Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

why make this recipe

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful dessert that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a comforting way. This dish is perfect for fall and winter, when the warmth of baked fruit can soothe the soul. The combination of the tartness from the apples, the salty creaminess of feta cheese, and the sweetness from honey and cranberries creates a balanced flavor profile that is both unique and pleasing.

Besides its delightful taste, this recipe is simple to prepare and uses common ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. This means you can whip it up without needing a special shopping trip. It’s also a great way to impress family and friends when you need a quick yet sophisticated dessert. You can savor each bite, enjoying the textures and tastes that come together in this easy but elegant dish.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening at home, Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a fantastic choice. It’s healthy, satisfying, and offers a new twist on a classic baked apple recipe.

how to make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Making Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is quite simple and requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 Firm Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
• 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-heated oven is crucial for even baking.

2. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under running water. Cut off the top quarter of each apple and carefully scoop out the core, making sure to leave the walls of the apple intact. You want to create a hollow space for the filling.

3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, honey, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined into a thick, cohesive mixture.

4. Stuff the Apples: Divide the filling equally among the hollowed apples. Press down lightly to ensure that the filling is packed into the apples.

5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. This way, they will bake evenly and hold their shape.

6. Add Butter and Water: Cut the butter into small pats and place a piece on top of each stuffed apple. Then, pour about a cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help create steam during baking, keeping the apples moist.

7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy.

8. Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh mint on top as a garnish.

9. Serve: These baked apples will be warm and very inviting, perfect for a dessert after dinner or even as a sweet breakfast treat.

how to serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Serving Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries can be a fun and creative experience. Here are some ways to present this delicious dish:

• On Individual Plates: For a formal touch, serve each baked apple on its own plate. Drizzle extra honey over the top for an added treat and even sprinkle some additional feta for a pop of color.

• In a Sharing Dish: If you’re hosting a casual gathering, you can serve the baked apples on a large serving platter. Arrange them in a circle and allow guests to take one at a time.

• With Ice Cream: Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt on the side for a delightful contrast between warm apples and cold ice cream.

• Topped with Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider sprinkling chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over each apple just before serving.

• For Breakfast: These baked apples also work splendidly as a breakfast dish. Serve them warm topped with Greek yogurt for a nutritious start to your day.

The versatility of Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries makes it a dish that can suit various occasions, from dessert to breakfast!

how to store Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Storing any leftovers from Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is quite straightforward:

• Fridge Storage: Allow the baked apples to cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Freezing: If you want to store the baked apples for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each apple in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

tips to make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your baked apples turn out perfectly:

• Choosing Apples: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape well and provide a lovely tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with the filling. You can add chopped nuts, different dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg or ginger for additional flavors.

• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the apples do not become mushy. Test the apples with a fork; they should be tender but still hold their shape.

• Honey Substitute: If you prefer less sweetness or a different flavor, you could use maple syrup instead of honey in the filling for a unique twist.

• Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

variation

While the traditional recipe for Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is delicious, you can change it up in several ways:

• Nutty Addition: Add half a cup of chopped walnuts or almonds to the filling. This will give the dish a great crunch and additional flavor.

• Fruit Variations: Instead of cranberries, you can use raisins or chopped dates. Both would complement the feta and honey well.

• Cheese Alternatives: While feta gives a unique taste, you might also try using goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a different flavor and texture.

• Spiked Version: For adults, you could consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum into the honey mixture for a warm and inviting flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on fruits and cheeses. You can be confident in serving it to those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for baking?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn are excellent for baking. They hold their shape and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can replace feta with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. For the butter, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.

How can I tell when the apples are done baking?

The apples are done when they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork but not mushy. You can also check the filling, which should be warm and slightly bubbling.

Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apples by hollowing them out and filling them with the mixture ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to bake them within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.

What should I do if I don’t have dried cranberries?

If you don’t have dried cranberries, you can substitute them with dried cherries, raisins, or other dried fruits. Each will bring a different flavor to the dish, but they all work well with the rest of the ingredients.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes four servings, depending on how large your apples are and how generous you are with each serving. They can serve as a dessert or a sweet breakfast option.

Overall, Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a simple yet impressive dish. Its easy preparation and mouthwatering flavors make it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert with your loved ones!

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