Go Back
To make baked pears, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 4 ripe yet firm pears, halved and cored - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Fresh mint leaves for a garnish Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The pears provide sweetness and softness. Feta adds a creamy, salty taste. Cranberries give a burst of tart flavor. Honey brings in natural sweetness. Walnuts can add a nice crunch if you choose to include them. You can customize your baked pears with some fun add-ins. Here are a few ideas: - A sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth - A dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor - Chopped pecans instead of walnuts for a different crunch - A dollop of Greek yogurt when serving for creaminess These options can change the taste and make your dish special. Feel free to mix and match! Choosing the right pears is key for this dish. Here are some tips to help you: - Look for pears that are firm but slightly soft at the stem. - Check for any bruises or dark spots; avoid those. - Choose pears that have a nice, sweet smell. Common varieties for baking are Bosc and Anjou. They hold their shape well when cooked. Selecting good pears ensures your baked pears turn out delicious. First, grab your ripe yet firm pears. You want them sweet but not too soft. Slice each pear in half and remove the core. This step is key for making space for the filling. To keep the pears from turning brown, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the cut sides. The lemon not only stops browning but adds a nice tangy flavor. Now, let’s make the filling. In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and optional chopped walnuts. This mix gives a great taste and texture. Add in the ground cinnamon for warmth and stir it all together. You want everything well blended, so the flavors come together nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) now. This ensures the pears cook evenly. Once your mixture is ready, fill each pear half with the feta mix. Press it in gently to pack it well. Place the stuffed pears in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle honey all over them so it seeps into the filling. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the pears soften. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake them for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the pears to be fork-tender and the tops golden-brown. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful touch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your baked pears shine, choose ripe yet firm ones. This helps them hold shape during baking. Use a mix of sweet and tart pears for a well-rounded flavor. Make sure to core the pears deeply, allowing room for the delicious filling. Drizzle lemon juice on the cut sides to prevent browning. This step keeps your pears looking fresh and vibrant. Serve your baked pears warm on a beautiful platter. Drizzle any leftover honey from the baking dish over them. This adds a sweet touch and enhances the flavor. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely contrast. You can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. Want to boost the taste? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the feta mix. You can also experiment with fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for a savory twist. If you like a touch of crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top right before serving. For a hint of tartness, mix in some orange zest. Each small change can create a new experience with every bite. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. Cream cheese gives a rich and creamy texture. Try ricotta for a softer filling. Each option changes the taste but keeps it delicious. While pears shine here, you can use apples. They bake well and have a sweet flavor. Peaches also work well, offering a juicy and soft bite. Just make sure the fruit is ripe enough for baking. In fall, add spices like nutmeg or cloves. They pair well with the warm flavors. During summer, fresh berries can brighten the dish. Use whatever is in season for the best taste. You can find the Full Recipe for more ideas. To store leftover baked pears, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just remember to use a container that seals well. Reheat your baked pears in the oven for the best results. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps them soft and tasty. You can freeze baked pears for later use. After cooling, wrap each pear half in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a zip-top bag. Make sure to squeeze out any air before sealing. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Enjoy the sweet taste of baked pears anytime! For the full recipe, refer back to the section above. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries give a tart taste. However, they are more sour than dried ones. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. Use about half the amount of fresh cranberries as dried ones. This way, you keep the balance of flavors in check. If you want a different flavor, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both options work well with pears. Goat cheese is tangy, while ricotta is creamy. You can also use a plant-based cheese if you are vegan. Just pick one that crumbles easily. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they will still be delicious. Baked pears are great for meal prep! They store well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep them in an airtight container. You can easily reheat them in the oven or microwave. For a quick snack or dessert, they are perfect. You can also enjoy them cold as a refreshing treat. Check out the Full Recipe for a detailed guide on preparation and storage! Baked pears are a simple and tasty treat. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to choose the best pears and make a great filling. I shared ideas for serving and storing leftovers, plus fun variations. Now, you can enjoy baked pears any time with confidence. Try out the suggestions and make this dish your own. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will be impressed!

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of baked pears delight! This easy recipe features ripe pears stuffed with creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon, all drizzled with honey for a rich glaze. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion, these baked pears are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this delightful treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 ripe yet firm pears, halved and cored

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fresh mint leaves for a garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for your delicious pears.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and optional chopped walnuts for an extra layer of texture. Add the ground cinnamon and mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the filling is fragrant.

      To retain the natural color of the pears, drizzle the lemon juice over the cut sides of each pear half. This not only prevents browning but also adds a delightful zesty note.

        Carefully fill each pear half with the feta mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is packed securely within each half.

          Arrange the stuffed pears in a baking dish with the cut sides facing up. Generously drizzle honey over each pear, allowing it to seep into the filling and create a wonderful glazed effect.

            Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to soften the pears.

              After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the tops are beautifully golden-brown.

                Once finished, take the baking dish out of the oven and let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves to enhance both flavor and presentation.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pears warm on a decorative platter, drizzled with any remaining honey from the baking dish, and adorned with mint leaves for a pop of color.