Whether baked, dipped or paired with cheese, these apple appetizers turn fall’s star fruit into bites that balance sweet, savory and seasonal flavors.
1/15
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
From the Recipe Creator:
For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
2/15
Tomato Apple Chutney
From the Recipe Creator:
During the fall and winter, I love to make different kinds of chutney to give as hostess gifts. Cook this chutney in a slow cooker, and you don't have to fuss with it until you are ready to serve it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/15
Arts and Crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
A bit of fun with some cookie cutters and a tasty fruit topping transform simple cheese and crackers into a treat kids will love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker with cheese and topping: 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 starch.
4/15
Apple Pear Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
For a unique treat that’s always a hit at fall get-togethers, try this easy appetizer. The salsa is packed with crunchy apples, grapes and pears, which are so fun to scoop up with crisp cinnamon chips. —Courtney Fons, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
5/15
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 272 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
6/15
Festive Apple Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this layered peanut butter treat when my dad gave me a big bag of apples. The dip has been one of my favorites ever since. In addition to serving it with apples, try it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, banana chunks or animal crackers. —Theresa Tometich, Coralville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip with 3/4 apple: 403 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
7/15
Apple Cartwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuff apples with a yummy filling, and then slice the fruit into rings to make eye-appealing after-school snacks. The filling is an irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, miniature chocolate chips and raisins. —Miriam Miller, Thorp, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 50 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
8/15
Parisian Chicken Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend of mine returned from a trip to Paris, she raved about the food she had and described one of her favorite meals. It inspired me to create a similar hors d’oeuvre. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/15
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and have loads of blue cheese flavor. The phyllo shells and filling can be made in advance—just fill the cups and warm them in the oven before serving. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/15
Apple Sausage Appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making apple appetizers. This no-fuss recipe makes plenty, so it's great for a football party or holiday gathering, just serve with toothpicks. —Dolores M. Barnas, Blasdell, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 117 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 fruit.
11/15
Baked Brie with Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
As family arrives for a get-together, I make sure this fruity and savory Brie is in the oven so the aromas of cinnamon and apples fill the house. —Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 131 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/15
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my husband and I were raised on farms, and we prefer home cooking to eating out. That works out fine since I love trying new recipes! I've served this apple salsa as an appetizer and a snack. Plus, it's sweet enough to be a dessert. It's easy to transport besides. —Carolyn Brinkmeyer, Golden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
4 chips with 1/4 cup salsa: 121 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/15
Apple Stuffing Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
I served these fun appetizers for the first time on Thanksgiving. My family asked me to make them several times after that, so the tasty little bites made an appearance on my Christmas spread that year, too. We love them so much they've become a holiday tradition. —Tracy Burdo, Burlington, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffing ball: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
14/15
Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for these appetizers from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant—a symphony of sweet fig, roasted apple, melted brie and tangy garlic mayonnaise. I re-created this delectable combination in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist. These scrumptious bites only take about 20 minutes, but taste like you spent hours; you can also make them a few days in advance, then warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. They're the perfect party appetizer! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini sandwich: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
15/15
Figgy Apple Brie Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Our holiday gatherings often included baked Brie. I transformed it into a dessert that’s savory and sweet. It makes a wonderful appetizer, too. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 394 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
Apple Appetizers FAQ
What seasonal fruit appetizers can I make to use up a bunch of apples?
When apples are overflowing and you don’t want them to go to waste, small bites are a great way to use them quickly. Try sweet-savory apple and cheese appetizers, quick salsas or apple-forward chutneys. Many pair well with crackers, crostini or roasted meats, making them perfect for stretching a big batch of fruit into flavorful, crowd-pleasing starters.
What easy fall party snacks with apples can I make in advance?
Dips, spreads and chutneys made with apples are some of the easiest fall party snacks to prep ahead. They hold up well in the fridge and taste even better after the flavors have time to blend. Baked brie can be assembled just before serving, while apple jelly or apple-pear salsa can be made a day ahead and spooned over soft cheese or crackers when it’s time to eat. If you’re prepping in advance, store your apples the right way, in the cold storage. This way, they’ll stay fresh for weeks when kept cool and dry, giving you plenty of time to get your fall menu together.
What is a quick apple starter I can make in 10 minutes?
If you’re short on time and need to make a quick apple starter, try apple cartwheels layered with cream cheese and nuts or apple slices served with warm spiced dip. Both are simple, seasonal and deliver a satisfying mix of textures without much prep.
