Indulge in a beautifully balanced dish of sweet and savory flavors with these Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries. This delightful twist on traditional baked apples brings together the juicy sweetness of apples, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the tart burst of cranberries, creating a cozy yet sophisticated treat. Ideal as a unique appetizer for fall gatherings or as a comforting dessert, this recipe provides a memorable flavor experience that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended), cored
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pears (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for a savory touch)
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish that can comfortably hold the apples.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, optional chopped pears, honey, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until well-mixed, ensuring the honey and spices evenly coat the ingredients.
- Stuff the Apples: Place each cored apple upright in the greased baking dish. Use a spoon to fill each apple generously with the feta and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling tightly.
- Bake the Apples: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the apples are tender to the touch and the filling is slightly caramelized on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle each apple with a bit more honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of flavor and color. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Variation:
- Nuts: Add a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy texture and added richness.
- Blue Cheese Swap: For a sharper contrast, swap feta for crumbled blue cheese.
- Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
- Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a warming, spicy twist.
Cooking Note:
- Apple Choice: Honeycrisp and Gala apples retain their shape well while baking. Avoid overly tart varieties like Granny Smith, which may not balance as well with the feta and cranberries.
- Serving Temperature: These baked apples are best served warm to enjoy the melted feta and gooey honey with each bite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve as a unique appetizer by slicing the baked apples into halves or quarters.
- Dessert: Pair with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for an added touch of creamy richness.
- Holiday Table: These apples make a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas table, bringing a rustic yet elegant flair.
Tips:
- Avoid Over-baking: Keep an eye on the apples to avoid them becoming mushy; they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Core Apples Carefully: Ensure the core is fully removed without piercing through the bottom to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling mixture and adjust honey according to your preference for sweetness.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg (may vary based on feta)
FAQs
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, but fresh cranberries are much tarter, so consider adding a bit more honey or another sweetener to balance the flavors.
- Is there a vegan version of this recipe? Absolutely! Substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
- What other fruit can be added to the filling? Chopped apricots, dates, or raisins can add an interesting depth of flavor.
Conclusion:
This Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe is a wonderful exploration of flavors and textures, merging the natural sweetness of apples with the boldness of feta and the tartness of cranberries. Simple to make yet impressive in taste, this dish can seamlessly transition from an elegant appetizer to a warm, comforting dessert. Enjoy the richness of the Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and the heartwarming appeal of baked apples in this beautiful dish that will impress your family and guests alike.
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Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Total Time: 35
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended), cored
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pears (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for a savory touch)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish that can comfortably hold the apples.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, optional chopped pears, honey, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until well-mixed, ensuring the honey and spices evenly coat the ingredients.
- Stuff the Apples: Place each cored apple upright in the greased baking dish. Use a spoon to fill each apple generously with the feta and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling tightly.
- Bake the Apples: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the apples are tender to the touch and the filling is slightly caramelized on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle each apple with a bit more honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of flavor and color. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- Apple Choice: Honeycrisp and Gala apples retain their shape well while baking. Avoid overly tart varieties like Granny Smith, which may not balance as well with the feta and cranberries.
- Serving Temperature: These baked apples are best served warm to enjoy the melted feta and gooey honey with each bite.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 150mg
- Protein: 3g