Our Sunday lunches are always simple, so we can just relax. We pop up a big pot of homemade popcorn, and serve it alongside some cheese and seasonal fruit/veggies. In the fall, we like a quick, warm pan of Cheesy Apple Rings.
Years ago, before we were married, a favorite Sunday lunch was stopping by a local restaurant chain for “healthy” nachos. But this option is even faster, healthier, and more frugal than a cheesy fast food meal!
This is also a nice choice for gluten/grain-free lunches, instead of buying expensive packaged breads to make “grilled cheese sandwiches.”
Cheesy Apple Rings
Apples (Choose a crisp variety, such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji.)
Cheese (Sharp Cheddar is good)
(I don’t have exact measurements; just plan on 1/2-1 apple per person, and then 1 slice of cheese per slice of apple. The number of apple rings you get depends on the size of your apples.)
Preheat the broiler in your oven. Core the apples, and then slice them horizontally into rings. (Don’t peel the apples.) Lay out the apple rings on a baking sheet, and top each ring with a slice of cheese. (This is a great recipe for little ones to help. They can place the apple rings on the pan, and top them with the cheese!) Then pop the pan into the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted to your liking. Serve warm, alongside some popcorn!
Variation: If you do want more “nacho” flavor, you can sprinkle them with some Mexican Seasoning and/or Oregano.
A simple warm snack full of fall flavor is definitely a finer thing, don’t you think?
Finer Things Friday at Amy’s Finer Things
Frugal Friday at Life as Mom
Vegetarian Foodie Friday at Breastfeeding Moms Unite
Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
Fight Back Fridays at Food Renegade
The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
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What a great idea!! In PA, it is not uncommon for one to request a slice of cheese on warm apple pie. This sounds like a delicious alternative! Thanks!!
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Michele Reply:
October 29th, 2010 at 7:58 am
@Ruth, Yum!
My MIL has a cute wall-hanging in her home that says “Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze.” 
Maybe it’s from PA!
You could add a sprinkle of cinnamon to these, too, if you wanted!
Blessings,
Michele
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Wow! I never would have thought of trying this. Looks so easy. Will have to give this one a whirl.
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Michele, love the quote from your mum-in-law!
My parents are from Vermont, and they have always talked about having sharp “cheddah” with their pie. I think it’s a New England thing.
Thanks for this simple recipe!
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Great idea Michelle! I’ve been eating homemade dried apples all morning! I like the look of your blog too! Is this a new one?
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Michele Reply:
November 1st, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Hi, Joy!
Yeah, you have that awesome dehydrator, so you get to have dried apples, lucky girl. 
Thanks!
No, this is the same blog I’ve had for the past 3 years, but I did move it to a new host/domain this summer (so now it’s at frugalgranola.com, without blogspot). Lisa Nelson did the logo design.
So, are you guys loving the snow in SLC?
Blessings,
Michele
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It’s like apple pie and cheese without the crust, so a lot healthier this way.
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Oh yum! This would make a great afternoon snack as well!
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Oh yummy! My guys are very much carnivores, so this would not work for a meal for them. However, it would make a great snack as Melinda said above. Considering that cheese is my main food group, I believe it will work well for me. Oh, and to put carmel on top!
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What a neat idea! I am definitely going to offer this as a snack sometime soon. Snack ideas are always needed around here so thank you for sharing this one!
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I know a lot of people who like apples and melted cheese together, but I’ve never managed to try it.
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These were very good. One thing we did a little different was make sure that they had gone golden brown and crispy. brought more of a depth of flavour!
thanks for an idea i never would have thought of!
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This is my first visit to your blog and I can’t wait to read more! Your Sunday meals remind me of my brother’s family~they always have popcorn and cheese:)
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Michele Reply:
October 31st, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Welcome!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings,
Michele
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[...] Cherie at Living Free – Turned Over Sweet Apples and from Michelle at Frugal Granola – Cheesy Apple Rings. My kids loved these. Sorry no picture. You’ll have to go and visit their [...]
Interesting!!! I love cheese and apples!
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Made these and they were delicious! Thanks for sharing such an easy and yummy idea.
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Hi!
I’ve never, ever heard of cheese and apples together (although, if it IS a New England thing, that could explain it—-I also live in Washington state!); but after beginning to eat gluten-free, I’ve been expanding my food choices a bit (and trying to keep an open mind!).
I made these today for lunch, and….NUM! They were so good. A much different taste combination than I’ve ever tried before.
Thank you, as always, for your recipes and meal plans!
Elizabeth
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[...] just wrapped in lettuce leaves (especially when lettuce is abundant in our garden in the summer) or on apple slices, for example, preferring to skip the bread [...]
Sounds so yummy! Now if I can just keep the popcorn from burning! :/
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Am now hungry and can’t wait to try!
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