Zesty Savory Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries Recipe

Cozy autumn evenings call for a delightful savory baked apples with feta and cranberries that dance between sweet and tangy flavors.

Crisp apples become the perfect vessel for a mouthwatering blend of salty cheese and tart berries.

Each bite offers a surprising twist on traditional apple dishes.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create a stunning appetizer or side dish.

Warm spices mingle with creamy feta, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Seasonal produce shines in this elegant yet uncomplicated creation.

Serve these baked apples as a show-stopping addition to your next gathering and watch as guests marvel at your culinary expertise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 192 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked Apples with Feta & Cranberries

• Apples: Select firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold shape during baking and provide a delightful flavor contrast.

• Feta Cheese, Dried Cranberries: Combine tangy feta with tart cranberries for a rich, complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the apples.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crisp exterior and adds a subtle richness to the baked apples.
• Honey: Drizzles a smooth, natural sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces an aromatic herbal note that elevates the overall dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Heighten and balance the complex flavors of the recipe.

• Walnuts: Provides a satisfying textural contrast and nutty undertone to the finished dish.

Gear for Roasting Apples Just Right

• Baking Dish: Shallow, rectangular dish to hold and bake apple halves evenly.
• Sharp Knife: For carefully cutting and coring apples with precision.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure olive oil, honey, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Spoon: For stuffing apples with feta and cranberries, and drizzling honey.
• Optional Nut Chopper: To prepare walnuts for garnishing.

Roast Up Savory Apples with This Simple Method

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a cozy 375F, creating the perfect environment for transforming fresh apples into a delightful savory treat.

• Apple Transformation

Slice apples carefully, removing their inner core and creating delicate boats ready for a flavor adventure.

• Flavor Fusion

Brush apple halves with golden olive oil, then lovingly fill each half with crumbly feta and jewel-like cranberries, allowing ingredients to nestle together harmoniously.

• Culinary Alchemy

Slide the apple-filled dish into the heated oven, letting magic happen as apples soften and cheese gently melts into a creamy blanket.

• Final Symphony

Pull the baked apples from their warm sanctuary, drizzle with liquid gold honey, scatter fragrant thyme leaves, and whisper a touch of salt and pepper across the surface.

• Texture Crescendo

For those craving an extra crisp note, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apples, adding a delightful crunch to this sensory experience.

Tips for Balancing Sweet, Salty, and Tangy

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or blue cheese to add unique tangy dimensions to your baked apples.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the stuffed apple halves up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a stress-free cooking experience.
• Seasonal Swap-Ups: During autumn, use pears instead of apples for a delightful seasonal twist. Winter allows for adding roasted pecans or almonds for extra warmth and crunch.
• Herb Garden Adventure: Try alternative herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme to create completely different flavor profiles that complement the sweet and savory elements.
• Dietary Dance: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian or gluten-free option by selecting appropriate cheese and ensuring all ingredients meet specific dietary requirements. For a vegan version, replace feta with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives.

How to Serve These Apples at Brunch or Dinner

• Festive Appetizer Platter: Arrange the baked apples on a rustic wooden board with additional feta crumbles, fresh thyme sprigs, and a drizzle of honey for an elegant party starter that looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon or smoked ham for a sweet and savory breakfast experience that will impress weekend guests with its sophisticated flavor profile.
• Salad Topping Transformation: Slice the baked apples and scatter them over a bed of mixed greens, adding a warm, caramelized element to your favorite green salad with an unexpected twist of textures.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match these savory baked apples with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy feta and sweet cranberry notes, creating a perfect appetizer for wine enthusiasts.

Store Roasted Apples with Their Flavor Intact

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook these savory baked apples ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or elegant appetizers. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in the oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original texture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crisp apple edges.
• Freezing Potential: Wrap individual apple halves tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. These delicious bites can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
• Serving Flexibility: Enjoy these apples as a side dish, light lunch, or elegant starter. Pair with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or serve alongside a hearty grain salad for a complete meal experience.

Rustic Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Roasted savory baked apples with feta and cranberries sparkle as a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Warm herb-infused apples complement tangy cheese and tart cranberries, creating a perfect seasonal accompaniment you will savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 apples (firm, halved and cored)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) cranberries (dried, chopped)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) honey
• 1 tsp thyme leaves (fresh)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
• Walnuts (chopped, optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in middle for optimal heat circulation and even cooking.
2. Apple Transformation: Halve apples, meticulously removing cores to create smooth wells for filling, ensuring symmetrical and uniform shape.
3. Surface Preparation: Massage olive oil across apple surfaces, coating thoroughly to promote caramelization and prevent drying during roasting.
4. Flavor Composition: Layer apple cavities with a luxurious mixture of crumbled feta and cranberries, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet elements.
5. Baking Setup: Arrange apple halves cut-side upward in ceramic baking dish, maintaining spacing for consistent heat penetration and browning.
6. Roasting Process: Bake for 15-20 minutes until apples turn tender and feta softens, developing rich golden edges and concentrated flavors.
7. Final Embellishment: Drizzle with honey, allowing its golden streams to cascade over the apples, then sprinkle thyme leaves for aromatic complexity.
8. Seasoning Finale: Enhance with subtle salt and black pepper, then optionally crown with crushed walnuts for textural intrigue before serving warm.

Notes

• Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and structure.
• Precision in Coring: Use a melon baller or small spoon to create an even, smooth cavity without piercing the apple’s bottom, ensuring a stable base for the savory filling.
• Olive Oil Technique: Apply olive oil sparingly with a pastry brush, coating the entire apple surface to promote even caramelization and prevent drying out during roasting.
• Temperature and Timing: Watch carefully during the 15-20 minute baking window, as ovens vary; apples should be tender but not mushy, with feta just beginning to soften and melt.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg