Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight
There is something truly magical about the combination of flavors in this baked apples recipe, a perfect example of Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight that effortlessly balances juicy fruit with salty feta, tart cranberries, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon. Each bite offers a comforting harmony of tastes and textures that feel both indulgent and fresh, making it an unforgettable treat whether served as dessert or a sophisticated snack. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels special yet approachable, inviting you to savor every mouthwatering moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward; each one plays a vital role in bringing out the sweet, tangy, and creamy nuances that make this recipe shine. From crisp apples providing natural sweetness and structure to the creamy feta adding a savory twist, these essentials guarantee a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala): Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked and are naturally sweet for the best flavor contrast.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty element that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries: Brings a vibrant tartness and chewy texture that livens up the filling.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Drizzled on top for natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization during baking.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create a golden, luscious finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the flavor profile with its signature spice note.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of the filling.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish): Adds a fragrant, refreshing contrast that brightens the dish.
How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This ensures the apples won’t stick as they soften and bake, making for easy cleanup and a perfectly cooked result.
Step 2: Core the Apples
Carefully core each apple, leaving about half an inch at the bottom to hold all the delicious filling. This step is crucial—not too deep, so the filling doesn’t spill out, but just enough room for all of that tasty mixture to nestle inside.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended, creating a flavorful, aromatic filling that brings together the Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight in every spoonful.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Place the cored apples upright in the prepared baking dish and stuff each one generously with the feta and cranberry mixture. Gently press the filling down to maximize every bite’s flavor harmony, ensuring the sweet and savory notes meld beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Add Honey and Butter
Drizzle two tablespoons of honey evenly over the stuffed apples for natural sweetness that caramelizes nicely, then top each apple with a small pat of unsalted butter. The butter adds richness and helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This step allows the apples to soften just right while the filling melds into a luscious mix that embodies the Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight concept.
Step 7: Brown and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and slightly crisp. This finishing touch adds texture and a tantalizing caramelized note that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Let the baked apples cool just enough so they’re warm but not too hot to enjoy. Sprinkle freshly chopped mint on top if you like, adding a fresh burst of color and brightness that complements the dish’s flavor journey perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Garnishes
Fresh mint is a lovely, optional choice that adds vibrant green color and a refreshing bite to contrast the richness of the baked apples. You might also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra dried cranberries for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or alongside a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette if you want to highlight its versatility. The balance of sweet and savory in the apples allows it to complement both rich and fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, place the apples on rustic wooden serving boards or colorful plates to make their warm tones pop. Drizzle any leftover honey glaze artistically around the plate and sprinkle extra chopped nuts or fresh herbs to elevate the look and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight flavors again without sacrifice.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked apples by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month but may lose some texture upon thawing, so plan to reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the apples in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method revives the softness and helps refresh that beautiful golden crust, bringing your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight back to life.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta’s salty creaminess pairs perfectly here, you can try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier feel. Just remember that changing cheese will alter the balance of that classic Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight taste you love.
Are there alternative fruits I can use?
Yes, pears or quince make lovely substitutes if you want to experiment. They hold up well to baking and pair beautifully with honey and cranberries, keeping the essence of Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight intact while offering a fresh twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this dish, swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and use vegan butter. Keep the honey or substitute it with maple syrup. The dish remains a delicious Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight with these adjustments.
How do I prevent apples from getting too mushy?
Choosing firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp and keeping the baking time within the suggested window helps maintain structure. Avoid over-baking to enjoy that tender yet intact texture that complements the filling perfectly for your A Sweet and Savory Delight.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can core and stuff the apples a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to preserve the fresh, bright flavors and the delightful contrast that defines this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight.
Final Thoughts
This baked apples recipe is a shining example of how uncomplicated ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Embracing the charm of Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself or impress guests with a dish that feels both cozy and elegant. Once you try it, I promise it will have a special spot on your recipe rotation!
Print
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combine sweet, savory, and tart flavors in a warm, comforting dessert. Juicy baked apples are filled with a flavorful mixture of creamy feta cheese, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla, then drizzled with honey and enriched with butter. This delightful treat is perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions and can be garnished with fresh mint for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
Filling
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Core the apples: Carefully remove the cores from each apple, leaving about a ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling securely.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples upright in the greased baking dish. Gently spoon the feta and cranberry mixture into each apple cavity, pressing lightly to fill completely.
- Add honey and butter: Drizzle honey evenly over the top of each stuffed apple. Then, place a small pat of unsalted butter on top of each apple to enhance browning and flavor during baking.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Brown and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the tops of the apples to turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the baked apples to cool slightly before sprinkling with fresh chopped mint if desired. Serve warm for a delicious sweet and savory delight.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala that hold their shape well when baked.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- This dessert can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Fresh mint garnish is optional but adds a nice herbal contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple with filling
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: baked apples, feta cheese, honey, cranberries, cinnamon, sweet and savory dessert, autumn dessert, healthy baked fruit
