Delicious Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries

Warm pears topped with feta, honey, and cranberries make an eye-catching yet uncomplicated dish that's perfect when fall arrives or when you've got ripe pears waiting to be used. There's something truly wonderful about mixing juicy fruit with salty cheese and sweet honey, all brightened up with tangy cranberry bits.

I made this for my family last Thanksgiving and they immediately asked me to bring it again for Christmas dinner. It's now our favorite when we want something that's both cozy and impressive.

Round Up Your Ingredients

• ripe pears: go for Anjou or Bosc varieties for their ideal shape and sweetness. Pick ones that give slightly when pressed but aren't soft
• melted butter or olive oil: good olive oil adds a nice peppery note while butter brings extra richness and shine
• cinnamon: this spice really brings out the best in both the pears and honey
• feta cheese: buy a block and break it up yourself for better taste and texture
• dried cranberries: add a nice sour pop that balances the sweetness and get wonderfully soft when heated
• honey: any decent honey from your area works great as it pools inside the pears and ties everything together. Try maple syrup if you need a plant-based option
• fresh thyme: completely up to you but adds a nice herby flavor. Look for bright, fragrant stems

Cooking Instructions

Get The Pears Ready:

Slice ripe pears in half and remove the seeds and core with a spoon or melon baller. Don't cut off the stem as it looks pretty. Brush the cut parts with melted butter or olive oil to keep them juicy and add flavor during baking.

Cook The Pears:

Place pears with cut sides facing up on a parchment-covered baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the flesh. Bake at 375 F for about 20-25 minutes. You'll want them soft enough for a fork but still holding their shape, so test by poking the thickest part gently. Cooking time might change depending on how ripe they are.

Add Cheese And Cranberries:

As soon as you pull the pears from the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Add dried cranberries so they can get soft from the heat of the pears.

Finish With Honey And Enjoy:

Pour plenty of honey over the hot pears, letting it fill the hollows. Add some thyme leaves if you want. Serve while still warm for the best mix of soft cheese and juicy fruit.

I love the feta part the most. Its salty creaminess stops each bite from being too sweet. Last year my niece helped me make this and she scooped all the feta herself, laughing because she kept stealing little tastes.

Flavor Boosters

You can keep any extra baked pears in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two days. To warm them up, put them in a covered dish in a low-temp oven or quickly heat in the microwave. The cheese will get soft again without turning too runny.

Serving Suggestions

These fancy pears stand out on their own but taste even better over plain Greek yogurt or as part of a cheese platter. They're also amazing served slightly warm next to roast chicken for a surprising dinner combo.

Creative Twists

Try goat cheese for a tangy twist if you want a change from feta. For something sweeter, fresh ricotta works well. When you don't have cranberries, swap in dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates for different flavors. For a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

Once my neighbor brought these to our community gathering and everyone couldn't believe how simple they were. The kids had fun drizzling the honey. Since then, these pears show up at every shared meal we have.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely, both goat cheese and ricotta make great alternatives that give you that nice creamy tang against the sweet baked pears.

→ What type of pears are best?

Bosc and Anjou pears won't turn mushy when you bake them and they've got that natural sweetness that works wonders in this dish.

→ Can I substitute dried cranberries?

You can swap in dried cherries, golden raisins, or chopped dates if you want different flavors and textures in your dish.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Just use plant-based butter, a vegan feta alternative, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely dairy-free version.

→ Is fresh thyme necessary?

Thyme isn't a must but it does add a nice earthy flavor. You can try fresh mint or rosemary instead, or just skip the herbs altogether for a more basic version.