Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, caramelized gratin featuring 18-month-aged cheddar and tart Granny Smith apples, baked until golden and bubbling. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs Aged cheddar cheese, medium Granny Smith apples, Butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice 2 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1/8-inch thick) and arrange in a single layer in a buttered 8x8-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1/4 tsp salt until thickened and bubbling, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 8 oz grated aged cheddar cheese and 1 tsp fresh thyme until fully melted and smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the apples.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble vigorously, then let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aged cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Venerable Aged Cheddar & Apple Gratin?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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