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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal temperature for transforming crisp apples into a delectable savory dish.
- Slice apples precisely in half, carefully excavating the core to form a smooth, even cavity for the upcoming flavorful filling.
- Brush apple surfaces with olive oil, ensuring each half receives a light, glistening coating that will enhance caramelization during roasting.
- Generously fill apple centers with a harmonious blend of crumbled feta cheese and vibrant dried cranberries, creating a balanced and visually appealing mixture.
- Position apple halves cut-side upward in a ceramic baking dish, allowing even heat distribution and optimal cooking.
- 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.
- Extract the baked apples, then delicately drizzle with golden honey, allowing its sweet essence to complement the savory elements.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves across the surface, adding an aromatic herbaceous note that elevates the dish’s complexity.
- Season with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to intensify the flavor profile.
- 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