Description
Welcome to a unique culinary delight: Baked Apples with Blue Cheese and Honey. This recipe marries the natural sweetness of apples with the distinctive tang of blue cheese, enriched with a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh thyme. Whether served as a savory appetizer or a light dessert, these baked apples are sure to elevate any dining experience with their beautiful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm apples, halved and cored
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
2. Core the Apples
Cut the apples in half, and using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the cores, creating a small well in each half.
3. Arrange and Top
Place the apple halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, then stuff each apple with crumbled blue cheese and sprinkle some cranberries on top.
4. Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still retain their shape and the cheese has melted.
5. Add Honey and Thyme
Once out of the oven, drizzle the apples with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over them. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
6. Optional Topping
If desired, add an extra layer of texture by sprinkling chopped walnuts over the baked apples.
7. Serve
These delightful baked apples are best served warm, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Servings & Preparation Time
Serves: 8 (1/2 apple per serving)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it may soften the apples too much.
Conclusion
This Baked Apples with Blue Cheese and Honey recipe is a festive and flavorful preparation that effortlessly blends sweet, savory, and tangy elements. It’s an inviting dish that promises to be a conversation starter at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert or a unique appetizer, these baked apples are sure to impress.
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Baked Apples with Blue Cheese and Honey Delight
- Total Time: 44 minute
- Yield: Serves: 8 (1/2 apple per serving)
Description
Welcome to a unique culinary delight: Baked Apples with Blue Cheese and Honey. This recipe marries the natural sweetness of apples with the distinctive tang of blue cheese, enriched with a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh thyme. Whether served as a savory appetizer or a light dessert, these baked apples are sure to elevate any dining experience with their beautiful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm apples, halved and cored
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
- Core the Apples: Cut the apples in half, and using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the cores, creating a small well in each half.
- Arrange and Top: Place the apple halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, then stuff each apple with crumbled blue cheese and sprinkle some cranberries on top.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still retain their shape and the cheese has melted.
- Add Honey and Thyme: Once out of the oven, drizzle the apples with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over them. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Optional Topping: If desired, add an extra layer of texture by sprinkling chopped walnuts over the baked apples.
- Serve: These delightful baked apples are best served warm, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes