Description
Golden roasted apples filled with creamy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and drizzled with honey make a stunning dish that’s both savory and sweet. This easy yet elegant recipe is the perfect balance of flavors, perfect for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or a cozy dessert at home
Ingredients
- 4 apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala), halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap blue cheese with goat cheese for a milder flavor.
Replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds for nut-free options
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Slice the apples in half and remove the core to create a small cavity in each half. Use a melon baller or small spoon for ease.
- Brush the cut sides of the apples with melted butter to add flavor and help them caramelize.
- If desired, sprinkle cinnamon over the apples for a warm, spiced note.
Step 3: Roast the Apples
- Place the apple halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the apples in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Fill each apple cavity with crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the apples and squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Final Bake
- Return the apples to the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the blue cheese to soften slightly and meld with the other flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the roasted apples to serving plates while warm.
- Drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a decorative touch and subtle herbal aroma.
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Stick to firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, which hold their shape well during roasting.
- Toasting Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter, honey with maple syrup, and blue cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions: These roasted apples pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American