why make this recipe
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. These apples are not only delicious but also make for a beautiful presentation, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s a simple recipe that can be prepared easily, making it a great dessert for any occasion.
how to make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Carefully core each apple, leaving about ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the feta, cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Place the cored apples in the baking dish and stuff each with the feta mixture, pressing gently.
- Drizzle honey over each apple, then place a small pat of butter on top of each.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Let the apples cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh mint if desired. Serve warm.
how to serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
These baked apples can be served warm as a dessert. They pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. You can also enjoy them as a sweet snack or a fancy addition to a brunch spread.
how to store Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
If you have leftovers, store the baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
tips to make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Choose apples that are firm and sweet for the best results. Honeycrisp and Gala are great options.
- You can adjust the amount of honey and cranberries according to your taste.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
variation
For a more indulgent version, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing. This adds a crunchy texture and additional flavor. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before serving for extra sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have feta, try using goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor.
Can I prepare these apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples and stuffing in advance. Just stuff the apples and cover them until you are ready to bake.
What can I use instead of honey?
You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if you want a different sweetener.
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala) Choose firm and sweet apples for the best results.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Can substitute with goat cheese or cream cheese.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries Adjust according to taste.
- 2 tablespoons honey Can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided Use for topping each apple.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish) Use for garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Carefully core each apple, leaving about ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the feta, cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Place the cored apples in the baking dish and stuff each with the feta mixture, pressing gently.
- Drizzle honey over each apple, then place a small pat of butter on top of each.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden.
Serving
- Let the apples cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh mint if desired. Serve warm.
