Rustic Baked Apples with Creamy Goat Cheese and Cranberry Recipe

Autumn’s crisp embrace calls for a delightful baked apples with creamy goat cheese and cranberry delight that perfectly captures seasonal warmth.

Soft, tender apples melt with tangy goat cheese in a stunning culinary harmony.

Sweet and tart notes dance across each carefully crafted bite, promising pure comfort.

Bursting cranberries add vibrant color and unexpected depth to this elegant dessert.

Rustic yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Seasonal produce shines through every carefully balanced layer of flavor.

Let this irresistible dish become your new favorite fall indulgence.

Equipment Essentials for Baked Apple

• Baking Dish: Perfect for roasting and holding apple halves evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for halving apples and removing cores cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Helps combine goat cheese and cranberry filling.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and honey drizzling.
• Serving Platter: Presents the baked apples beautifully.
• Optional: Spoon or Small Spatula: Useful for filling apple centers with cheese mixture.

How to Prepare Baked Apples with Goat Cheese

• Oven Warmup

Get your oven cozy and heated to the perfect temperature for transforming simple apples into a mouthwatering treat.

• Apple Preparation

Carefully slice apples in half, gently scooping out their centers to create beautiful little boats ready for delicious filling.

• Baking Setup

Arrange apple halves in a baking dish, giving them a light olive oil massage to help them develop a gorgeous golden glow.

• Creamy Filling

Mix tangy goat cheese with sweet cranberries, generously stuffing each apple half with this delightful combination.

• Baking Magic

Let the apples bake until they become tender and the cheese starts to melt, creating a heavenly aroma in your kitchen.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle honey over the warm apples, sprinkle fresh thyme, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with crunchy walnuts for extra texture.

Fresh Variations for Sweet & Savory Apples

• Switch cranberries with chopped pecans, dried cherries, or diced pears during different seasons to create exciting flavor combinations that keep the recipe fresh and interesting.
• Adjust the honey drizzle based on apple variety – tart Granny Smith apples might need more sweetness, while sweeter Honeycrisp can use a lighter touch of honey.
• Swap goat cheese for dairy-free alternatives like almond-based cheese or nutritional yeast crumbles to accommodate vegan or lactose-intolerant dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Serve these baked apples as an elegant dessert, a unique appetizer, or a sophisticated side dish by garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for extra visual appeal.

Ways to Plate Baked Apples for Guests

• Serve on Elegant Platter: Arrange the baked apples on a beautiful white ceramic plate to highlight their golden-brown color and vibrant filling.
• Pair with Complementary Drinks: Match these baked apples with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light dessert champagne that enhances the tangy goat cheese and sweet fruit flavors.
• Create a Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this recipe into a stunning brunch appetizer by placing the baked apples alongside other light dishes like quiche or fresh salad greens.
• Garnish with Herbal Flair: Scatter additional fresh thyme leaves or small rosemary sprigs around the plate to add a gourmet touch and provide an aromatic visual appeal.

Save and Reheat Baked Apples the Right Way

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the delicate flavors remain intact.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the chilled apples in the oven at 325F (160C) for 10 minutes to restore their original tender texture and prevent sogginess.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the cheese and cranberry mixture separate until just before baking to maintain optimal freshness.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual baked apple halves tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, perfect for quick, delicious dessert options later.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 5

Baked Apples with Goat Cheese: What You Need

• Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking and provide delightful texture.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden caramelized surface and helps apples cook evenly with a subtle richness.

• Goat Cheese: Adds creamy tanginess and luxurious smoothness to complement the sweet apples.
• Cranberries: Brings vibrant tartness and festive color to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Honey: Drizzles natural sweetness and creates a glossy, appetizing finish.
• Walnuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty depth to the baked apples.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the complex flavors of the entire dish.

Rustic Baked Apples With Goat Cheese And Cranberry Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rustic baked apples with creamy goat cheese and cranberry delight blend sweet and tangy flavors from traditional orchards. Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a delectable dessert connecting seasonal harvest with elegant culinary craft.

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Ingredients

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• 4 whole apples (firm, halved and cored)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) goat cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) dried cranberries (chopped)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in the middle for uniform heat distribution.
2. Apple Transformation: Halve apples and delicately excavate cores, creating elegant vessels for the upcoming filling. Arrange cut-side up in a ceramic baking dish, tenderly brushing with extra virgin olive oil to promote caramelized edges.
3. Flavor Composition: Combine crumbled goat cheese with chopped cranberries, crafting a harmonious mixture that balances tangy and sweet notes. Generously fill each apple cavity, allowing the mixture to peak above the rim.
4. Roasting Ritual: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until apples soften and cheese becomes luxuriously melted. Look for a golden, slightly bubbling surface that indicates perfect doneness.
5. Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and elevate the dish with a graceful drizzle of honey. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, a whisper of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Crown with roughly chopped walnuts, introducing a delightful textural contrast and rustic elegance.

Notes

• Cheese Selection: Use soft, creamy goat cheese with high moisture content for optimal melting and smooth texture.
• Apple Preparation: Choose firm, baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold shape during roasting.
• Caramelization Tip: Brush olive oil generously to ensure even browning and enhance natural apple sweetness.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm immediately after baking to experience the perfect balance of melted cheese and tender fruit texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg