Apple and Thyme Bites

Name: Apple and Thyme Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup maple syrup; 2 large fresh thyme sprigs (, plus more for serving); 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (, plus more for serving); Vegan crackers of choice ((I like Breton and Melba toast)); Spreadable vegan cheese ((cashew or cream cheese)); 1-2 Cosmic Crisp apples (, thinly sliced); Chopped pecans (, for serving, optional)

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Fall, Winter, Christmas/Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Savory Bites

GF NF RSF

20 mins Prep: 15 mins Cook: 5 mins

Serves 12

These bites are made with Cosmic Crisp Apples, which are sweet, crisp, and simply perfect to serve in various amuse-bouches during the holidays! They also feature vegan cheese, fresh thyme, black pepper, and a luscious thyme-infused maple syrup.

Ingredients

Thyme-Infused Maple Syrup

1/3 cup maple syrup
2 large fresh thyme sprigs , plus more for serving
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper , plus more for serving

Bites

Vegan crackers of choice (I like Breton and Melba toast)
Spreadable vegan cheese (cashew or cream cheese)
1-2 Cosmic Crisp apples , thinly sliced
Chopped pecans , for serving, optional

Prepare the syrup

Step 1
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Strain through a fine mesh strainer and let cool completely.

Assemble the crackers

Step 1
Top each cracker with spreadable vegan cheese and a few slices of Cosmic Crisp apples.
Step 2
Drizzle the crackers with the Thyme-Infused Maple Syrup and garnish with extra fresh thyme, black pepper, and chopped pecans, if desired. Enjoy!

Common Questions & Swaps

Replace the Cosmic Crisp apples with Honeycrisp apples.

This recipe was created through an Instagram partnership with Autumn Glory Apples and Superfresh Growers.

Is there anything better than finger food?

Of course, not all finger food is created equal so, yes there are recipes that are better, but to me, small bites or amuse bouches are such a great way to pack lots of flavor into small bite-sized packages.

I love enjoying these bites during the holiday season! Not only are they perfect to serve a large crowd of guests without requiring too much work, but they also feature a really unique element that make them extra memorable: their Thyme-Infused Maple Syrup.

Made by boiling together some fresh thyme and pepper in maple syrup, this glaze pairs wonderfully well with the saltiness of the vegan cheese and the crunchiness of the Cosmic Crisp apples.

These bites are then garnished with more aromatic fresh thyme, a crack of pepper for a touch of heat, and some chopped pecans for even more texture and a little richness.

When I shot this recipe, Sam and I ate all the bites on our own and we were in awe with the thyme-infused maple syrup. It really adds depth to these seemingly basic bites.

I encourage you to really let yourself savor the beautiful aroma of the thyme in the syrup and slow down the drizzling process noticing how the glaze drips down the apple slices and vegan cheese.

If you do give this recipe a try (whether it be during the holidays or not!) and share about it on Instagram, make sure to tag me (@muriellebanackissa).

Have a wonderful week my friends!