Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Indulge in a delightful combination of flavors with these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries—a dish that brings together the natural sweetness of pears, the tangy richness of feta cheese, and the tart pop of cranberries. Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer, a unique side dish, or a light dessert, this simple yet sophisticated recipe is sure to impress.

A Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance

Baking pears enhances their natural sweetness, creating a tender and juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the salty, crumbly feta and chewy cranberries. The drizzle of honey not only adds a touch of caramelized sweetness but also brings all the flavors together in a perfectly balanced bite. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note, making this dish a standout option for any occasion.

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make yet visually stunning—perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a nourishing treat for yourself. With minimal preparation and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
• Versatile – Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or healthy dessert.
• Naturally sweetened – The pears and honey provide a natural source of sweetness without refined sugar.
• Packed with texture – Creamy feta, chewy cranberries, and soft pears create a delightful contrast

Ingredients 

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work together to bring out the best in each other.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 ripe but firm pears – Varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well when baked, ensuring a soft but structured texture.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Adds a tangy, salty contrast to the pears’ natural sweetness.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped – Provides a tart, chewy bite that complements the honey.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Drizzled over the pears, it caramelizes during baking, enhancing the overall sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps soften the pears and prevents sticking.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Adds an aromatic, earthy note to balance the sweetness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances the flavors and provides a hint of seasoning.
• Optional: Chopped walnuts – A great topping for added crunch and texture.

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

This simple yet elegant dish comes together in just a few steps. Follow this easy process for a perfectly baked pear dish every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Wash and dry the pears thoroughly. Slice each pear in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the core and seeds with a spoon to create a small cavity in the center. This will hold the fillings perfectly.

Step 3: Arrange the Pears in the Baking Dish

Place the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated for a soft, tender bake.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped dried cranberries into the hollowed-out centers of each pear half. Let some of the filling spill over the sides for a rustic, elegant look.

Step 5: Bake the Pears

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The pears should become tender but still hold their shape, while the feta will slightly soften.

Step 6: Drizzle with Honey & Add Fresh Thyme

Once baked, remove the pears from the oven. While still warm, drizzle with honey, allowing it to melt slightly and coat the filling. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Lightly season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra texture, top with chopped walnuts before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Pears

The baking time for pears depends on their size, ripeness, and variety. You want them to be soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, yet firm enough to hold their shape.

General Baking Time Guidelines:

• Small pears – Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Medium pears – Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Large pears – Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pears as they bake. You’ll know they’re ready when:
✅ They are tender but not mushy.
✅ The feta has softened slightly.
✅ The honey has caramelized lightly on top.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover baked pears, don’t worry! They store well and taste just as delicious when reheated. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Place any leftover pears in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Enjoy them cold or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Freezer Storage (Less Recommended):

• Baked pears can be frozen, but their texture may change slightly.
• Wrap each pear half individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for Perfect Baked Pears

1. Choose the Right Pears
Use pears that are ripe but firm. Overly soft pears may turn mushy during baking.

2. Keep the Stems On
For a beautiful presentation, leave the pear stems intact when serving.

3. Adjust the Sweetness

• For a less sweet dish, reduce the honey or drizzle it just before serving.
• For extra sweetness, add a touch of cinnamon before baking.

4. Experiment with Toppings

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Swap feta for blue cheese if you prefer a bolder, tangier flavor.
• Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a fresh, juicy contrast

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta adds a salty and tangy contrast to the sweet pears, you can experiment with different cheeses:

• Goat cheese – Offers a creamy and slightly tart flavor.
• Blue cheese – Provides a stronger, bolder taste for those who enjoy a more intense flavor.
• Ricotta – A milder, creamier option if you prefer a less salty taste.

2. What type of pears work best for baking?

Not all pears hold up well to baking. The best varieties are firm and slightly underripe so they maintain their shape:

• Bosc pears – Firm, slightly crisp, and hold their structure well.
• Anjou pears – Mildly sweet with a firmer texture, perfect for baking.
• Bartlett pears – Softer and juicier, but can be used if baked for a shorter time.

Avoid overripe pears, as they may become too mushy during baking.

3. Can I make these baked pears ahead of time?

Yes! If you’re preparing them for a gathering, here’s what you can do:

• Prepare the pears and fillings in advance, but wait to bake them until right before serving.
• Store unbaked stuffed pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking.
• If you’ve already baked them, reheat in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

4. Can I add extra spices to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! Adding a touch of spice can elevate the dish. Consider:

• Cinnamon – Enhances the natural sweetness of pears.
• Nutmeg – Adds a warm, nutty depth of flavor.
• Ginger – A great addition for a slight zing