Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The warm, tender pears pair beautifully with creamy feta and tart cranberries, all drizzled with honey. It’s an effortless appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress. For more comforting recipes, try this Swedish Meatballs recipe or these Cheesy Potatoes also called Funeral Potatoes.

Ingredients

The warm, caramelized pears mingle beautifully with the tangy feta and sweet honey, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures in this elegant yet simple dish.

• 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped walnuts for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse 4 firm, ripe pears under cool water and pat them dry. Slice each pear in half lengthwise, then use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the seeds and core, creating a small cavity in each half.

Step 2 — Arrange the Pears for Baking

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. This helps them steam slightly and cook evenly. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3 — Add the Feta and Cranberries

Crumble about ½ cup of feta cheese evenly into the cavities of the pear halves. Sprinkle ¼ cup of dried cranberries over and around the pears. The salty feta and tart cranberries will create a wonderful flavor contrast with the sweet pears and honey.

Step 4 — Drizzle with Honey and Season

Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey generously over the pears, ensuring the feta and cranberries are coated. For a warm, aromatic note, add a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a pinch of black pepper. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The pears are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The feta should be slightly melted, and the cranberries will have plumped up.

Step 6 — Optional Broil for Caramelization

For a more caramelized top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds a lovely golden color and extra depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 7 — Cool Slightly and Garnish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pears cool for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes them safe to handle. You can garnish with a final drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Step 8 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve the baked pears warm. They are delicious on their own as a light dessert or appetizer, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more decadent treat. Enjoy your homemade Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries!

Nutritional Information

Calories	215
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	8g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Goat cheese instead of feta — Offers a milder tang and slightly lower sodium content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Walnuts instead of cranberries — Provides healthy fats and protein for a lower-carb, more nutrient-dense option.
• Maple syrup instead of honey — Creates a vegan-friendly version with a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Pecorino Romano instead of feta — Delivers a sharper flavor punch so you can use less for lower sodium intake.
• Pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries — Adds fresh crunch and antioxidants with less sugar than dried cranberries.
• Almond slivers instead of cranberries — Introduces protein and healthy fats while keeping the recipe gluten-free and low-carb.
• Vegan feta instead of dairy feta — Creates a dairy-free alternative with similar salty, briny characteristics.
• Fresh figs instead of pears — Provides a different seasonal fruit option with intense natural sweetness to reduce added sweeteners.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as an elegant appetizer for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
• Transform into a light dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt.
• Create a beautiful cheese board centerpiece by arranging baked pears alongside nuts, crackers, and additional cheeses.
• Enhance a fresh green salad by topping with cooled baked pears, feta, and a light vinaigrette.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for added texture and visual appeal.

This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe shines brightest when served immediately, allowing the warm, melded flavors to delight your guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly ripe pears that turn mushy during baking. Fix: Select firm, just-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou to hold their shape.
• Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice toss, leading to brown pears. Fix: Lightly coat pear halves in lemon juice before baking to preserve color.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, which steams instead of roasts. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between for caramelization.
• Mistake: Adding feta cheese too early, causing it to melt away. Fix: Sprinkle feta in the last 5 minutes of baking to keep its texture.
• Mistake: Drizzling honey before baking, which can burn. Fix: Add honey after baking while pears are warm for optimal flavor.
• Mistake: Using dried cranberries without plumping, making them chewy. Fix: Soak cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes first.
• Mistake: Under-baking pears, leaving them hard and unappealing. Fix: Bake until a knife slides in easily—typically 25–30 minutes at 375°F.
• Mistake: Neglecting to baste pears with pan juices. Fix: Spoon juices over pears halfway through baking for enhanced moisture and glaze.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from the feta and cranberry topping if possible to maintain texture.
• Freezer: Freeze baked pears (without feta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat refrigerated or thawed pears in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes), ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Add fresh feta and cranberries after heating.

For best quality, assemble the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe just before serving, as the feta can become soft and the pears may release more liquid upon standing.

Conclusion

This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try it out and let us know what you think in the comments. For another sweet treat, check out our No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pears up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving to ensure the feta is warm and the pears are perfectly tender for this Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.

What type of pears work best for this recipe?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly soft varieties, as they can become mushy in this Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with another type?

Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese make excellent substitutes if you prefer a different tangy flavor. The recipe will still be delicious, maintaining the sweet and savory balance of the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.