Rustic Apple & Nut Thanksgiving Snack Platter

Is there anything better than the smell of roasted nuts and cinnamon filling your kitchen on a crisp fall day? That feeling of cozy, welcoming warmth is exactly what I’m going for with this Rustic Apple & Nut Thanksgiving Snack Platter. It’s the kind of effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks like you spent hours arranging, but secretly comes together with more instinct than instruction. Perfect for those pre-feast munchies while everyone’s catching up and the turkey’s still in the oven. No fuss, just fantastic flavor.

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to adore this platter because it solves the biggest holiday hosting dilemma: what to serve that’s delicious, beautiful, and doesn’t keep you chained to the stove. It’s a welcome distraction for hungry guests that feels special but is seriously simple. The sweet and savory combo hits all the right notes, and it’s so, so adaptable to what you have on hand. And honestly? The best part is watching everyone gather around it, nibbling and laughing. Mission accomplished.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 medium crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): For that fresh, crunchy sweetness.
• 1 cup raw pecans: They get wonderfully toasty.
• 1 cup raw walnuts: For a slightly bitter, earthy balance.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Just enough to coat everything in a sweet glaze.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps everything crisp up perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential cozy holiday spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a little sneaky heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: To make all the flavors pop.
• 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed: A classic, tangy pairing.
• 1 bunch seedless red grapes: For a juicy, refreshing burst.
• Your favorite crackers or sliced baguette: The necessary vehicles for all this goodness.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a total breeze.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, walnuts, maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if you’re using it), and salt. Toss it all together until the nuts are evenly coated. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there if you need to!
3. Spread the nut mixture out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells amazing and the nuts are a beautiful golden brown. Give them a stir halfway through to prevent any scorching.
4. While the nuts are cooling completely on the baking sheet (this is important so they get crunchy!), you can get your board ready. Slice your apples—a mix of thin slices and chunks is nice for variety. If you’re prepping ahead, give the apple slices a quick squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from browning.
5. Now for the fun part: assembling your Thanksgiving snack platter. Start by placing little bowls or piles of your cooled spiced nuts around the board. Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes, apple slices, and clusters of grapes in between. Fill in any gaps with crackers or baguette slices. The goal is abundant and inviting, not perfect!

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Tips

• Let those nuts cool all the way before adding them to the board. If they’re still warm, they’ll make everything else sweaty.
• Feeding a crowd? This recipe is a breeze to double or even triple. Just use two baking sheets for the nuts and rotate them in the oven.
• Get creative with textures! Adding a small bowl of creamy goat cheese or a dollop of honey butter for dipping takes it to the next level.
• If you have any nut allergies to consider, you can swap the nuts out for roasted chickpeas tossed in the same spices. Just as crunchy and delicious.
• Honestly, the best tip is to not stress. A snack platter is meant to be rustic and gathered. If something spills over the edge? Call it style.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Rustic Apple & Nut Thanksgiving Snack Platter is the ultimate start to any holiday meal. It’s a fantastic Friendsgiving food idea because it encourages mingling. Set it out on the coffee table or at the end of the kitchen island with some small plates and napkins. It pairs beautifully with a sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic option, or a dry hard cider for the adults. It’s the perfect lead-in to all your other Thanksgiving recipes appetizers.

Variations & Substitutions

• Not a fan of walnuts? Use all pecans, or try almonds or cashews instead.
• For a dairy-free version, skip the cheddar and add another fruit like pear slices or dried apricots. A vegan smoked almond cheese would also be fantastic.
• Sweet tooth? Add a handful of dark chocolate chips or chunks to the board after the nuts have cooled.
• Want to incorporate more classic holiday appetizers? Add some smoked turkey slices rolled up next to the cheese.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftover spiced nuts (a rarity in my house!), let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cheese, fruits, and crackers are best enjoyed fresh. I don’t recommend reheating the nuts, as the cheese and fruit on the platter are meant to be served cool or at room temp. If you need to assemble the board ahead of time, keep the nut component separate and add it right before your guests arrive to keep everything crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the spiced nuts ahead of time for my Thanksgiving party food? Absolutely! They are the best make-ahead component. Roast and cool them completely up to 3 days in advance and store them in a container. Assemble the rest of the board the day of.
• What are some other easy Thanksgiving appetizers I can serve with this? This board pairs wonderfully with other simple bites like a whipped cranberry feta dip or some stuffed dates. It’s all about keeping it easy and festive.
• I’m nervous about the cayenne. How spicy does this get? Honestly, if you’re sensitive to heat, just leave it out. The smoked paprika and cinnamon provide plenty of warmth and flavor without any fire. The 1/4 teaspoon just gives a very subtle kick at the end.