Baked Apples Feta Honey Cranberries

Baked apples with feta honey and cranberries always bring a sense of comfort and surprise to the table They marry sweet tart and savory flavors in a way that feels both special and effortless Whether for brunch or an easy dessert these stuffed apples are the kind of treat you will want to make again and again

The first time I made these it was for a fall dinner party and everyone asked for seconds They are now my failproof way to impress with almost no effort

Ingredients

• Apples: choose medium firm types like Honeycrisp or Gala they hold their shape and deliver juicy sweetness
• Feta cheese: tangy briny bursts throughout use a goodquality feta in block form if possible for the best texture
• Dried cranberries: provide chewy tartness look for plump ones without added sugars
• Honey: brings everything together with lush floral sweetness local honey adds unique character
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps the tops brown choose real butter for best flavor
• Ground cinnamon: warms up the whole dessert and deepens the apple flavor buy in small quantities for freshness
• Vanilla extract: a whisper of aromatic depth pure vanilla gives the nicest results
• Chopped fresh mint: optional for color and a cooling finish find bunches with bright green leaves

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking

Prepare the Apples:

Hold each apple steady and use an apple corer or paring knife to carefully remove the core leaving about half an inch at the bottom to create a little well for the filling Try not to cut through the apple Use a spoon to scoop out just a bit of extra flesh making enough space for the filling

Make the Filling:

In a small bowl combine the crumbled feta dried cranberries ground cinnamon and vanilla extract Stir together until the cranberries look evenly distributed and the cinnamon is mixed through

Stuff the Apples:

Arrange the cored apples snugly in your baking dish Spoon the feta cranberry filling into each apple pressing gently until the filling is tightly packed You should mound the filling a little above the rim

Top with Honey and Butter:

Drizzle honey slowly over each stuffed apple so it runs down the sides Place a small pat of butter on top of each apple so it melts evenly during baking

Bake the Apples Covered:

Cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes The apples are ready when they are tender but still holding their shape

Uncover and Finish Baking:

Remove the foil carefully Watch your hands Bake the apples five to ten more minutes until the filling is golden and the honey bubbles up around the edges This gives a wonderful caramelized finish

Garnish and Serve:

Let the apples cool just enough to handle Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint if you like The mint will wilt prettily into the warm apples Serve them while still warm for the best flavor and texture

Feta always steals the spotlight for me I love how its tang cuts through the sweetness of apple and honey My grandmother used to top her baked apples with everything from walnuts to cheese so this version always makes me think of her Sunday kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Warm them gently in the oven or microwave before serving so the filling is soft and the flavors bloom again If you want to freeze them wrap each cooled apple in plastic wrap then foil they will keep their shape best this way

Ingredient Substitutions

Try goat cheese instead of feta for a milder tang or swap the dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries Almonds or walnuts can replace some of the filling for extra crunch Maple syrup works in place of honey if you need a vegan alternative use a dairyfree cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve these apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt For a fancier dinner plate drizzle a little more honey and sprinkle toasted nuts to add elegance I sometimes offer them with a cheese and charcuterie board for a showy starter

Cultural Touch

Baked apples have roots in many cultures from European autumn desserts to Middle Eastern feasts The use of cheese and honey nods to Greek sweetand savory dishes Cranberries and apples together remind me of cozy North American kitchens welcoming in the fall season

Seasonal Adaptations

Baked apples taste just as good with pears if apples are out of season Add orange zest and a dash of nutmeg in winter for more warmth Top with fresh berries and a hint of lemon in spring or early summer

Success Stories

Friends who rarely bake have raved about how easy and impressive these are Kids love helping to stuff the filling and drizzle the honey One family friend now requests baked apples for his birthday instead of cake

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare apples as directed but do not bake Wrap each filled apple tightly and freeze on a tray Once solid pop them into a container Bake directly from frozen adding a little extra baking time

Give these as a beautiful finish to a special meal or an easy way to make weeknights feel festive Each bite is rich with tradition and new memories alike

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Firm, mildly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala hold shape well and complement the flavors nicely.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Goat cheese or ricotta can substitute for feta, offering a creamy, tangy profile.

→ Are fresh cranberries an option here?

You can use fresh cranberries, but they are tarter. Consider adding a touch more honey if desired.

→ How do I prevent the apple bottoms from breaking?

Leave about half an inch intact when coring to hold fillings securely during baking.

→ What is a suitable garnish for serving?

Chopped fresh mint adds freshness and color, but toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon also work well.