Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is the perfect dish for those busy days when you want something simple yet elegant. This delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting treat that pleases any palate. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 200mg
Why Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Pears are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, while feta cheese offers a boost of protein and calcium. This dish is the ideal balance of sweet and savory, creating a tantalizing flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to make a light dessert or a unique appetizer at their next gathering.
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Step by Step
Ingredients
3 ripe pears, halved and cored
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Brush the pear halves with olive oil or melted butter and place them cut-side up in the dish. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and bake for 15–20 minutes, until slightly softened. Remove from the oven and fill the center of each pear with crumbled feta and dried cranberries. Drizzle with honey and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is warm and the pears are tender. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of nuts if desired. Garnish with thyme or mint. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or light dessert.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
These baked pears are fabulous on their own or alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They’re also a great pairing with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who prefer a sweeter touch. For a more robust flavor, consider serving them with a glass of white wine to enhance the savory and sweet notes of the dish.
How to Store Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
To store leftovers, place the baked pears in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. While freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes, your delicious baked pears are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Choose ripe pears for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg along with or instead of cinnamon for a warming note.
- Try incorporating fresh berries or figs in place of cranberries for a seasonal adaptation.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Delicious Variations of Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
For an added kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy contrast. You could also swap out the feta for a rich, creamy blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. For a citrusy variation, add some orange zest to the honey for a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.
Conclusion
Don’t wait any longer—give Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries a try! With its beautiful presentation and delightful taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a dessert, this dish is not only easy to prepare but packs a flavor punch that everyone will love.
Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe pears, halved and cored Choose ripe pears for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries Could substitute with fresh berries or figs.
- 2 tbsp honey For a citrusy touch, add some orange zest to the honey.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans Optional topping.
- to taste leaves Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Brush the pear halves with olive oil or melted butter and place them cut-side up in the dish.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and bake for 15–20 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Remove from the oven and fill the center of each pear with crumbled feta and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with honey and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is warm and the pears are tender.
- Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of nuts if desired.
- Garnish with thyme or mint and serve warm.
