Apple Nachos are proof that snack time doesn't have to be boring to be healthy. Crisp apple slices get drizzled with warm almond butter, dusted with cinnamon, and showered with crunchy, sweet, and salty toppings. It's like a party platter disguised as fruit: fun, colorful, and on the table in minutes.
The best part? Apple nachos come together in minutes with pantry staples, making them a go-to snack for kids, after-school fuel, or even a quick dessert. It's especially perfect in the fall when apples are at their peak, though honestly, you'll want these year-round. Kids love it, adults secretly love it more, and you can make it as virtuous or as indulgent as you like. Think granola and yogurt one day, caramel and chocolate chips the next.
If you liked this apple nachos recipe, you should try our Caramel Apples or Apple Tart next. They also pair really well with Hot Chocolate for a cozy snack that feels special but couldn't be easier.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and fun. In just a few minutes, you can have a plate of apple nachos ready to snack on. It's a no-fuss, no-cook recipe that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Healthy and wholesome. Apples bring fiber and vitamins, nut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and a sprinkle of toppings keeps things exciting without going overboard. It's snack time you can actually feel good about.
- Kid-friendly and customizable. Kids love "building" their nachos with different toppings, and you can mix and match based on what's in your pantry. It's the perfect way to sneak in fruit while keeping snack time playful.
- Sweet meets salty. The combo of crisp apples, creamy nut butter, crunchy pretzels, and melty chocolate chips hits every craving: sweet, salty, crunchy, and satisfying all at once.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this easy and healthy Apple Nachos, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- apples - Use any kind of apples sliced into ¼-inch wedges (try fuji apples, granny smith apples, or gala apples). We used one red and one green apple for a pretty color contrast and balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- nut butter - Adds creaminess and protein. We used our super easy Homemade Almond Butter, but Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter also work. For a nut-free option, try tahini. It's nutty, sesame flavor is less sweet but tastes amazing drizzled over apples with chocolate and cinnamon.
- ground cinnamon - Adds warmth and cozy spice. Pumpkin pie spice is another fun option.
- toppings - Choose 3 to 4 of your favorite toppings to keep things balanced and fun. We used slivered almonds, crushed pretzels, and mini chocolate chips. Some more topping ideas are: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts), granola, shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, crushed Oreos, M&M's, toffee bits, marshmallows, and sprinkles.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife for slicing apples, a cutting board, and a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan to warm the nut butter for drizzling.
Instructions
Arrange apples
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a large plate or platter.
Warm the nut butter
Place the almond butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds, or until it softens and becomes easy to pour. (Don't overheat or it will seize.)
Drizzle
Pour the warm nut butter evenly over the apple slices while it is still soft.
Add spice
Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Add toppings
Sprinkle with your chosen toppings (ie. slivered almonds, crushed pretzels, and chocolate chips). Serve immediately.
Expert Tip: Keep Apples from Browning
If you're making apple nachos ahead, toss the slices with a little lemon juice or soak them briefly in a water + lemon mixture. It keeps the apples looking crisp and fresh, even after sitting out for a while.
More Tips and Tricks
- Pat apples dry. After slicing, blot with a paper towel so the toppings stick better.
- Play with toppings. Use whatever you have on hand: dried fruit, granola, coconut flakes, or candy pieces all work.
- Serve immediately. Apple nachos are best fresh, while the apples are crisp and the toppings crunchy.
- Make it a spread. Lay out toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own nacho plate.
Recipe Variations
- Caramel apple nachos. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a decadent dessert version.
- Breakfast nachos. Use yogurt as the drizzle and top with granola and fresh berries for a morning treat.
- Trail mix nachos. Add raisins, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes for a hiking-inspired twist.
- Candy apple nachos. Top with M&Ms, sprinkles, or crushed candy bars for a fun party snack.
- Nut-free nachos. Swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter and use pumpkin seeds for crunch to make it allergy-friendly.
- Holiday nachos. Sprinkle with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a festive look.
- Keep it vegan. This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly if you pick the right toppings! Swap in dairy-free chocolate chips and check that your pretzels are vegan (many brands are, but it's always good to double-check).
- Keep it gluten-free. To keep this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pretzels (there are plenty of great store-bought options) or use a different topping that doesn't have gluten.
Storage
How to Store
Best eaten fresh, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How to Freeze
Not recommended, as apples turn mushy after thawing.
How to Serve
Apple nachos are perfect as a healthy snack, quick dessert, or even a fun breakfast idea. They're light, fresh, and endlessly customizable - basically a snack board disguised as nachos.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with apple nachos:
Healthy Snacks
If serving this as part of a large snack spread, see our collection of healthy snack ideas, featuring bite-sized finger foods, fresh fruit and veggie options, protein-packed bites, wholesome dips, and easy-to-make treats everyone will enjoy.
FAQ
Apple nachos are sliced apples layered on a plate and drizzled with nut butter, then sprinkled with toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, and pretzels. They're a fun, fresh take on nachos that's healthier and lighter.
Yes! Apples bring fiber and vitamins, nut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and toppings can be as wholesome as you want. If you keep the portions balanced, apple nachos make a nutrient-packed snack.
A mix of sweet and tart apples is best. Try Granny Smith or Pink Lady for tartness, and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. Combining colors also makes the nachos look extra appealing.
Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice, or soak them in water with lemon juice for a few minutes before draining. It slows oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh.
Just about anything! Nuts, seeds, granola, pretzels, chocolate, dried fruit, and caramel all work. Keep it simple and healthy, or load it up like a dessert plate.
Dress them up with toppings! A drizzle of nut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fun add-ins like granola, dried fruit, or chocolate chips instantly turn plain apple slices into something exciting.
More Apple Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried this recipe?
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Recipe
Apple Nachos
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Nachos are a quick, healthy snack made with crisp apples, nut butter, and toppings. Fun, customizable, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, cored and cut into ¼ inch thin slices
- ¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Toppings:
Choose 3 or 4 toppings (2-3 tablespoons each):
- slivered almonds
- chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts)
- granola
- shredded coconut
- crushed pretzels
- crushed graham crackers
- crushed oreos
- mini chocolate chips
- m&m's
- toffee bits
- marshmallows
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a large plate or platter.
- Place the almond butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds, or until it softens and becomes easy to pour. (Don't overheat or it will seize.)
- Pour the warm nut butter evenly over the apple slices while it is still soft.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Sprinkle with your chosen toppings (ie. slivered almonds, crushed pretzels, and chocolate chips). Serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Best eaten fresh, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Freezing is not recommended, as apples turn mushy after thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
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