When it comes to combining sweet and savory, few dishes do it better than Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples. Imagine tender, baked apples filled with a vibrant mixture of tart cranberries, creamy feta, and a touch of tangy balsamic glaze—it’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The first time I made this, I was struck by how the flavors danced together. The sweetness of the baked apple paired with the richness of feta and the pop of cranberries creates a symphony of flavors. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together, making it feel like a celebration on a plate.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It works as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert. Let’s bake these Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples and create a dish that’s bound to impress.
Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples feature tender baked apples filled with a tangy mixture of cranberries, feta cheese, and nuts, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This unique dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or an elegant appetizer.
An Exciting Story
The first time I served Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples at Thanksgiving, they were a huge hit. My husband loved the combination of sweet and savory, and even the kids enjoyed the unexpected pairing of flavors. It’s become a must-have for our holiday table and a frequent request at dinner parties.
Why These Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples?
- Sweet and Savory: A perfect balance of flavors.
- Elegant and Unique: An eye-catching addition to any meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to your taste preferences.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, side dish, or light dessert.
- Simple to Make: Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
What You Need for Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples
- For the Apples:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Balsamic Glaze:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
How to Make Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples
- Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the apples and use a spoon or melon baller to hollow out the centers, removing the core but leaving the bottom intact. Place the apples in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the dried cranberries, feta cheese, walnuts, honey, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Stuff the Apples:
- Spoon the cranberry-feta mixture into the hollowed apples, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Bake the Apples:
- Pour a small amount of water into the baking dish to prevent the apples from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- While the apples bake, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the baked apples. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji to hold their shape during baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter filling.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Mix in diced fresh pear or apple with the filling for added texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce or omit the honey for a less sweet filling.
- Use low-fat feta cheese for fewer calories.
- Replace the balsamic glaze with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a lighter finish.
Closing for Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples:
And there you have it—Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples, a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Whether served as a holiday side or a unique appetizer, these apples are sure to be a hit. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our sweet and savory recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the apples and filling in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - What if I don’t like feta?
Substitute with goat cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a vegan version. - Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but sauté them briefly with honey or sugar to soften and sweeten them. - What pairs well with these apples?
Serve alongside roasted meats, salads, or a cheese platter. - How do I prevent the apples from splitting?
Don’t overstuff the apples and bake them covered to retain moisture. - Can I freeze these apples?
It’s not recommended, as the texture of the baked apples may change when frozen. - What’s a fun serving idea?
Serve the apples on a bed of arugula with additional balsamic glaze for a festive salad. - Can I make this vegan?
Yes, replace feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it, and use agave instead of honey. - What if my glaze is too thick?
Add a splash of water and reheat gently to thin it out. - Can I use a different glaze?
Maple syrup or a honey drizzle can replace the balsamic glaze for a sweeter option. - What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve warm, either as individual portions or sliced in half for smaller servings.
Balsamic Cranberry & Feta-Stuffed Apples
4
30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Apples:
4 large 4 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp 2 honey
1 tsp 1 ground cinnamon
- For the Balsamic Glaze:
½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp 2 brown sugar
- Optional Garnish:
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Directions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the apples and use a spoon or melon baller to hollow out the centers, removing the core but leaving the bottom intact. Place the apples in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the dried cranberries, feta cheese, walnuts, honey, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Stuff the Apples:
- Spoon the cranberry-feta mixture into the hollowed apples, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Bake the Apples:
- Pour a small amount of water into the baking dish to prevent the apples from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- While the apples bake, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the baked apples. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm.
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