Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Baked apples are a delightful dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Adding feta cheese, honey, and cranberries gives these baked apples a special twist, making them both savory and sweet. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a charming holiday gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
Making baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries is a great way to enjoy a delicious dessert that is also healthy. The combination of sweet apples, rich feta, tangy cranberries, and fragrant spices creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions.
How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core the apples carefully, leaving the bottoms intact to create a well for the filling.
- Place the apples upright in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the feta cheese, dried cranberries, nuts (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
- Spoon this mixture evenly into the center of each apple.
- Top each apple with a few pieces of butter.
- Pour a splash of water at the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden.
- Drizzle with more honey before serving.
How to Serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Serve these delightful baked apples warm. They can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of hot apples with cold ice cream creates a wonderful contrast.
How to Store Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Choose apples that are firm and sweet to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference.
- Adding nuts not only enhances the flavor but also gives a nice crunch to the dish.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta. Additionally, you might try swapping dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dates if you want a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these baked apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples and fill them with the mixture ahead of time. Cover and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.Are there any other toppings I can use?
Absolutely! You can add a sprinkle of granola, a dollop of yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream to make your baked apples even more delicious.Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or peaches also work well for this recipe. Just adjust the baking time as needed, depending on the fruit’s ripeness and firmness.
