Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
Baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries create a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This simple dish is perfect as a warm dessert or an elegant appetizer. With just a few ingredients, you can impress guests or enjoy a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 75 grams crumbled feta cheese
- 30 milliliters olive oil or melted butter
- 30 grams dried cranberries
- 30 milliliters honey
- 1 gram ground cinnamon
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Brush the pear halves with olive oil or melted butter. Arrange them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon.
- Step 3: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
- Step 4: Remove the pears from the oven and immediately top each half with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries.
- Step 5: Drizzle generously with honey, garnish with fresh thyme leaves if using, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- For a vegan version, replace feta with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore their softness. Note that feta and honey toppings are best added fresh, so consider storing the pears separately from the toppings if possible.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?
Yes, Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears work well. Just choose pears that are ripe but still firm to avoid them turning mushy during baking.
Can this dish be served cold?
While best served warm to enjoy the soft texture and melty feta, you can serve it cold if preferred. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintBaked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Deliciously tender baked pears topped with savory crumbled feta, sweet dried cranberries, and drizzled with golden honey, enhanced with a subtle hint of cinnamon and fresh thyme. This easy-to-make dessert or snack balances fruity sweetness with creamy and tangy notes, perfect for a cozy treat or elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (2 halves per serving) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Dairy
- 75 grams crumbled feta cheese
Pantry
- 30 milliliters olive oil or melted butter
- 30 grams dried cranberries
- 30 milliliters honey
- 1 gram ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pears: Brush each pear half with olive oil or melted butter to add moisture and help them brown slightly during baking. Arrange pears cut-side up in the lined baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon to add a warm spice flavor.
- Bake Pears: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the pears for 20 to 25 minutes. They should become tender but still hold their shape for the perfect texture.
- Add Toppings: Remove pears from the oven and while still warm, top each half with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries, which will add a salty and sweet contrast.
- Drizzle Honey and Garnish: Generously drizzle honey over each pear to complete the sweet and savory balance. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired for a fragrant herbal note. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, you can substitute with a sprinkle of dried thyme or fresh rosemary for a different herbal aroma.
- For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
- Use a ripe but firm pear variety like Bosc or Anjou for optimal texture after baking.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Ensure pears are not overly ripe to avoid them becoming mushy during baking.
Keywords: baked pears, feta cheese, honey dessert, baked fruit, cinnamon pears, autumn dessert, cranberry topping
