Baked Apples Feta Honey Cranberries

This recipe for baked apples with feta honey and cranberries turns a simple apple into a show-stopping comfort food. Warm and fragrant apples get filled with creamy tangy feta then accented by tart cranberries and a drizzle of honey. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla make every bite pop while fresh mint on top brightens everything up. This is my favorite way to round out a cozy autumn dinner or bring a unique twist to holiday tables.

I still remember the first chilly night I tried this for dessert. My family went quiet with the first spoonful and then everyone asked for seconds. Something magical happens when you bring feta and honey together in a baked apple.

Ingredients

• Apples: choose firm sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for best results. Look for ones with unblemished skin.
• Crumbled feta cheese: creamy and slightly briny feta gives every bite a tangy edge. Use a block and crumble it for best flavor.
• Dried cranberries: these add a pleasant chew and bright tartness. Choose plump cranberries for maximum flavor.
• Honey: a drizzle brings floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fruit. Local honey is a lovely choice.
• Unsalted butter: this helps the apples bake up luscious and tender. Choose high-quality butter if you can.
• Ground cinnamon: warming spice makes this dish cozy. Check that your cinnamon is fresh for best taste.
• Vanilla extract: just a splash deepens the aroma and brings all the flavors together. Pure vanilla makes a difference.
• Chopped fresh mint: optional but wonderful for garnish. Use fresh sprigs and chop right before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a baking dish so the apples do not stick as they roast.

Core the Apples:

Carefully core each apple using a corer or paring knife. Leave about half an inch intact at the bottom so the filling stays inside as the apples bake.

Mix the Filling:

In a small mixing bowl stir together the crumbled feta dried cranberries ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the cranberries are coated in cinnamon for even flavor in each apple.

Stuff the Apples:

Stand the cored apples in your baking dish. Spoon the feta and cranberry mixture into each apple packing gently so it is nicely filled but does not split the fruit.

Add Honey and Butter:

Drizzle honey over the stuffed apples focusing on the tops and letting some sink into the filling. Place a small piece of butter on each apple to help create a luscious sauce while baking.

Bake Covered:

Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake the apples for twenty five to thirty minutes until they are mostly tender when tested with a fork.

Brown and Finish:

Remove the foil. Continue baking the apples uncovered for another five to ten minutes until the tops are golden and you see juices bubbling at the base.

Garnish and Serve:

Let the apples stand for a few minutes so the filling settles. Sprinkle with fresh chopped mint for a cool contrast and serve each apple warm and fragrant.

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My favorite part is watching the honey caramelize around the feta. Once my brother helped me stuff the apples and the kitchen smelled so good we kept sneaking bites of the filling before they made it to the oven.

Storage Tips

Leftover baked apples keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them covered in their baking dish to keep the filling moist. When reheating I like to use the microwave in short bursts or warm them in a low oven with a splash of water to keep everything tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If feta is not your thing try soft goat cheese for a milder flavor. Maple syrup or agave work beautifully in place of honey for a vegan or different twist. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch if you want more texture. For a truly autumnal spin use diced dried apricots alongside cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these apples warm out of the oven either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch try pairing with thick Greek yogurt and extra honey. If you are planning a holiday dinner they look gorgeous served on a platter sprinkled with extra mint and cranberries.

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed baked apples are a comforting old fashioned dessert with roots across many cultures. In Greece it is traditional to pair fruit and feta while in the United States baked apples are classic fall treats. Mixing these traditions brings a tasty bridge between savory and sweet great for bringing people together at the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of apples work best for this dish?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala hold their shape well when baked and provide a good balance of sweetness and texture.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply use plant-based butter and dairy-free feta for a delicious vegan-friendly version without sacrificing taste.

→ Are there ways to add more texture or flavor?

Try mixing in chopped nuts or adding a sprinkle of brown sugar to the filling for added crunch and sweetness.

→ Is it best served warm or cold?

These stuffed apples are best enjoyed warm, which allows the flavors to meld and the filling to become creamy and aromatic.

→ What garnishes work well?

Fresh mint leaves make a refreshing finish, but a dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey also complements the dish.