Apple Pretzel Crisp with Wisconsin Aged Cheddar

Servings: 16

1 2/3 cups crushed pretzel crumbs, divided
    (about 4 cups broken up pretzels)*
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel, divided
8 cups Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (about 1/8" thick)
2 1/2 cups natural unsweetened applesauce
2 cups (8 ounces) Wisconsin Sharp (Aged)
    Cheddar, finely shredded, divided
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Low fat yogurt, optional

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In large bowl, combine 2/3 cup pretzel crumbs, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon lemon peel. Add apple slices, tossing to coat well. Stir in applesauce and 1 cup of the Cheddar. Spread mixture evenly in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.

In medium bowl, combine remaining pretzel crumbs and cheese, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, lemon peel and butter. Sprinkle evenly over apple mixture. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until golden, bubbly and thick. Cool slightly before cutting.

Serve warm or cold, topped with yogurt.

*To make the crumbs, place pretzel pieces on waxed paper. Cover with additional waxed paper. Using a rolling pin, crush or roll until crumb consistency. Or, place pretzel pieces in a food processor. Pulse until crumb consistency.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.