Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries stuff crisp apple halves with tangy feta and chewy dried cranberries, then glaze with golden honey for sweet-savory perfection. This elegant 30-minute side or appetizer serves 4–6 as holiday starter or fall brunch feature.
Why This Recipe Works
Firm apples like Honeycrisp hold shape while softening tenderly. Feta crumbles melt slightly for creamy contrast. Cranberries add tart chew balancing honey’s floral sweetness. Olive oil prevents drying during roast. Minimal ingredients yield restaurant-worthy presentation.
Ingredients & Prep
- 4 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), halved and cored
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 3 tbsp honey, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: thyme sprigs, chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 375°F; arrange apple halves cut-side up in baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil; fill centers generously with feta and cranberries.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp honey over tops; tuck thyme sprigs around if using.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until apples tender and feta golden.
- Drizzle remaining honey; sprinkle walnuts. Serve warm.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Nutty Crunch | Toasted walnuts or pecans | Textural contrast |
| Herbed | Fresh rosemary or thyme | Aromatic lift |
| Spicy | Pinch red pepper flakes | Gentle warmth |
| Goat Cheese | Swap feta for goat cheese | Creamier tang |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat 350°F 10 minutes.
FAQs
Apples mushy?
Use firm varieties; check at 20 minutes.
Cheese dry?
Cover loosely first 10 minutes.
Vegan?
Omit feta; use coconut yogurt dollops.
Conclusion
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries dazzle with sweet-savory elegance fall table star.
PrintBaked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Warm baked apples topped with tangy feta, sweet honey, and tart cranberries. A simple yet elegant dish that works as a holiday side, appetizer, or light dessert with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended), halved and cored
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Place apple halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- 3. Brush apples with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt.
- 4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until apples are tender but not mushy.
- 5. Remove from oven and sprinkle baked apples with dried cranberries and feta cheese.
- 6. Return to oven for 5 minutes, just until feta softens.
- 7. Drizzle generously with honey.
- 8. Top with nuts and fresh herbs if using.
- 9. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
- Serve alongside roasted meats or as a holiday appetizer.
- Add a splash of balsamic glaze for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 apple halves
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: baked apples with feta, honey apples, baked apples cranberries

