Sweet & Savory Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Slicing into delicate baked pears with feta that sparkle like jewels on your plate.

Warm spices dance around each tender fruit, creating an unexpected culinary adventure.

Sweet honey weaves through cranberries, adding depth and complexity to every bite.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this elegant dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Mediterranean flavors mingle with fall’s rich palette, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for comfort foods that surprise and delight.

You’ll want to savor each magical combination of soft pear, salty cheese, and bright berries.

What Makes Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Special

• Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering blend of sweet honey, tangy feta, and tart cranberries that dance perfectly with the soft, warm pears.
• Effortless Elegance: Create a sophisticated dessert with minimal preparation, transforming simple ingredients into a stunning dish that looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
• Quick Comfort Treat: Whip up this delightful recipe in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or a quick weeknight dessert that feels special and indulgent.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a dessert that balances sweet and savory elements, appealing to diverse taste preferences and working beautifully as both a dessert or elegant appetizer.

Everything You’ll Need for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• Pears: Soft, sweet base for the dish, choose ripe but firm pears for best texture.
• Thyme or Mint Leaves: Fresh herb garnish for brightness and aroma.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy, salty cheese that provides creamy contrast to sweet pears.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds golden glaze and depth of flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart fruit that brings color and slight acidic note.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Optional crunchy topping for added texture and nutty flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements pears and adds depth.
• Butter: Helps create golden surface and enhances overall richness.

How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Grab a baking dish and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Pear Halves

Slice your pears down the middle from top to bottom. Gently scoop out the seeds and core using a spoon or melon baller. Arrange these golden beauties cut-side up in your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Dress the Pears

• Melted butter
• Ground cinnamon

Lovingly brush the pear surfaces with melted butter and sprinkle a warm layer of ground cinnamon across each half.

Step 4: First Roasting Round

Slide the baking dish into the oven and let the pears bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them tender but still holding their elegant shape.

Step 5: Create Delicious Toppings

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Honey
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Pull out the pears and generously fill each half with crumbled feta and scattered cranberries. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle nuts if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Step 6: Final Baking Touch

Return the pears to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Watch for the feta to melt slightly and turn a gorgeous golden color.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves and add a final honey drizzle. Serve these beauties while they’re still warm and inviting.

Helpful Tips for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• Choose Ripe Pears: Select pears that are slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure near the stem for perfect baking texture.
• Prevent Browning: Brush pear halves with lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing and maintain a fresh, appetizing appearance.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles if preferred.
• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Toast walnuts or pecans briefly before adding to intensify their natural flavor and provide extra crispiness.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives for plant-based diets.

Saving and Rewarming Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• Refrigerate: Seal baked pears in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm pears at 325F (160C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Heat individual pear halves on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Serving Tip: Sprinkle fresh herbs or drizzle extra honey after reheating to restore the original vibrant flavors.

Great Pairings for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the sweet and tangy flavors of baked pears, cutting through the richness of feta and honey.
• Match with Nutty Cheese Plate: Assemble a selection of mild goat cheeses, aged cheddar, and blue cheese to enhance the pear's delicate texture and complement its warm spices.
• Create a Sparkling Dessert Drink: Prosecco or champagne add elegant bubbles that refresh the palate and highlight the dish's delightful honey and fruit notes.
• Serve alongside Herbal Tea: Chamomile or lavender tea provide a soothing, aromatic backdrop that matches the pear's soft warmth and brings out the subtle herb garnish.

Try These Twists on Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• Goat Cheese Glow: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese, adding a tangy richness that complements the sweet pears and honey perfectly.
• Mediterranean Herb Dance: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme, bringing a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile to the baked pears.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace dried cranberries with toasted almonds and add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert that balances sweet and savory notes.
• Spiced Autumn Embrace: Mix ground cardamom and nutmeg with cinnamon, then top with pumpkin seeds for a warm, seasonal variation that captures fall's essence.

Common Questions About Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

• What type of pears work best for this recipe?

The best pears are ripe but firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou. These hold their shape well during baking and provide a perfect texture for this dish.

• Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?

Goat cheese works wonderfully as an alternative. It has a similar tangy flavor and melts nicely, creating a creamy complement to the sweet pears.

• Is this recipe considered a dessert or appetizer?

This versatile dish can be both! It works great as a sweet appetizer before a meal or as a light dessert with its balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it warm for the best experience.

• How do I know if the pears are ripe enough for baking?

Gently press the pear near the stem. If it yields slightly to pressure but isn’t mushy, it’s perfect for baking. Avoid using hard or overly soft pears as they won’t provide the ideal texture.

Baked Pears With Feta, Honey, And Cranberries Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent “Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries” blend sweet and savory notes in one elegant dessert. Creamy feta, golden honey, and tart cranberries create a sophisticated symphony for sophisticated palates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 4 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou), halved and cored
• 100 g (3.5 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries

dairy and liquid ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

seasonings and optional ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking dish with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
2. Transform the pears by carefully slicing them lengthwise and delicately removing the cores using a spoon or melon baller, then strategically positioning the halves cut side up in the prepared dish.
3. Enhance the pear surfaces by gently brushing them with melted butter and dusting with ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.
4. Allow the pears to roast in the heated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring their transformation until they reach a tender yet structurally intact state.
5. Elevate the pears by generously filling their cavities with crumbled feta cheese and scattered dried cranberries, creating a vibrant landscape of textures and flavors.
6. Drizzle a golden stream of honey over the pear halves and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
7. Return the adorned pears to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching as the feta softens and develops a golden hue.
8. Rescue the pears from the oven and allow them a brief moment to settle, then artfully garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves and a final delicate drizzle of honey.
9. Present the warm, inviting pears immediately, showcasing their beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.

Notes

• Select ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for best texture and caramelization during baking.
• Adjust baking time based on pear ripeness to prevent overcooking and maintain structural integrity.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with dairy-free cheese alternatives or roasted nuts for creamy texture.
• Consider using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile or vegan option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg