With fall comes apple season! This simple recipe for fried apples with bacon and onions is a sweet and savory dish that is sure to earn a spot on your autumn comfort food list. It can be enjoyed on its own as a light but filling lunch, or as a side dish to complement any main course from breakfast to supper. Serve it alongside a steaming pot of oatmeal or a platter of scrambled eggs. At the supper table, pair it with a tender pork roast or some fried pork chops. However you choose to have it, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Choosing ingredients

Start by selecting fresh crisp apples, organic if possible. If you are following a low-glycemic diet, Granny Smith apples are a good choice. Opt for a thick-sliced, uncured bacon if you can. Uncured bacon is now widely available and is a healthier alternative comapared to bacon cured with added nitrites. Both white or yellow onions will work well in this recipe, but yellow onions will add a touch more sweetness. There are many options to add sweetness to this dish, depending on your preference. Brown sugar is a classic choice that caramelizes beautifully. For a lower glycemic option, coconut sugar is an alternative that cooks similarly to brown sugar and offers a deep rich flavor. Maple syrup adds a wonderful light, fall flavor, and of course, honey is always a favorite as well!

Fried Apples With Bacon and Onions

This simple recipe for fried apples with bacon and onions is a sweet and savory dish that is sure to earn a spot on your autumn comfort food list.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Serving Size 4

Equipment

cast iron skillet (or any skillet will do)
apple or potato peeler
knife
spatula

Ingredients

3 medium apples – peeled & sliced
1/4 pound bacon – sliced into bite sized pieces
1/2 medium onion – sliced
cooking oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc.)
1/4 cup sugar or sweetener of choice (brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, etc.)
salt to taste

Instructions

Slice bacon and onions and set aside.
Peel and slice apples as if for apple pie. Set aside.
Add bacon to a preheated skillet over medium heat. Allow to cook slightly then add onions. Stir often so the bacon can cook on both sides.
Once the bacon and onions have cooked through (but are not yet browned) add the apples. If bacon has not produced enough grease, add a bit of cooking oil of your choosing. You do not want a dry skillet!
Loosely cover the skillet, allowing steam to escape. (optional) Stir occassionaly so the apples can cook evenly. Once the apples start to soften, remove the lid/cover. Continue to cook.
Mix in sugar/sweetener and salt to taste. Salt needed will depend on saltiness of bacon.
Once the apples are fork tender and the apples, bacon and onions are lightly browned and slightly caramelized they are done! Remove from heat.

Notes

If you choose not to cover the apples, they will take a little longer to cook but will brown and caramelize a bit more.
Be careful not to over stir the apples or they may fall apart. Do not over cook. They should be just fork tender, not mush.
Choose apple variety and sweetener according to your taste. For a lower glycemic option, choose a tart apple and use coconut sugar.
For added depth of flavor, add a tablespoon of butter while frying.