There can always be more pancetta
We had the same three apples in the refrigerator for an embarrassing long time, and one sad little piece of pancetta. (Italian bacon likes lots of friends.) Running low on veggies and in need of a side dish, an idea was born.
Savory Baked Apples
- 3 medium apples
- 3-4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 1 slice pancetta, cut into six even pieces
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped thyme or sage
Slice apples in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon or other implement of your choice to scoop out the seeds and create a little cavity in the middle. Lay the apples cut side up. Fill each half with about a teaspoon or two of goat cheese. Place in a greased casserole dish cheese side up and drizzle with syrup. Crack fresh black pepper over the top and pop in an oven set to 350. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the pancetta. Return to the oven and cook until pancetta is crisp and apples are tender. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs. (Yes, we forgot those in the picture.)
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide 
Oooh I love how you made them savory, I’ve never seen that before! Sounds delicious!
Ooh, thyme or sage? Almost like delicious apple sausage!
Cheese and apples.. heaven:)
Good idea!
I would have been happy with the apples and cheese. Adding the pancetta is such a great idea!.
Nice idea. I’ve always overbought on apples and am looking for something neat that like that.
Amazing what you two can come up with on the spur of the moment… I wish I was so creative!
Nice side dish, so unique!
Now what doesn’t taste better with a little bacon on top? Very creative recipe.
Very creative – and delicious.
Brilliant idea!
These look awesome!!
A stroke of genius…can’t wait to try this!
This is so creative! I always have just a little bit left of something (always apples going bad, too!), but would have never come up with something this awesome!
that looks delish, you think other types of cheese would work, what about cottage cheese??
I think other cheeses would definitely work!
Interesting, I just bought lots of pancetta cheap 😉
What a great idea! This would also be a nice “fruit and cheese” course after dinner.
Really nice and simple, love the sweet and savory combination here
I love this idea! I often have these three things sitting around in the fridge for too long with no real plan. Now I have a plan. And if there half as good as the brie bites…they’ll be planned again and again. 🙂
mmm what a great idea! these look awesome
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