A TWIST ON THE CLASSIC CHEESE AND CRACKERS! These little golden nuggets are perfect for brunch, breakfast buffet, or luncheon. What makes these bites so incredible is the cheese!  Cream cheese and Gouda are mixed with apple cider, sauteed apples, and onion. The creamy texture of the cheese sauce mixed with the tangy crunch of the apple makes these Mini Apple Cheese Bites unique and incredibly tasty!

How to Make Mini Apple Cheese Bite Appetizers

Serving baked goods at a brunch is easy. The baked goods (muffins, scones) can be made in advance. But serving hot savory dishes can be tricky. Most of the time they need to be made fresh the day of the event. This leaves the hostess scrambling for time. I have a trick up my sleeve to make these delicious mini cheese bites hostess-friendly!  Translation…..easy!  Scroll down to see how!

APPLE APPETIZER INGREDIENTS LIST-full recipe in below printable recipe card

FOR THE CRUST

• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

FOR THE TOPPING

• 1/3 cup panko crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE APPLE AND CHEESE FILLING

• 1 (1 pound) bag of small elbow pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 1/2 cups granny smith apple, peeled cored and chopped (about 3 apples)
• 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 (8 ounces) box cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 (8 ounces) gouda wedge, shredded
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

APPLE CHEESE APPETIZER INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE CRUST

1. Spray muffin pan wells with nonstick cooking spray. I
2. In a small bowl stir together the panko crumbs and thyme.
3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of mixture onto the bottom of each muffin well and set aside.

FOR THE TOPPING

1. Pour panko crumbs into a small bowl.
2. In another small bowl melt butter in the microwave (about 45 seconds).
3. Stir butter into crumbs. Set aside.

FOR THE APPLE AND CHEESE FILLING

1. Preheat oven to 350°.  Follow the package directions for boiling the pasta. 
2. Decrease the time by 2 minutes, and drain. 
3. Return pasta to pan; set aside.
4. In a large saucepan cook apple and onions in butter for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. 
5. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. 
6. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. 
7. Add milk and cider; cook until thickened and bubbly. 
8. Reduce heat to low; add cream cheese, Gouda and thyme. 
9. Stir until the cheeses are melted. 
10. Pour cooked pasta over cheese mixture; stir gently to combine. 
11. Add 1/3 cup of pasta mixture to each prepared muffin well. 
12. Using the bottom of the measuring cup, press down the pasta. 
13. Sprinkle one teaspoon of topping on each bite. 
14. Bake for 30 minutes or until the sides are golden and the bites are set. 
15. Cool in a muffin tin for 10 minutes.  Use a paring knife to loosen and remove from muffin tins.  Serve hot.

How to Plan a Successful Brunch

The word “trick” might be a little strong. I always say the trick to a successful event is all about planning. I recently made these Mini Apple Cheese Bites for a Women’s Brunch; with over 90 bites. That meant I had to think ahead. I didn’t want to be in the kitchen making cheese sauce the morning of the event. So here it is….I MADE THE SAUCE THE DAY BEFORE! This made putting together the cheese bites a snap. All I had to do the day of the event was heat up the sauce, cook the noodles, stir together, spoon into the cups, and bake! AWESOME!

Full-Size Version Recipe

This Apple and Cheese Penne Pie is like serving a dressed-up version of macaroni and cheese.  If you don’t want to make it fancy or don’t have a spring form pan this recipe can also be made in a casserole dish.  This dish offers great flavor and is easy to make.  Serve alongside a juicy portion of grilled beef for a great side dish!

CAN THESE MACARONI AND CHEESE APPETIZERS BE FROZEN?

Yes, Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to three months.

HOW TO FREEZE MACARONI AND CHEESE BITES: Place baked bites on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the bites in the freezer. Once the bites are completely frozen put them into a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator. HOW TO REHEAT CHEESE BITES: Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Place defrosted macaroni and cheese cups into the prepared pans. Preheat oven to 400°, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. In the air fryer 350° and bake for 3-5 minutes. DO NOT REHEAT IN THE MICROWAVE—it will turn the bites soggy.

MORE PARTY APPETIZER RECIPES

• SPICY HERB BUTTER CANDLE
• BACON CHEESE RING PARTY DIP
• CREAM CHEESE AND OLIVE PECAN APPETIZER BITES
• WHITE BEAN AND ARTICHOKE SPREAD
• HOLIDAY PORT WINE FIG CHEESE BALL
• PUFF PASTRY CHEESE STICKS

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In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience over quality. But when it comes to entertaining, the little details make all the difference. With that in mind, mini apple cheese bite appetizers are the perfect combination of convenience and delectable taste. Using fresh, locally sourced apples and high-quality cheese, you can elevate a simple appetizer into a show-stopping dish that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Remember, every element of your event, even the smallest bite, should reflect your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. So go ahead, impress your guests with these irresistible mini apple cheese bites, and watch as they disappear in seconds. But don’t just take our word for it, try them yourself and experience the magic. Happy entertaining!💗Sheryl