If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant dessert or appetizer, Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is the perfect dish to impress your guests or indulge in something sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of ripe pears pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy feta cheese, while the honey adds a delightful richness and the cranberries offer a pop of color and tartness.
What makes this dish so special is the balance of flavors and textures: the warm, soft pears, the salty feta, the sweetness from the honey, and the tartness of the cranberries. It’s easy to make and perfect for fall and winter gatherings!
Resume of the Recipe
These Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are roasted pears topped with tangy feta cheese, a drizzle of honey, and fresh cranberries. Baked to perfection, this dish is a wonderful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect as a light dessert, appetizer, or side dish.
With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your menu. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries, it was for a holiday dinner with friends. I was looking for something unique yet simple, and I had a few ripe pears on hand. I thought about pairing them with some of my favorite ingredients—feta, honey, and cranberries—and decided to roast them together. As the pears baked in the oven, the sweet, savory aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would turn out.
The first bite was pure heaven—the soft pears combined with the creamy feta and sweet honey was a flavor combination I hadn’t expected, but absolutely loved. The cranberries added a tart burst of flavor that tied everything together beautifully. This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe has since become one of my go-to dishes for fall and winter entertaining.
Why This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries?
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet pears, tangy feta, tart cranberries, and rich honey create a harmonious combination of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is both easy and impressive.
- Elegant and Versatile: This dish can be served as a side, appetizer, or even a light dessert for any occasion.
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the cores. Place the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- Add the Toppings: Drizzle the pear halves with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cranberries evenly over the pears. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, sprinkle them on top as well for a little crunch.
- Bake the Pears: Drizzle the pears with honey and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with a little extra honey. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme leaves for an added burst of freshness.
- Enjoy: Your Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer or a sweet, savory side dish.
Tips
- Use Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but firm. Overripe pears may become too mushy during baking.
- Try Different Cheeses: If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or blue cheese would also pair wonderfully with the pears.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are not available, dried cranberries will work just fine and add a chewy texture to the dish.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts if you want a nut-free version of this dish.
- Add Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme over the pears before baking.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use honey sparingly to control the sweetness, or substitute with a drizzle of agave nectar or maple syrup for a lighter version.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat feta cheese.
Closing
And there you have it! These Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether served as a side, appetizer, or light dessert, they’re sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more unique and delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pears with all the toppings ahead of time, then bake them when ready to serve. - Can I use canned or frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are ideal, but you can use dried cranberries or frozen cranberries if needed. If using frozen, thaw them before adding to the pears. - What can I serve with these pears?
These pears pair beautifully with roasted meats like pork, chicken, or duck, or as part of a festive holiday spread. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the feta with a vegan cheese or omit it entirely for a vegan version. - Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would complement the sweetness of the pears and the savory feta beautifully. - How can I make these pears sweeter?
Add more honey or sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness. - What if I don’t have fresh pears?
You can use canned pears (drained) or other fruits like apples or peaches as a substitute. - How do I know when the pears are done?
The pears are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese is slightly melted and bubbly. - Can I serve these pears cold?
While these pears are best served warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing snack. - Can I add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar?
Yes! A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, savory contrast to the sweetness of the honey and pears. - Can I make these pears in advance and reheat them?
Yes! You can bake the pears ahead of time and gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 4 ripe pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work well)
1/4 cup 1/4 crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup 1/4 fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if preferred)
2 tablespoons 2 honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon 1 fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon 1 chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
Fresh mint or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the cores. Place the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- Add the Toppings: Drizzle the pear halves with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cranberries evenly over the pears. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, sprinkle them on top as well for a little crunch.
- Bake the Pears: Drizzle the pears with honey and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with a little extra honey. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme leaves for an added burst of freshness.
- Enjoy: Your Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer or a sweet, savory side dish.
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