touch of creativity.
This dish is reminiscent of Southern cuisine, where fried apples are often served as a side dish or dessert, and bacon is a beloved breakfast staple. The combination of these two ingredients highlights the ingenuity of home cooks who make the most out of what they have, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Fried Apples with Bacon is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in a symphony of taste. The sweetness of the apples, the warm spices, and the crisp, savory bacon create a harmonious balance that delights the palate. It’s a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of family breakfasts and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit a classic, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor each bite of this delightful dish, knowing that you’re partaking in a tradition that has been cherished and passed down through generations.
