Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting treat that pleases any palate, perfect for a light dessert or appetizer.
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.
Notes
These baked pears are fabulous on their own or alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They can also be paired with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream. For best storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.