This baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries recipe is a vibrant twist on a classic dessert, ideal for anyone seeking an easy but sophisticated treat for fall or winter. With only ten minutes of prep and less than an hour in the oven, these roasted pears deliver creamy texture and a sweet, savory flavor that feels both festive and effortless. Serve warm or at room temperature for a memorable holiday dessert or a healthy brunch side that fits your schedule.
I first made baked pears with feta and honey when tasked with bringing a festive dessert that was lighter after a holiday meal. The unique combination of gentle sweetness, tangy feta, and chewy cranberries has made this dish a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. Its gorgeous presentation always draws compliments, and the flexible flavors fit both casual and celebratory tables alike.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou): Choose pears that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best texture; they bake up tender and juicy, ensuring every bite is creamy. Overly hard or mushy pears do not work as well
- Crumbled feta cheese: Freshly crumbled block feta has the creaminess and tang needed for flavor contrast, but pre-crumbled feta is a quick alternative
- Dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, dried cranberries add bright flavor; use unsweetened for a more natural taste, or substitute sweetened if needed
- Honey: Adds luscious sweetness and promotes caramelization in the oven; local raw honey offers more robust flavor and nutrients, but any honey works
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the pears roast evenly and adds subtle richness; opt for a fruity olive oil to complement the fruit’s natural sugars
- Ground cinnamon: Classic warmth and aroma elevate both the fruit and cheese filling
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Brings nutty crunch and healthy fats; toasting briefly before adding enhances depth, or swap with pecans or almonds as desired
- Pinch of salt: Brings all the flavors into balance and prevents the dessert from tasting one note sweet
- Substitutions: Goat cheese can be used for a milder version; pecans or hazelnuts work instead of walnuts, and maple syrup or agave replace honey for a vegan option
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Preheat the Oven for Even Roasting:
- Set your oven to 375°F and allow it ten minutes to reach the correct temperature. Baking at this heat ensures the pears become soft and creamy while the honey caramelizes. If your oven runs cool, add a few extra minutes to roasting as needed.
- Prepare the Pears for Filling:
- Wash pears and slice them in half lengthwise to create six sturdy boats. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop the seeds and a little of the center, making space for the stuffing. Avoid scooping too deeply to keep pears from collapsing while baking.
- Arrange the Pears in the Baking Dish:
- Place the pear halves cut side up in a parchment lined or olive oil brushed baking dish. Pack them close together so juices collect beneath and bottoms caramelize without burning.
- Mix the Feta Cranberry Walnut Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and walnuts if using. This mixture brings together salty, tart, and nutty elements, making it easy to spoon evenly into the pears.
- Stuff the Pears Generously:
- Fill each pear well with the cheese mixture, pressing down gently so it stays secure but does not overflow. Consistent mounds deliver a balanced bite of fruit and filling in each serving.
- Drizzle with Honey and Olive Oil:
- Slowly pour honey over the stuffed pears, letting it seep into the filling and coat the fruit. Drizzle with a little olive oil for even browning and an appetizing gloss.
- Season and Bake to Perfection:
- Sprinkle each pear with cinnamon and a pinch of salt, then bake uncovered for twenty five to thirty minutes. The pears should yield to a fork, and the feta will show a pale golden color. For extra firm pears, add five to ten minutes and watch for a fragrant kitchen as a doneness cue.
- Cool Slightly and Serve:
- Allow the pears to rest about five minutes after baking. Serve warm for a custardy texture or cool for a denser treat with deeper flavor notes.
My favorite part of making baked pears is experimenting with toppings and flavors. Trying pistachios instead of walnuts brings both color and crunch, while a bit of orange zest creates a brighter finish. Now, this elegant dessert is the most requested at our winter gatherings, and even health conscious friends happily indulge because it uses fruit, nuts, and honey rooted in Mediterranean tradition.
Smart Swaps and Variations
If you do not have feta, creamy goat cheese or high quality ricotta offer a gentler flavor. Dried cherries or apricots put a summery spin in place of cranberries, while plant based feta or maple syrup make it fully vegan. Skip nuts entirely for nut free diets, or use seeds as a substitute. For a new spice profile, cardamom serves well instead of cinnamon, adapting the dish to any preference or season.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Store leftover baked pears in an airtight glass or ceramic container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, individually wrap cooled pears in plastic and place in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to one month. Reheat in a 300°F oven or with short microwave bursts so the cheese stays creamy and the fruit keeps its shape. You can also assemble pears a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked, then bake fresh before serving for hassle free prep.
What to Serve with Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Pair these baked pears with thick slices of homemade challah or crusty sourdough for brunch, or use them as a sweet side with roasted chicken at dinner. They complement fresh green salads with arugula and toasted seeds. For dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or thick Greek yogurt and finish with a glass of Moscato or spiced tea for a relaxing end to any meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries bring together fiber rich whole fruit, protein and healthy fats from cheese and walnuts, and antioxidants through cranberries and honey. This gluten free dish fits many diets and serves as a lighter dessert option compared to classic baked sweets. Lower sugar, natural ingredients, and option to use plant based swaps make it a smart choice for health conscious families and guests.
Recipe Success Tips
Avoid rubbery texture by using pears that yield slightly to gentle pressure. If cheese browns too fast in the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil in the last ten minutes. For juiciest results, check with a fork after twenty five minutes and remove from the oven when pears are tender but still maintain their shape; the filling will firm up naturally as they cool.
With every batch, these baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries prove that effortless desserts can be both elegant and delicious. Try them this week to discover your favorite flavor twist and enjoy a simple way to bring seasonal joy to your table.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What kind of pears are best for this dish?
Bosc or Anjou pears work well as they hold their shape when baked and have a sweet, firm flesh.
- → Can I replace feta cheese with another cheese?
Yes, try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder taste or blue cheese for a bold flavor twist.
- → What can I use instead of cranberries?
Chopped dried apricots, raisins, or currants provide a similar tart-sweet contrast.
- → Is it necessary to add walnuts?
No, walnuts are optional but add crunch and earthy depth. You can omit or substitute with pecans or almonds.
- → How should I serve this dish?
Serve warm as a light dessert, brunch feature, or alongside roasted meats for a sweet-savory touch.