Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup might sound like something you’d find at a fancy catered party, but let me tell you—it’s one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make at home. The crisp bite of apple, the creamy tang of blue cheese, the chewy sweetness of cranberries, and that drizzle of golden maple syrup? Honestly, it’s the kind of combo that makes you wonder why you haven’t been eating it for years.
I remember the first time I put this together was on a rushed fall afternoon. Friends were coming over, and I didn’t want to fuss with an oven or stovetop. I had apples, a wedge of blue cheese, and a jar of maple syrup. Ten minutes later, I had a platter that looked like something straight out of a cookbook. And the taste—crunchy, tangy, sweet, herby—was everything.
So, if you’re looking for something fresh, fast, and anything but boring, keep reading. Let’s dive into how to make these apple rounds your new go-to snack or starter.
(And hey, if you love simple recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe below—I send out new easy recipes every week, and this one is definitely worth keeping on hand!)
What Makes Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup Special
A balance of sweet, salty, and creamy
The magic of this recipe is all about balance. The apples bring crisp freshness. Blue cheese adds that funky tang and creaminess. Dried cranberries cut through with chewy sweetness. Then you finish it off with maple syrup—smooth, earthy, a little caramel-like. Each bite hits all the notes: crunchy, salty, sweet, tangy, creamy.
It’s the kind of appetizer that feels indulgent but is secretly pretty light. With fruit at the base, it’s fresher than crackers or bread, which means you can pop a few without feeling weighed down.
Perfect for gatherings—or just yourself
Here’s the thing: recipes like this are lifesavers. They’re quick enough for weekday snacking (you can make a batch in 10 minutes flat) but also elegant enough for the holidays. Imagine a tray of these on your Thanksgiving table or served before Christmas dinner. They’re colorful, pretty, and guests will think you put in way more effort than you did.
And for those nights when you just want something fun with a glass of sparkling water or tea? This is it.
Ingredients & Variations for Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup
The essentials you’ll need
Here’s what goes into the classic recipe:
- 2 large apples – choose firm, crisp ones like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a tart twist.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese – crumbled. Go for Gorgonzola if you want something milder, or Roquefort if you like a punchy bite.
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries – their chewiness balances the crunch.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup – real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) walnuts or pecans – optional, but they add a toasty crunch.
- Fresh thyme leaves – just a sprinkle, for that herby, aromatic finish.
That’s it. Six ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry right now.
Easy swaps and creative twists
The beauty of Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup is how flexible they are. Don’t have blue cheese? Try feta for a milder, crumbly bite, or goat cheese for creamy tang.
Want to switch up the fruit? Pear slices make a lovely base, especially in winter. For nuts, almonds or hazelnuts step in nicely. And if cranberries aren’t your thing, dried cherries or figs add a richer sweetness.
You can even swap the maple syrup for honey if that’s what you have on hand. The result will be just as glossy and delicious.
How to Make Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup
Step-by-step instructions
This might be one of the shortest recipe instructions you’ll ever follow.
- Slice the apples. Core them and cut into 1 cm (½-inch) rounds. You want them thick enough to hold toppings but not so thick they’re clunky.
- Arrange on a platter. Lay the slices flat so you can easily build on them.
- Add cheese. Crumble blue cheese on top of each slice. A little goes a long way, so don’t overload.
- Sprinkle cranberries and nuts. Distribute evenly for a pretty look and balanced bites.
- Drizzle with maple syrup. Light, thin lines work best—you want it to enhance, not drown the flavors.
- Finish with thyme leaves. Just a few for garnish and flavor.
And that’s it. No cooking, no waiting. Just assemble and enjoy.
Tools & prep tips
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Just a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a serving platter. If you’re making these for a party, here’s a tip: brush the apple slices lightly with lemon juice to keep them from browning while they sit out.
They hold up surprisingly well for an hour or two, so you can prepare them a little ahead of time and still serve them looking fresh.
Tips, Nutrition, and FAQs for Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup
Serving, storage, and presentation
These are best served right after assembly, when the apples are crisp and fresh. But if you want to prep ahead, you can slice the apples and store them in a lemon-water bath in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Drain and pat dry before topping.
Presentation-wise, a white platter makes the colors pop—the red cranberries, golden syrup, and green thyme look festive against it. They’re great as finger food, but you could also layer them on a charcuterie board for extra variety.
For storage, leftovers should be eaten within a few hours. The apples start to soften once cut, so they don’t keep overnight.
Nutrition facts per serving
| Nutrient | Amount (approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
Light, flavorful, and balanced—it’s a treat that won’t derail your healthy eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop the apples from turning brown?
Brush slices lightly with lemon juice, or soak them in lemon water for a few minutes before topping.
Can I make Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup ahead of time?
Yes—up to 2–3 hours in advance if you use lemon water. Assemble just before serving for the best crunch.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady are sweet and firm. Granny Smith adds tartness if you like a sharper contrast.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Definitely. Honey pairs beautifully with apples and blue cheese, giving a slightly floral flavor.
Are there nut-free options?
Yes—skip the nuts altogether or add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without allergens.
Conclusion
There you have it—Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup, a recipe that takes almost no effort yet looks (and tastes) like something special. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor contrasts that make every bite interesting. Whether you serve it at a holiday party or whip it up on a weeknight, it’s a guaranteed win.
And if you’re into recipes that balance sweet and savory, you’ll love these too:
- Rosemary-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Creamy Feta
- Sweet Potato Flatbread with Sage & Caramelized Onions
- Sweet Potato Rounds with Burrata, Roasted Beets, and Walnut Sage Pesto
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Leave a review, share your own twists, or post a photo on Pinterest so we can all admire your apple creations.
Print
Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Rounds with Blue Cheese, Cranberries & Maple Syrup are the kind of appetizer that look fancy but take almost no effort. Crisp apple slices topped with tangy blue cheese, chewy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup—ready in 10 minutes and perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced into 1 cm (½ inch) thick rounds
- 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Slice apples into rounds about 1 cm (½ inch) thick and arrange them on a serving platter.
Crumble a little blue cheese on each apple slice.
Sprinkle dried cranberries and nuts (if using) evenly over the rounds.
Drizzle with maple syrup—just enough to coat lightly.
Finish with a few thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
To keep apples from browning, brush slices lightly with lemon juice before assembling.
Swap in goat cheese or feta for a different twist.
Pear slices work beautifully as an alternative base.
Best served right after making, but can be prepped up to 2 hours ahead if apples are treated with lemon water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-cook, Assembled
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10mg