Description
These Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combine the natural sweetness of baked apples with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect as a comforting and elegant dessert or a unique side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Filling
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Others
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons water (for baking moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Carefully core each apple using a paring knife, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling securely.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts (if using), honey, and cinnamon. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated.
- Stuff Apples: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into the cored apples, filling them generously and packing gently to maximize the filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease the bottom of the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in the dish.
- Add Moisture: Pour about 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking and prevent drying out.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape and are not mushy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can use different varieties of apples depending on your flavor preference, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to hold the filling.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and extra flavor; pecans or almonds can be substituted.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet filling.
- Serve warm as a dessert or a unique side dish to savory meals.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed baked apple
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: baked apples, feta cheese, honey, dried cranberries, cinnamon dessert, healthy dessert, autumn recipes, vegetarian dessert
