Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are a favorite of mine for good reason. They perfectly blend sweet and savory flavors, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family and friends, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to the table.

I love how simple it is to prepare these baked apples. The combination of creamy feta cheese, tart cranberries, and just the right amount of honey creates a flavor profile that’s both unique and delicious. Plus, the warm spices bring a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of crisp autumn days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and savory combination, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can stuff the apples ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or chilled as a refreshing snack.
• Simple Ingredients: All you need are wholesome ingredients found in most kitchens!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries, you’ll be using simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try out:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Use different cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer.
• Change up the fruit: Substitute cranberries with raisins or chopped dates for sweetness.

How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking so your apples turn out perfectly tender and golden.

Step 2: Core the Apples

Carefully core each apple while leaving about ½ inch intact at the bottom. This step is important because it holds all that delicious filling inside!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stirring these ingredients well creates an irresistible filling that complements the apples’ natural sweetness.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Place the cored apples in your greased baking dish. Now comes the fun part! Stuff each apple generously with your feta mixture. Press gently to ensure they’re filled nicely.

Step 5: Drizzle with Honey

Pour honey over each stuffed apple for that extra touch of sweetness. Then add a small pat of butter on top of each one. This will create a lovely glaze while baking!

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. This helps steam the apples until they become tender—just what we want for this cozy dessert!

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

After half an hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown. This step adds that beautiful caramelization we all love.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let your baked apples cool slightly before garnishing them with fresh mint if desired. Serve them warm to enjoy all those comforting flavors together!

I hope you enjoy making these Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries as much as I do! They really are a sweet and savory delight that will brighten any occasion. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Mix up the fillings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or nuts. Adding walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture and flavor, giving your baked apples a delightful crunch.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, you can modify the amount of honey. If you prefer a less sweet dish, simply drizzle a smaller amount while still allowing the natural sugars in the apples and cranberries to shine through.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon adds a more robust flavor compared to pre-ground varieties. A little extra sprinkle can elevate the warmth of this cozy dessert.

• Don’t skip the mint garnish: Fresh mint not only adds color but also brings a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory filling. It’s a simple way to enhance both presentation and taste.

How to Serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Serving Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is all about presentation! These beauties deserve to be showcased in style, whether for a gathering or an intimate dinner at home.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts on top adds crunch and complements the creamy feta.
• Drizzle of extra honey: A light drizzle over the baked apples before serving enhances their sweetness and creates an appealing glossy finish.
• Cinnamon dusting: A gentle dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving not only looks beautiful but also intensifies that warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm baked apples, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples beautifully while providing extra creaminess.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette can serve as a refreshing side that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Roasted vegetables: Serving roasted root vegetables alongside can create a lovely savory element that rounds out your meal perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy this sweet and savory delight as part of your next gathering or cozy night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delightful baked apples any time you crave something sweet and savory!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the baked apples to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the baked apples cool completely.
• Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated baked apples on a baking sheet.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use different fruits instead of apples in Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries?

While the recipe is designed around apples, you could experiment with pears! Just ensure they are firm enough to hold the filling while baking.

How do I make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and replace honey with maple syrup. The flavors will still shine!

What can I serve alongside Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries?

These baked apples pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or yogurt. You can also serve them warm over oatmeal for a hearty breakfast!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table! It’s an extraordinary blend of flavors that’s perfect for cozy evenings or festive occasions. Enjoy making it as much as indulging in every luscious bite! I can’t wait for you to try it—happy baking!