Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries will quickly become your new favorite dish:

Unique Flavor Profile – The combination of juicy, roasted pears, tangy feta, tart cranberries, and sweet honey creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Simple to Make – With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this dish is quick to prepare and offers a gourmet result.
Perfect for Fall – The warm, roasted pears paired with honey and fresh thyme make it a comforting dish that fits perfectly into any fall meal.
Customizable – You can adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences and needs, including making it vegan or nut-free.
Elegant Presentation – This dish looks impressive and is great for hosting gatherings, whether it’s for a light dessert or appetizer.

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a lovely balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Substitution Tips:

For a vegan version, substitute the feta with plant-based cheese options like almond or cashew cheese.
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener.
Nut allergies? Skip the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

Directions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Halve the pears and remove the cores. Use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out a little more from the center of each pear half, creating a well for the filling.

2. Assemble the Pears:

Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Drizzle the pears with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help them roast beautifully and add richness.
Fill each pear’s center with crumbled feta cheese and chopped cranberries.

3. Bake the Pears:

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The pears should soften slightly, and the feta should begin to melt and turn golden around the edges.
Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The goal is soft pears, but not mushy.

4. Add Honey and Garnishes:

Once the pears are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven.
Drizzle each pear generously with honey, adding a sweet, glossy finish.
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the pears for an aromatic touch.
Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance all the flavors.

5. Optional: Garnish with Walnuts:

For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top. They add a nice crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy feta and juicy pears.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

These baked pears are best served warm right out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you prepare them ahead of time.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings (1 pear half per person)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

This quick and easy dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for when you’re craving a delicious and elegant fall treat!

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pears and stuff them with the cheese and cranberries, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they may release more moisture during baking. Be sure to chop them finely, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

4. Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese option and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to make it vegan.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cheese options and make sure the honey you use is free from any additives.

6. How do I know when the pears are done?

The pears should be slightly softened but still hold their shape. The cheese will begin to melt, and the edges should be golden brown. Test the pears with a fork to make sure they’re tender.

7. Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Yes! You can add other fruits like pomegranate seeds, figs, or even a drizzle of orange zest to complement the pears and feta.

8. Can I serve this as a main dish?

While this dish is great as an appetizer or dessert, you could pair it with a light salad or grilled chicken for a more substantial main course.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to enjoy the pears fresh, but you can freeze the prepared stuffed pears (without baking) for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

10. Can I add spices to the pears?

Yes! Adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can bring extra warmth and depth of flavor to this dish, especially during the fall season.

Conclusion

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is an elegant and easy dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in the most delightful way. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light dessert, these roasted pears are sure to impress with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation. This is a recipe that brings the essence of fall to your table in just a few simple steps. Enjoy!