If you’re looking for a quick yet elegant dish that’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor, look no further than Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the tanginess of feta, the richness of honey, and the tartness of cranberries. It’s perfect as a light dessert, an appetizer, or a holiday side dish.
What makes this dish so special is the beautiful contrast of flavors—the creamy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the juicy pears, and the honey brings a subtle sweetness that’s enhanced by the tart cranberries. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a comforting treat, these Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries will always impress!
These Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries feature ripe pears roasted to perfection and topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. This simple yet elegant dish can be made in about 30 minutes, and it’s perfect as a light side, dessert, or festive appetizer.
With minimal ingredients and a quick baking time, this dish will become a favorite whenever you want something elegant and delicious without the fuss.
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries, it was for a dinner party I was hosting during the fall season. I wanted to create a dish that would be both visually stunning and packed with bold flavors. When I put the pears in the oven and started to prepare the toppings, the aroma of roasting pears mixed with the honey and feta made my mouth water.
The first bite was magical—the sweetness of the pears, the tang of the feta, and the tart cranberries came together beautifully. This Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe has since become a go-to for elegant occasions and casual dinners alike. It’s the perfect way to show that a few simple ingredients can create something truly special!
Why This Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries?
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of sweet pears, tangy feta, and tart cranberries creates a balanced flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it an easy addition to any meal.
- Elegant and Impressive: Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress.
How to Make Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the cores. Place the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the pear halves with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cranberries evenly over the pears. If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle walnuts or pecans on top as well.
- Bake the Pears: Drizzle the pears with honey and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with a little extra honey. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme for added freshness and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer, side dish, or light dessert.
Tips For Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Use Ripe Pears: Make sure your pears are ripe but firm. Overripe pears may become too mushy during baking.
- Try Different Cheeses: If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or blue cheese would also pair wonderfully with the pears.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries will work just fine and add a chewy texture to the dish.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts if you want a nut-free version of this dish.
- Add Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme over the pears before baking.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use honey sparingly to control the sweetness, or substitute with a drizzle of agave nectar or maple syrup for a lighter version.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat feta cheese.
Closing For Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
And there you have it! These Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side, or light dessert, they’re sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pears with all the toppings ahead of time, then bake them when ready to serve.
Can I use canned or frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are ideal, but you can use dried cranberries or frozen cranberries if needed. If using frozen, thaw them before adding to the pears.
What can I serve with these pears?
These pears pair beautifully with roasted meats like pork, chicken, or duck, or as part of a festive holiday spread.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the feta with a vegan cheese or omit it entirely for a vegan version.
Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would complement the sweetness of the pears and the savory feta beautifully.
How can I make these pears sweeter?
Add more honey or sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
What if I don’t have fresh pears?
You can use canned pears (drained) or other fruits like apples or peaches as a substitute.
How do I know when the pears are done?
The pears are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese is slightly melted and bubbly.
Can I serve these pears cold?
While these pears are best served warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing snack.
Can I make these pears in advance and reheat them?
Yes! You can bake the pears ahead of time and gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Course: All Recipes, Occasions, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if preferred)
2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
Fresh mint or thyme for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the cores. Place the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the pear halves with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cranberries evenly over the pears. If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle walnuts or pecans on top as well.
- Bake the Pears: Drizzle the pears with honey and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with a little extra honey. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme for added freshness and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Easy Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer, side dish, or light dessert.