A Sweet and Savory Delight Recipe

If you are searching for that perfect balance between flavors that intrigue the palate, look no further than this recipe of baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries. This dish is truly A Sweet and Savory Delight, bringing together the natural sweetness of tender baked apples and honey with the salty creaminess of feta cheese and the tartness of cranberries. Every bite offers a harmonious blend that feels both comforting and exciting, making it ideal for a cozy dessert or a festive treat that impresses guests. Once you try this, it will quickly become your go-to recipe when you want something unique yet effortlessly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect combination of taste and texture. From the crisp apples that soften to juicy perfection, to the rich tang of feta cheese, every component enhances the final dish beautifully.

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala): These varieties offer a natural sweetness and firm texture ideal for baking without turning mushy.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy saltiness that contrasts wonderfully with sweet elements.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: Introduces a tart pop and chewy texture that brightens up each bite.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Drizzled over the top to enhance sweetness and help caramelize the apples while baking.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided: Gives richness and aids in browning the apples for that golden finish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings aromatic warmth that perfectly complements the fruit and cheese.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Mellow sweetness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish): Refreshing herb that adds a bright visual and flavor lift when sprinkled on top.

How to Make A Sweet and Savory Delight

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This step ensures your apples bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for our A Sweet and Savory Delight to come together perfectly.

Step 2: Core the Apples Carefully

Core each apple carefully, leaving about half an inch of the bottom intact to hold the filling. Keeping a sturdy base allows you to stuff the apples without the filling leaking out while baking. Picking apples like Honeycrisp or Gala helps since their firmness holds up well.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Filling

In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is evenly blended. This filling is the heart of the recipe, blending salty, sweet, and warm spices, the essence of A Sweet and Savory Delight.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Place the cored apples upright in the baking dish and gently press the feta-berry mixture into each cavity. Be generous but careful to keep the filling inside the apples, creating a beautiful flavor pocket.

Step 5: Add Honey and Butter for Sweetness and Richness

Drizzle honey over each filled apple, which will melt and caramelize during baking, adding a luscious glaze. Top each with a small pat of unsalted butter to enrich the flavor and aid in browning.

Step 6: Bake Covered for Tender, Juicy Apples

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, just long enough for the apples to soften but not turn mushy. This step creates tender fruit that still maintains structure, essential in this A Sweet and Savory Delight.

Step 7: Brown the Tops for a Gorgeous Finish

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so the tops become golden and slightly crisp. This final touch adds texture and an inviting aroma that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm

Let the baked apples cool slightly before garnishing with freshly chopped mint if desired. The mint adds a refreshing contrast and pretty pop of color, making the dish attractive on the table and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve A Sweet and Savory Delight

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like mint offer a lovely contrast in flavor and a splash of color that brightens the plate. You might also sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries or a light dusting of cinnamon to elevate the presentation and aroma.

Side Dishes

This baked apple dish pairs wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a comforting dessert combo. Alternatively, serve alongside a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette for a unique appetizer that balances the sweet and savory notes brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the apples in individual ramekins or small bowls to catch any juices. For gatherings, line them on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers to enchant your guests visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They retain their wonderful sweet and savory flavor but are best reheated gently to preserve texture and warmth.

Freezing

While this dish tastes freshest when served immediately, you can freeze the baked apples without garnishes wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to enjoy a convenient treat later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes covered loosely with foil to warm through without drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts but watch for sogginess to maintain the ideal texture of this A Sweet and Savory Delight.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes! While feta’s tangy saltiness is perfect here, goat cheese or ricotta salata can also work well if you want a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the sweet and savory balance intact.

Are there apple varieties better suited for baking in this recipe?

Absolutely. Firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape during baking and offer a nice texture contrast to the creamy filling. Softer apples may become too mushy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can stuff the apples and refrigerate them briefly before baking, but for best flavor and texture, bake them fresh. Holding the assembled apples too long can cause the filling to release moisture.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe as written uses feta cheese and butter, which are not vegan. However, you could substitute vegan cheese and plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly version while preserving the essence of A Sweet and Savory Delight.

What occasions are ideal for serving baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries?

This dish shines at holiday gatherings, brunches, or any time you want to impress with a sophisticated yet simple dessert or appetizer. Its warm flavors and stunning presentation make it perfect for cozy evenings or special celebrations.

Final Thoughts

I truly encourage you to try making these baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries because they encapsulate everything you want in A Sweet and Savory Delight—comforting, fresh, and memorable. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this recipe, I’m confident it will become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire, ready to brighten your table and delight your taste buds whenever you crave something special.

A Sweet and Savory Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make dessert features tender baked apples stuffed with a creamy and tangy feta cheese mixture, sweet dried cranberries, and warm cinnamon, all drizzled with honey for a luscious finish. Perfect for a cozy fall treat or an elegant dessert to impress guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

Filling

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Cooking

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Core the apples: Carefully core each apple leaving about ½ inch intact at the bottom so the filling stays inside during baking.
3. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well until ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish and stuff each one with the feta and cranberry mixture, pressing it down gently to fill as much as possible.
5. Add honey and butter: Drizzle honey generously over each stuffed apple, then place a small pat of unsalted butter on top of each to add richness during baking.
6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Brown and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes to lightly brown and caramelize the tops of the apples.
8. Garnish and serve: Allow the baked apples to cool slightly, then sprinkle with freshly chopped mint if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• You can use any sweet and firm apple variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for best results.
• To make the dessert nut-free and vegetarian, avoid adding any nuts or animal-based gelatin toppings.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Fresh mint garnish adds a refreshing aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Ensure not to core the apples all the way through to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed baked apple
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: baked apples, feta cheese dessert, honey and cranberry apples, sweet and savory dessert, fall recipe, easy baked fruit dessert