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Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe


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3.9 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This delightful recipe for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with tangy feta cheese, dried cranberries, and a touch of honey. Baked to perfection, these warm pear halves offer a sophisticated appetizer or dessert that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, accented by the subtle warmth of cinnamon and optional crunchy walnuts and fresh thyme.


Ingredients

Fruits

  • 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored

Cheese & Nuts

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)

Others

  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Prepare pears: Arrange the pear halves in the baking dish with the cut side facing up. Lightly brush each pear with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over them to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
  3. Add toppings: Generously fill each pear half with crumbled feta cheese. Then scatter dried cranberries and, if using, chopped walnuts over the pears for a burst of sweetness and crunch.
  4. Bake pears: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pears are tender and the feta cheese turns golden and slightly melted.
  5. Finish with honey and herbs: Remove the pears from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey to enhance natural sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, adding an aromatic herbal touch.
  6. Serve warm: These baked pears are best enjoyed warm, making for a delicious appetizer or a unique dessert option that combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors beautifully.

Notes

  • Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during baking.
  • Walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and complement the cranberries well.
  • Fresh thyme leaves are optional but add a great herbal aroma and flavor contrast.
  • For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean