If you're in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. You’ll love how comforting and vibrant these baked apples taste, with the creamy feta, juicy cranberries, and silky honey creating a delightful harmony in every bite.
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In the Kitchen
I love making this recipe because it’s both straightforward and wonderfully nuanced in flavor. The mix of tangy feta and sweet honey feels fancy, but the steps are easy enough to try any night of the week.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using apples like Honeycrisp ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness that holds up while baking.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Removing the foil towards the end creates that beautiful golden crust atop the stuffed apples.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Few ingredients combine to create layers of flavor that taste complex without any stress.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether a casual meal or cozy dessert, this recipe adapts easily to your plans.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing the right apples and quality feta makes a big difference here—fresh, crisp apples and creamy, tangy feta elevate the whole dish. Dried cranberries bring that perfect pop of tartness you didn’t know you needed.
- Apples: Go for firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala—they bake down nicely without turning mushy.
- Feta cheese: Use a good-quality, crumbly feta for that authentic savory punch.
- Dried cranberries: Pick ones that are plump and slightly chewy to balance textures.
- Honey: Raw or mild-flavored honey works best to complement without overpowering.
- Butter: Unsalted lets you control the salt level in the dish.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground will add that warm aromatic note.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh mint (optional): A little goes a long way for a fresh finishing touch.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven and Prep Apples
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking—it makes cleanup easier too. Then, carefully core your apples, leaving about half an inch intact at the bottom. This keeps the filling inside while it bakes, so don't rush this step. I sometimes use a small melon baller for precision; it helps avoid piercing through the base.
Step 2 — Mix Together the Flavorful Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed. You’ll notice the feta’s saltiness mingling nicely with the sweet cranberries and warm cinnamon—a mouthwatering combo already!
Step 3 — Stuff and Drizzle
Place your cored apples upright in the baking dish. Scoop the feta mixture into each apple cavity, pressing gently so they’re well stuffed but not overflowing. Drizzle honey generously over the filled apples, letting it trickle down the sides. Top each with a small pat of unsalted butter—this adds richness and helps caramelize the tops as they bake.
Step 4 — Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the apples are tender to the touch. Don’t skip the foil here; it traps steam, keeping the apples moist inside. Once tender, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. This final step lets the tops turn golden and slightly crisp for that appetizing finish I adore.
Step 5 — Garnish and Serve Warm
Let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving. A sprinkle of freshly chopped mint not only adds a burst of color but lifts the flavors with its refreshing hint. I love serving these warm—they’re perfect as a light dessert or even a unique side dish for seasonal dinners.
Things to Remember
From my experience, the key to this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is managing moisture and timing. Don’t overbake and watch that honey drizzle—it can burn if you go too long uncovered.
- Doneness Cue: Apples should feel tender but still hold their shape when pierced with a fork.
- Temperature Trick: Keeping the oven at 375°F ensures even cooking without shrinking the apples too much.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can core and stuff apples a few hours ahead and refrigerate until baking time.
- Common Pitfall: Skipping the foil cover leads to dry apples and burnt toppings—don’t skip it!
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
A drizzle more honey or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add extra texture and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy feta. Fresh mint isn’t just for looks—it brightens every bite. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt on the side makes it feel indulgent yet balanced.
Plays Well With
This recipe pairs beautifully with hearty greens or a lightly dressed arugula salad, balancing richness with fresh crispness. I often serve it alongside roasted chicken or pork for a complete meal that wows without overwhelming.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For casual dinners, a rustic platter with the apples nestled on parchment works great. For guests, try serving each apple on a small dessert plate, scatter extra cranberries and mint leaves around, and add a delicate drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for visual contrast and zing.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may soften slightly but remains delicious. Cover them well to avoid absorbing fridge odors, and bring to room temperature before reheating for best flavor.
Freezing Tips
While apples tend to become mushy when frozen and thawed, these stuffed baked apples freeze reasonably well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve as much texture as possible.
Reheating Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe Without Drying Out
To revive leftovers, I recommend reheating in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to maintain moisture. The microwave works too—just cover the apples and heat in short bursts to prevent drying. An air fryer at low temperature can also crisp the tops again without drying the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While feta adds a distinct tangy saltiness, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Just keep the salt balance in mind.
Yes, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady work best since they hold their shape well when baked and offer a nice level of sweetness.
To veganize, swap feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter, and everything else stays the same.
You can core and stuff the apples a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Baking right before serving yields the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is one of those discoveries that feels special yet is so approachable. It shines as both a dessert and a savory side, making it a versatile addition to your recipe box. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll enjoy the incredible blend of flavors and the simple comfort of warm baked apples enhanced by feta’s savory bite and honey’s golden sweetness. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to when I want something that feels thoughtful but requires little prep—hope you love it as much as I do!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Delight in these baked apples stuffed with a sweet and savory mixture of crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, honey, and warm spices. Perfectly tender and golden, this dessert combines crisp apples with a luscious filling, finished with a touch of fresh mint for a refreshing garnish.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Apples and Filling
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Core the apples: Carefully remove the cores from each apple, leaving about ½ inch at the bottom intact so the filling does not leak out.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples upright in the baking dish, and fill each cavity with the feta and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
- Add honey and butter: Drizzle honey evenly over each stuffed apple, then place a small pat of unsalted butter on top of the filling in each apple.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the apples to become tender while the flavors meld.
- Brown and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the tops of the apples turn golden and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and serve: Let the apples cool slightly to avoid burning, then sprinkle with chopped fresh mint if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Choose firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala so they hold their shape during baking.
- The mixture can be adjusted by adding chopped nuts for extra texture if desired.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
- Fresh mint garnish is optional but adds a refreshing contrast to the warm flavors.
- You can prepare the apples a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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