Hey y'all! If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a special brunch centerpiece, this Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender, juicy pears, creamy feta, sweet honey, and tangy cranberries balances beautifully with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels both rustic and refined—perfect for sharing with friends, impressing guests during the holidays, or just treating yourself to something cozy and delicious. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Easy to prepare with minimal prep time but delivers maximum flavor.
- Beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors in every bite.
- Versatile enough to serve as a dessert, appetizer, or brunch highlight.
- Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for various diets.
- Makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 3 oz (about 85 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Pears
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Wash and dry the pears. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and a little of the center to create a small cavity for the filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Spoon the feta mixture evenly into the cavity of each pear half. Drizzle with half of the honey and brush the exposed pear flesh with melted butter.
Step 3: Bake
- Arrange the filled pears in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape and the topping is slightly golden.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the remaining honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For the best texture, use pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape when baked.
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Toast the nuts beforehand for an extra crunchy and aromatic finish.
Variations
- Swap the cranberries for chopped dried apricots or figs for a different twist.
- Add a sprinkle of orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for deeper flavor.
- Use blue cheese instead of feta for a bolder, tangier bite.
Required Equipment
- Baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or melon baller
- Knife
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or enjoy them cold.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled rosé.
- Serve over lightly dressed arugula greens for a sophisticated appetizer.
- Add a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake—check pears at 25 minutes to ensure they stay firm around the edges.
- Warm your honey before drizzling; it pours more evenly and tastes extra luscious.
- If using unsalted nuts, add a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance out the sweetness.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Goat cheese or even blue cheese can be delicious alternatives to feta.
- Are baked pears best served hot or cold? They’re best enjoyed warm, but leftovers can be served cold straight from the fridge.
- Can I make this recipe ahead? Yes—assemble and fill the pears in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6 (3 pears, halved)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 3 oz (about 85 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
2Wash and dry the pears. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and a little of the center to create a small cavity for the filling.
-
3In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
-
4Spoon the feta mixture evenly into the cavity of each pear half. Drizzle with half of the honey and brush the exposed pear flesh with melted butter.
-
5Arrange the filled pears in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape and the topping is slightly golden.
-
6Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the remaining honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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