Scalloped apples are pure comfort, especially when family and friends gather around the Thanksgiving table. They bring the warm scent of cinnamon and baked fruit to the meal, yet they are simple enough to make on an ordinary weeknight. I love how this dish feels special without asking for much time or fuss.
The recipe pairs firm cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonathan, with sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and a little lemon juice. As the apples bake, they soften and release their juices, creating a tender, chunky dish that tastes sweet, gently tart, and warmly spiced. The lemon helps keep the flavor bright, while cinnamon gives every bite a cozy finish.
To make scalloped apples, add the ingredients to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Then let the apples rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting through them with a sharp knife for a chunky texture. The hands-on work takes about 15 minutes, and the recipe makes 8 servings.
Serve these scalloped apples warm or at room temperature alongside your Thanksgiving meal. They also make a lovely addition to a potluck, Sunday dinner, or chilly evening supper. Plus, you can make them a day ahead, so one part of your holiday menu is ready before the busy day begins.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Scalloped Apples for Thanksgiving Dinner
- Easy to prepare: First, peel and slice the apples. Then add everything to one baking dish and let the oven do most of the work.
- Made with everyday ingredients: You need apples, sugar, water, cinnamon, and lemon juice, with no special equipment or hard-to-find items.
- Comforting and seasonal: The sweet apples and cinnamon bring classic fall flavor to the table.
- Easy to make ahead: Prepare the dish a day before serving, then gently reheat it or serve it at room temperature.
- A flexible side dish: Serve it with a holiday meal, a casual family dinner, or a potluck. It also tastes good warm or at room temperature.
Apple Tips
Firm cooking apples hold their shape better during baking than soft, ripe apples. Granny Smith apples are a dependable choice because their tart taste balances the sugar, while Jonathan apples offer a gentler sweetness. You can also use another firm variety suited to baking. Choose apples without bruises or soft spots, and wash them before peeling, coring, and slicing. For even cooking, cut the slices to a similar thickness. If you prepare them ahead, work efficiently and add the lemon juice as directed to help keep their flavor bright.
Options for Substitutions
- Choose another firm apple variety: Try a firm baking apple in place of Granny Smith or Jonathan. Keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the finished dish taste sweeter.
- Adjust the sugar: For a less sweet result, reduce the sugar slightly. Since different apples vary in tartness, taste the fruit before deciding how much to change.
- Use brown sugar: Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like note. The flavor will change, but the apples will still bake until tender.
- Change the spice: Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon, or add a small pinch of ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Add spices sparingly so they do not cover the apple flavor.
- Use apple cider: Replace some or all of the water with apple cider for a fuller apple taste. Avoid adding too much liquid, since the apples will release their own juices as they cook.
- Swap the lemon juice: Use the same amount of fresh lemon juice if that is what you have. If you do not have lemon juice, a small amount of apple cider vinegar can add a similar touch of acidity, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Choose firm apples and slice them evenly. If some pieces are much thicker than others, they may stay firm while thinner pieces become very soft. Also, avoid very soft apples, which can lose their shape during baking.
Cover the dish tightly with foil before it goes into the oven. The cover helps the apples cook in their own steam and keeps them from drying out. However, check the foil carefully if your baking dish has a wide rim, so it sits securely.
Stir the apples once about halfway through the 45-minute baking time. This helps distribute the sugar, cinnamon, and juices. Still, do not stir too often, because repeated mixing can break down the fruit and make the texture smoother than intended.
Finally, give the dish its full 10 to 15 minutes of resting time before cutting through the apples. The apples will be very hot when they leave the oven, and the rest helps them settle. Cut through them with a sharp knife for a chunky texture, rather than mashing them.
What to Serve With Simple Scalloped Apples for Thanksgiving Dinner?
Scalloped apples pair well with savory main dishes and classic holiday sides. Serve them with roast turkey or baked ham, then add mashed potatoes and green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal. Their sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor also works nicely beside roasted pork. Since they taste good warm or at room temperature, they fit easily into a buffet-style Thanksgiving spread.
Storage Instructions
Store: Cool leftover scalloped apples, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For food safety, do not leave them at room temperature for an extended period.
Freeze: Let the apples cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: On the stovetop, place the apples in a saucepan and warm them over low heat, stirring gently now and then until heated through. If they seem dry, add a small splash of water. In the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals. Take care not to overheat, as the apples can become very soft.
You can also make the dish a day ahead. Refrigerate it once cooled, then gently reheat it before serving, or bring it to the table at room temperature.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes, plus 10 to 15 minutes resting
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 123 kcal per serving
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
These are approximate estimates and can vary with the size and variety of the apples you use. The recipe makes about eight servings.
- Calories: 120 to 130 per serving
- Protein: 0 to 1 g per serving
- Fat: 0 to 1 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 31 to 34 g per serving
Ingredients
- About 2½ pounds firm cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonathan, cored, peeled, and sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking pan or dish. Use a dish large enough to hold the apples in an even layer, with some room to stir them during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples, then slice them into pieces of a similar thickness. Even slices help the apples cook at a steady pace. If you have already prepared the fruit, keep the pieces ready to add to the baking dish.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish
Place the sliced apples in the prepared pan or dish. Add the sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice, then stir gently so the apples are coated. Spread them out in an even layer.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, carefully remove the foil and stir the apples once. Cover the dish again and return it to the oven. They are ready when tender.
Step 5: Rest, Cut, and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Then use a sharp knife to cut through the apples, leaving a chunky texture. Serve the scalloped apples warm or at room temperature.
Step 6: Store Any Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To keep them longer, cool them completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen apples overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently. You can also make the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it until needed.
These simple scalloped apples bring tender fruit, warm cinnamon, and a gentle balance of sweet and tart flavor to your table. They take little hands-on effort, make eight servings, and can be prepared ahead for a less hurried holiday. Try them for Thanksgiving, then let me know how they turned out or which firm apple variety you used. If you enjoy cozy fruit sides, explore more simple fall recipes for your next family meal.
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Simple Scalloped Apples
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Scalloped apples are a comforting dessert that combines tender baked apples with warm cinnamon, perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds firm cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonathan, cored, peeled, and sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
- Wash, peel, and core the apples, then slice them into even pieces.
- Place the sliced apples in the prepared baking dish. Add the sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice, then stir gently.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
