Baked Apples with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Before diving into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare delicious Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Core the apples, ensuring the bottoms remain intact to create a well for the filling. Place the cored apples upright in a small baking dish.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the center of each apple, packing it gently.
- Step 5: Top each stuffed apple with a few small pieces of butter.
- Step 6: Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to help keep the apples moist during cooking.
- Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Step 8: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 9: Drizzle with more honey just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples and the filling a few hours in advance. Store the filled apples in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
2. What other toppings can I use?
You can experiment with different toppings such as granola, coconut flakes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
3. How long do baked apples last in the fridge?
Baked apples typically last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
4. Is there a vegan alternative to this recipe?
Sure! You can substitute the feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make it vegan-friendly.
5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they are more tart than dried cranberries. You may want to increase the sweetener to balance the tartness.
Conclusion
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also an eye-catching addition to any meal. This recipe brings together sweet, savory, and nutty flavors harmoniously, making it a delightful dish for both gatherings and personal indulgence. Try this recipe today to experience the perfect fall dessert that everyone will love!
