Prepare to transform your ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers! These Goat Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Apples are not just a recipe; they're a gourmet journey that combines the crisp sweetness of fresh apples with the rich, creamy texture of goat cheese and the nutty crunch of walnuts. Perfect for elegant dinner parties, romantic date nights, or when you simply want to elevate your home cooking, this recipe promises to be a showstopper that looks professionally prepared but is surprisingly simple to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- Cinnamon, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the apples cook evenly and become tender while the cheese melts.
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Using a paring knife or an apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, creating a hollow space in the center. Be sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and slightly chunky from the walnuts.
- Using a spoon or a small spatula, gently stuff each apple with the goat cheese and walnut mixture. Pack it in well, allowing some of the mixture to mound slightly on top.
- Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. If desired, you can add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam, which will help keep the apples moist during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam and moisture. This will help the apples cook through without drying out.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking time will help soften the apples.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the apples to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle.
- Serve the stuffed apples warm, drizzled with a little extra honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy your delicious Goat Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Apples!
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the creamy filling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your goat cheese sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, more easily blended filling.
- Even Coring Matters: When removing apple cores, try to create a uniform cavity to ensure even cooking and consistent filling distribution.
- Don't Overstuff: While it's tempting to pack in lots of filling, leave a little room to prevent overflow during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Apples should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. The cheese should be golden and slightly bubbling.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these stuffed apples as a sophisticated dessert, or even as a unique appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
