This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #NaturallyCheesy #CollectiveBias Here I’m sharing simple recipe ideas for an easy Holiday Party with cheese and fruit including my Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers recipe. And, if you’re hosting a party you’ll love my free printable Christmas Party invitations.

My husband credits me for getting him hooked on cheese. To me, there are some things in life that are not to be missed and cheese is one of them. It’s especially good when you combine a Cracker Barrel Cheese Tray with some of my other favorites like crisp apples, fresh pears and crunchy walnuts. I firmly believe that food can be used to not only nourish the body, it can nourish the soul. And making it beautiful doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes a little creativity.

What I like about this dish is the combination of flavors. It’s savory and sweet in just the right sort of mix. It looks a little fancy but it’s oh.so.simple. to create. And it opens up the doors for all sorts of things you can do with cheese and fruit – like fondue and fruit dipping sauces in caramel and chocolate…

Simple Meal Solutions with Cracker Barrel Cheese Trays

The other beautiful thing about this recipe for Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers is this: it takes advantage of Cracker Barrel Cheese Trays.  Without these easy-to-use cheese trays I would’ve likely made myself crazy trying to slice perfectly square and equally identical pieces of cheese. Does anyone else do this? Try to make cheese slices all look the same? Please tell me I’m not alone. 😉

Plus, since the pack includes a variety of four different flavors, I know I have a flavor for every guest at our table. The perfect solution for busy folks like me who need easy party appetizers for a variety of tastes and preferences.

Simple Recipe Ideas for an easy Holiday Party with Cheese and Fruit

These Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers are very versatile. You can offer these on a cake stand, a simple platter on the table, or even walk around with them and serve them to guests as hors d’ oeuvres.

The other nice thing about Cracker Barrel cheese slices is that you can serve them up without any toppings and let guests create their own fruit and cheese combinations. I love how nice and tidy these perfectly cut squares look.

I was so inspired by the cheese that I decided to create cheddar cheese fondue. Cheese and fruit, fruit and cheese; and chocolate and caramel – it just doesn’t get any better!

Ingredients for this easy recipe: Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers

• 1 Cracker Barrel Cheese Tray
• 2 Freshly washed and sliced red apples (pick your favorite)
• 2 Freshly washed and sliced pears
• 1 Sleeve of crackers or small squares of toasted flatbread
• 1/2 Cup of caramel fruit dip
• 1/2 Cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 Cup of chocolate fruit dip (optional)

Directions for this easy recipe: Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers

Step 1: Wash and cut fruit.  Wash and carefully dry your fruit. Use a sharp knife to cut and trim the apples and pears into thin slices.

Step 2: Arrange the crackers. Place the crackers on your serving platter or cake stand in the shape or pattern you would like to have displayed.

Step 3: Add the Cracker Barrel Cheese Tray cheese squares on top of the crackers.

Step 4: Add one thin slice of fruit on top of the cheese. I used crisp apple slices and fresh pear slices.

Step 5: Place two to three walnut pieces on  top of each fruit slice.

Step 6: Add the caramel fruit dipping sauce. To make the sauce easier to use, heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds in a glass bowl. Mix it and transfer it to a frosting dispenser with a small tip. Gently dispense the caramel sauce on top of the cheese and fruit crackers to create a soft pattern. You could also try a chocolate fruit dipping sauce. Either works great for creating a custom display.

Voila! You have these gorgeous Caramel, Apple and Walnut Cheese Crackers — perfect for any party or holiday gathering.

Hosting a cheese and fruit soirée? FREE Christmas Invitations

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger Christmas party, I’ve created some fun invitations you can use to invite your guests. There are four designs to choose from and here I’m featuring two. Just click the blue “download now” button to download your free Christmas party invitations.

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Where to find Cracker Barrel Cheese Trays

You can find all of the fruits, cheeses and toppings you need to re-create these fruit and cheese appetizer trays at Walmart. You can find the Cracker Barrel Cheese Trays in the refrigerated section where cheeses are sold.  For more fabulous entertaining and recipe ideas check out Kraft online. I’d love to hear about your favorite cheesy recipe!

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What’s your favorite cheesy recipe?

Have any tips or tricks for easy appetizer recipes? Could you use perfectly square and ready-cut cheese slices for your next party or family gathering? What’s your favorite Cracker Barrel Cheese Tray cheese flavor? Please leave a comment below and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

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