The Best Savory Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries Recipe

Savory baked apples might sound like an unexpected culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Sweet and tangy fruit takes an exciting detour from traditional dessert paths.

Crisp autumn ingredients merge into a delightful dish that challenges typical flavor expectations.

Cheese and fruit create magical combinations that surprise and delight your palate.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft this sophisticated yet simple recipe with minimal preparation.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for inventive cooking techniques that spark curiosity.

The result promises a memorable eating experience that balances sophisticated flavors with comforting warmth.

Let hunger guide you toward this remarkable gastronomic exploration.

FAQ Sheet for Baked Apples with Feta

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance with the savory ingredients.

• How do I know when the baked apples are done?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork and look slightly softened. The feta will be slightly melted, and the edges will be golden brown, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed apples in advance and refrigerate them. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Are there any good substitutions for feta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or blue cheese. For a dairy-free option, use chopped nuts or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs as a filling.

Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries That Pop with Flavor

• Combines sweet apples with tangy feta and tart cranberries, creating a surprising and delightful taste sensation that breaks traditional dessert boundaries.
• Requires minimal preparation time, takes just 15-20 minutes to bake, and delivers restaurant-quality results with simple home cooking techniques perfect for busy home cooks.
• Works wonderfully as a side dish, light dessert, or elegant appetizer that adapts beautifully to autumn and winter gatherings, showcasing seasonal ingredients with minimal fuss.
• Provides a balanced mix of fruits, cheese, and nuts, offering healthy fats, antioxidants, and a nutritious alternative to heavy, sugar-laden desserts that nourish both body and palate.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Baked Apples

• Apples: Sweet-tart base for the dish, preferably firm baking varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds tartness and chewy texture to the stuffing, choose unsweetened for more balanced flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Provides creamy, salty contrast to sweet apples, best when crumbled into small pieces.

• Fresh Thyme: Earthy, aromatic herb that complements the apple's sweetness, use fresh leaves for maximum flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, slightly crisp apple edges, use extra virgin for best taste.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the apples' surface.

• Walnuts: Provides extra crunch and nutty depth, best when roughly chopped just before serving.

Oven-Baking Instructions for Apple Halves

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This creates the perfect toasty environment for our delicious apple adventure.

Step 2: Apple Transformation

• Slice apples precisely in half
• Scoop out the core using a spoon or melon baller
• Place apple halves facing upward in a baking dish

Step 3: Flavor Explosion Preparation

• Olive oil
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries

Drizzle olive oil generously over apple halves. Stuff each apple cavity with a generous mix of feta and cranberries, creating a burst of tangy goodness.

Step 4: Baking Brilliance

Slide the loaded apple dish into the preheated oven. Let them bake for 15-20 minutes until apples turn tender and feta starts to melt into a creamy blanket.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

• Drizzle with golden honey
• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper

Step 6: Crunch Factor

For an extra texture surprise, scatter chopped walnuts on top. Your savory baked apples are now ready to dazzle taste buds!

Tips for Balancing Sweetness and Tang

• Master Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide excellent flavor contrast.
• Prep with Precision: Core apples carefully, creating a deep well without piercing the bottom to hold maximum filling and prevent cheese leakage.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Briefly toast walnuts before sprinkling to release natural oils and intensify their nutty, rich taste.
• Strategic Cheese Distribution: Crumble feta into small, even pieces to ensure consistent melting and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Honey Drizzling Technique: Warm honey slightly before drizzling to help it spread more evenly and create a glossy, appetizing finish.

Storage Tips for Baked Apples with Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325F for 10-12 minutes to maintain the apples' texture and prevent them from becoming mushy. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the apples soggy.
• Serving Cold: Enjoy the baked apples straight from the refrigerator as a delightful chilled appetizer or light snack, preserving their delicate flavors and creamy feta texture.

Side Dishes That Go With Baked Apples

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the savory-sweet flavors of the baked apples with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, acidic wines complement the richness of feta and cut through the sweetness of the honey and cranberries.
• Match with Hearty Salad: Create a perfect side dish with a mixed green salad featuring arugula, toasted almonds, and a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens will balance the warm, soft baked apples and add a fresh contrast to the meal.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Chicken: The savory baked apples make an excellent accompaniment to a simple roasted chicken. The herb and cheese flavors will harmonize beautifully with the poultry, creating a balanced and satisfying main course.
• Complement with Sparkling Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, try a crisp sparkling apple cider. Its effervescence and apple notes will echo the dish's flavors while providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Flavor Variations for Apple Cranberry Combos

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with rosemary and oregano, adding a robust Greek-inspired flavor profile while keeping the feta and cranberry combination.
• Nutty Maple Upgrade: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and incorporate toasted pecans instead of walnuts, creating a rich autumn-inspired sweetness with deeper nutty undertones.
• Goat Cheese Alpine Edition: Substitute feta with creamy goat cheese, mix in some chopped pistachios, and drizzle with lavender-infused honey for an elegant mountain-inspired variation.
• Spiced Autumn Transformation: Integrate warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the filling, add some chopped candied ginger, and use a dark amber honey to enhance the seasonal warmth of the dish.

Savory Baked Apples With Feta And Cranberries Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic Mediterranean “Savory Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries” blend sweet and tangy flavors in a simple, elegant dish. Warmth and comfort come together, inviting you to savor each delightful forkful of this irresistible autumn-inspired creation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 firm apples, halved and cored
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dried cranberries, chopped

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal temperature for transforming crisp apples into a delectable savory dish.
2. Slice apples precisely in half, carefully excavating the core to form a smooth, even cavity for the upcoming flavorful filling.
3. Brush apple surfaces with olive oil, ensuring each half receives a light, glistening coating that will enhance caramelization during roasting.
4. Generously fill apple centers with a harmonious blend of crumbled feta cheese and vibrant dried cranberries, creating a balanced and visually appealing mixture.
5. Position apple halves cut-side upward in a ceramic baking dish, allowing even heat distribution and optimal cooking.
6. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until apples transform into tender vessels and feta begins to melt slightly.
7. Extract the baked apples, then delicately drizzle with golden honey, allowing its sweet essence to complement the savory elements.
8. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves across the surface, adding an aromatic herbaceous note that elevates the dish’s complexity.
9. Season with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to intensify the flavor profile.
10. Optional: Scatter chopped walnuts atop the apples for an additional textural dimension and nutty undertone before serving.

Notes

• Elevate your autumn appetizer game with these savory-sweet baked apples that blend tangy feta, tart cranberries, and aromatic thyme.
• Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and structure during baking.
• Ensure even cooking by selecting apples of similar size and cutting a thin slice off the bottom to help them sit flat in the baking dish.
• Experiment with cheese variations like goat cheese or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet-tart apple base.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the optimal melted cheese texture and warm, soft apple consistency.
• This versatile dish works wonderfully as a sophisticated appetizer, light lunch, or unexpected side dish that impresses with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg