I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy fresh, seasonal fruit, and these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries have quickly become one of my favorite recipes. The combination of sweet, tender pears with the salty richness of feta cheese, the tartness of cranberries, and the golden sweetness of honey creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a light dessert, a savory appetizer, or even a unique side dish for a special occasion, these baked pears will surely impress anyone who tries them. The pears retain their shape during baking, allowing the filling to melt and caramelize just enough to create a delightful contrast of textures. It’s one of those dishes that seems fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Baked pears are perfect for any time of year. The natural sweetness of the fruit is enhanced during baking, and when combined with feta cheese and cranberries, it’s a flavor combination that never fails to surprise. If you’ve never tried pairing pears with feta and honey before, you’re in for a treat!
This recipe requires only a few steps, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together, leaving you with a stunning result that looks far more complicated than it is.
Ingredients for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a few high-quality ingredients that perfectly complement each other’s flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Pears – Choose firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape well when baked. Their natural sweetness serves as a perfect base for this dish.
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Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds a tangy, salty contrast to the sweetness of the pears. As it bakes, the feta softens slightly, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
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Dried Cranberries – These bring a tartness and color that balances the sweetness of the pears and honey, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
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Honey – A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and helps to caramelize the pears during baking, resulting in a gorgeous glaze.
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Fresh Herbs (optional) – Fresh thyme or parsley can be sprinkled on top for added color and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Creating these baked pears is an easy process, and the final result is both impressive and delicious. Follow these simple steps to prepare this elegant dish:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Rinse the pears thoroughly. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the core, creating a small cavity in each pear half.
Step 3
Arrange the pear halves in the prepared baking dish with the cut side facing up. Evenly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries over each pear half, filling the cavities and allowing some to spill over for a rustic presentation.
Step 4
Generously drizzle honey over the top of each pear half. The honey will melt and caramelize during baking, giving the pears a beautiful glaze.
Step 5
Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender yet still hold their shape. The feta should soften, and the honey will turn into a light, golden glaze.
Step 6
Once baked, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve the pears warm and enjoy!
How Long to Bake Pears
The baking time for pears can vary slightly depending on the size and ripeness of the pears. You want them to be tender but still holding their shape. Here are some general guidelines for perfect baked pears:
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Small Pears – Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
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Medium Pears – Bake for 20-25 minutes.
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Large Pears – Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Check the pears during baking. They should be soft and tender but not mushy. You can test by gently poking the pears with a fork or knife. Once they’re done, they’ll be easy to pierce but still hold their shape.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked pears, don’t worry, they store wonderfully! Here’s how to keep them fresh for later:
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Refrigerator – Place the leftover baked pears in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them gently in the oven at a low temperature.
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Freezer – Baked pears can also be frozen. However, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap each pear half individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears
To make sure your baked pears turn out just right every time, here are a few tips:
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Choose the Right Pears – It’s important to use pears that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft pears may become mushy when baked.
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Leave the Stems On – Keeping the stems on adds a nice touch of elegance to the dish, especially when you serve them whole or cut in half.
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Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of honey, or drizzle it lightly just before serving.
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Experiment with Toppings – Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch, or swap the feta cheese for blue cheese if you like a stronger, more pungent flavor.
With these tips, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes, making it an even more delightful treat for any occasion.
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Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy, tender pears are baked to perfection, then topped with tangy feta, sweet honey, and tart cranberries for a delicious balance of flavors. Whether served as a light dessert, appetizer, or a unique side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
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4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup dried cranberries
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3 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling if desired)
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Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Wash and dry the pears, then slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the cores to create a small cavity in each pear half.
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Arrange the pear halves in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.
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Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries over each pear half, filling the cavities and letting some spill over for a rustic presentation.
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Drizzle honey generously over each pear half.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are tender and the honey has caramelized slightly.
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Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the pears before baking.
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These baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold.
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If you prefer, substitute the feta cheese with blue cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can! While pears are ideal for this recipe, apples can be used as a substitute. They have a similar texture and sweetness, though they may require a slightly shorter baking time. Just be sure to choose firm apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best results.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pears and place them in the baking dish with the feta, cranberries, and honey ahead of time. Store the unbaked pears in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing them in the oven to ensure even baking.
3. Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese. Both cheeses will offer a unique flavor profile – goat cheese for a creamy texture or blue cheese for a bold, tangy taste.
4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
While dried cranberries work best for this recipe due to their sweetness and ability to retain their shape during baking, you can use fresh cranberries. However, fresh cranberries tend to be tart, so you might want to add a little extra honey to balance the flavors. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries may release more moisture during baking.