Elegant Baked Pears With Feta, Honey, And Cranberries Recipe

Luscious Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Soft, golden pears nestled with creamy feta cheese create a delightful baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries dish that dances between sweet and savory.

Warm spices and bright cranberries add a vibrant touch to this elegant dessert.

The combination of melted cheese and dripping honey offers a luxurious experience for sophisticated palates.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that surprise and delight.

Roasted to tender perfection, these pears transform a simple fruit into an extraordinary treat.

The rich golden-brown edges and glistening surface make this recipe a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Dive into this simple yet impressive dessert that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 227 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries

For Fruit Base:
  • Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears with smooth skin, perfect for holding delicious toppings without falling apart during baking.
  • Dried Cranberries: Add vibrant tartness and jewel-like color that complements the sweet pears with a bright burst of flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that brings cozy depth and transforms the pears with its rich, comforting essence.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully, creating a golden glaze that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Fresh Thyme or Mint Leaves: Fragrant herbs that provide a fresh, unexpected finish with subtle herbal notes.
For Creamy and Crunchy Toppings:
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that melts slightly and offers a delightful salty contrast to the sweet pears.
  • Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts add irresistible crunch and nutty richness, bringing textural complexity to the dish.
  • Melted Butter: Helps create a golden surface and ensures the pears roast evenly with a beautiful sheen.

What You’ll Use For Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries

  • Baking Dish: A ceramic or glass dish to hold and bake the pears.
  • Parchment Paper: To line the baking dish and prevent sticking.
  • Melon Baller or Spoon: For scooping out pear cores neatly.
  • Pastry Brush: To evenly spread melted butter on pear halves.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring cinnamon and other ingredients.
  • Knife: To halve the pears and chop nuts or herbs.
  • Baking Spatula or Tongs: For carefully removing pears from the oven.

Steps To Make Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with an inviting 375F temperature. Create a cozy baking surface by lining a dish with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.

  • Pear Selection and Positioning

Slice pears lengthwise with graceful precision. Gently remove cores using a spoon, creating elegant hollow spaces. Arrange pear halves facing upward in the prepared dish.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Brush pear surfaces with golden melted butter. Sprinkle a whisper of ground cinnamon across each half, awakening delightful aromas.

  • Initial Roasting

Allow pears to transform in the heated oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for tender transformation while maintaining their elegant shape.

  • Decadent Toppings

Carefully remove pears and fill their curves with crumbled feta and vibrant cranberries. Drizzle liquid gold honey across the surface, creating a luxurious landscape.

  • Final Melting

Return pears to the oven for a brief 5-10 minute dance. Witness feta softening and turning a tempting golden hue.

  • Elegant Presentation

Rescue pears from heat, allowing momentary cooling. Garnish with delicate herb leaves and an extra honey cascade. Serve while warmth still whispers through the dish.

Ways To Customize Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries

  • Perfect Pear Baking Secrets: Expert Tips and Tasty Twists
  • Ripeness Matters: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm – avoid overly soft ones that will turn mushy during baking.
  • Butter Brush Technique: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat pear surfaces with melted butter for maximum caramelization and golden color.
  • Cheese Selection Flexibility: Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles that complement the sweet pears.
  • Vegan Transformation: Replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free cheese alternatives like almond-based feta to make this recipe completely plant-based.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac conditions.

Simple Serving Tips For Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries

  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Present the baked pears on a beautiful wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning visual display that will impress guests.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Serve these warm pears alongside Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent morning treat that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
  • Cheese Course Companion: Pair these baked pears with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, making them an excellent appetizer or dessert for sophisticated gatherings.
  • Healthy Dessert Alternative: Offer these pears as a nutritious, low-calorie dessert option that feels indulgent but provides natural sweetness and beneficial nutrients from fruits and nuts.

Storing Baked Pears With Feta Honey And Cranberries Made Easy

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each pear half individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chilled pears in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to restore their original texture and prevent them from becoming mushy. Drizzle additional honey before reheating for extra moisture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pear halves and seasonings one day in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature for even cooking.
  • Freezing Fresh Goodness: Freeze baked pears without feta and nuts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven, adding fresh toppings just before serving to maintain crispness and flavor intensity.
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Elegant Baked Pears With Feta, Honey, And Cranberries Recipe

Elegant Baked Pears With Feta, Honey, And Cranberries Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Delightful Baked Pears with Feta crafts an elegant dessert that blends sweet and savory profiles. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a simple yet sophisticated treat you can enjoy with minimal preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pears (Bartlett or Anjou), ripe but firm, halved and cored
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsps honey (plus extra for drizzling)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare baking dish with parchment paper or light grease coating.
  2. Pear Preparation: Slice pears lengthwise, remove cores carefully, and position halves cut side up in the prepared dish.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Brush pear surfaces with melted butter and sprinkle ground cinnamon for aromatic depth.
  4. Initial Roasting: Bake pears for 20-25 minutes until tender but structurally intact, creating a soft foundation for additional toppings.
  5. Cheese and Fruit Filling: Generously stuff pear cavities with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
  6. Nutty Topping: Drizzle honey over pears and scatter chopped walnuts or pecans, introducing a delightful textural contrast.
  7. Final Baking: Return pears to oven for 5-10 minutes, allowing feta to soften and develop a golden complexion.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves, and add a final honey drizzle, then plate immediately to preserve warmth and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Optimize Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou that can withstand baking without turning mushy, ensuring structural integrity during cooking.
  • Control Butter Application: Brush melted butter sparingly to prevent soggy texture, focusing on even coating that enhances caramelization and prevents burning.
  • Monitor Cheese Melting: Watch feta carefully during final baking phase to achieve soft, slightly golden edges without becoming overly dry or crispy.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients for alternative versions – use vegan cheese for dairy-free option, replace honey with maple syrup for plant-based diets, or swap nuts with seeds for nut allergies.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 227
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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