Fall Snack Week continues, and today’s treat is a playful twist on a classic favorite—Apple Nachos! Instead of tortilla chips, crisp apple slices form the base, creating a sweet and refreshing base for all the delicious toppings. But the fun doesn’t stop there—these apples get drizzled with warm caramel, gooey marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style nacho that’s as festive as it is flavorful. I first spotted the idea in a recent issue of Taste of Home and couldn’t resist putting my own spin on it.

I’ll admit, I was genuinely surprised by how irresistible these turned out. The melted marshmallows stretch and swirl just like cheese on traditional nachos, adding a playful texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp apples. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy—an unexpected combo that works like magic.

Ingredients for Apple Nachos

• LARGE MARSHMALLOWS
• BUTTER
• CARAMEL APPLE DIP
• TART APPLES
• NUT TOPPING (THE KIND WITH THE ICE CREAM TOPPINGS) OR CHOPPED DRY ROASTED PEANUTS
• MINIATURE SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Instructions for Caramel Apple Nachos

Melt the Marshmallow Mixture – In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and marshmallows together. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy, then remove from heat and set aside.

Prep the Apples – Wash and slice 4–5 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples) into thin wedges. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a large serving platter or tray.

Drizzle the Caramel – Spoon store-bought caramel dip or caramel sauce into a quart-sized zip-top bag. Snip off one corner with scissors to create a makeshift piping bag, then drizzle the caramel generously over the apple slices.

Add the Marshmallow Drizzle – Using a spoon or another zip-top bag, drizzle the warm marshmallow mixture over the apples and caramel. It will stretch and swirl like melted cheese—just like real nachos!

Sprinkle the Toppings – Finish by sprinkling chopped nuts (like peanuts or pecans) and mini chocolate chips over the top. Serve immediately while everything is warm and gooey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples work best for nachos?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples hold up well and offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness. You can mix types for added flavor and color contrast.

How do I keep the apple slices from browning?
Toss the slices in a little lemon juice or use a product like Fruit Fresh to slow oxidation. This helps maintain their fresh look, especially if prepping ahead.

Can I make apple nachos ahead of time?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep toppings and slice apples up to 30 minutes in advance. Store apple slices in lemon water and assemble just before serving.

What toppings can I use besides caramel and marshmallows?
Try peanut butter, chocolate sauce, granola, raisins, crushed pretzels, shredded coconut, toffee bits, crushed graham crackers, dried cranberries, or mini M&M candies. You can even add yogurt drizzle or nut butters (like almond butter) along with a sprinkling of cinnamon for a healthier twist.

What’s the best way to serve apple nachos for a party?
Arrange the slices on a large platter and set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own. It’s interactive, fun, and perfect for kids and adults alike.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Peanut Butter and Apple Pizzas
• Brown Sugar Apple Dip
• Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites
• Fluffy Apple Dip

Apple Nachos

Real Mom Kitchen

These gooey Apple Nachos are a playful and delicious twist on classic nachos—using crisp apple slices as the base and layering them with warm caramel, melted marshmallows, chopped nuts, and mini chocolate chips. The marshmallow mixture adds a stretchy, cheesy-like texture while balancing the sweet crunch of fresh apples. Quick to make and fun to serve, they’re a perfect fall snack for parties, cozy afternoons, or family movie nights.

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Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 288 kcal

Equipment

sauce pan

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 30 large marshmallows
• ▢ ⅓ cup butter cubed
• ▢ ¼ cup caramel apple dip
• ▢ 4 medium tart apples cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
• ▢ ⅓ cup nut topping the kind with the ice cram toppings or chopped dry roasted peanuts
• ▢ ⅓ cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• In a large saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter.
• Arrange apple slices on a large platter. Place caramel dip into a quart sized zipper bag.  Snip off one corner with some scissors and drizzle caramel over the apples.
• Then drizzle with the marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle with nut topping and chocolate chips. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword after school snack, apple, fall, fruit, nachos

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