Honey Baked Pears with Feta, Cranberries, and Thyme

Honey Baked Pears are a delightful winter dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the tanginess of feta cheese, the chewiness of cranberries, and the warmth of honey. This elegant dish is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough for holiday dinners or cozy nights by the fire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Elegant: A stunning dessert that’s incredibly easy to make.
• Healthy Indulgence: Packed with fruit, light cheese, and nuts, it’s a lighter dessert option.
• Versatile: Can be served as a dessert or a sweet appetizer.
• Seasonal Comfort: Perfect for winter with its warm, cozy flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pears
   • Halve the pears and scoop out the cores to create a small well in each half.
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish
   • Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they’re lightly coated.
4. Fill the Pears
   • Spoon crumbled feta cheese and chopped dried cranberries into the center of each pear half.
5. Bake
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears soften and the feta begins to melt.
6. Finish the Dish
   • Remove the pears from the oven. Drizzle them with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Optional Garnish
   • For added crunch, top with chopped walnuts before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Fruity Twist: Use chopped dried apricots or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Nutty Additions: Try pistachios or pecans instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
• Herbal Switch: Replace thyme with rosemary for an earthy flavor.
• Vegan Alternative: Skip the feta and use a plant-based cheese or nut butter, and substitute maple syrup for honey.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pears in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Cold Option: These pears taste delicious chilled as well.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pear?

Yes, Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears work well. Just ensure they’re ripe but firm.

2. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme can be used, but reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pears in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.

4. Are there alternatives to feta cheese?

Goat cheese, ricotta, or even mascarpone can be substituted for a different texture and flavor.

5. What can I serve these pears with?

They pair well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

6. Can I omit the honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness.

7. How do I prevent the pears from browning before baking?

Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing.

8. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely, just omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

10. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but chop them finely and mix with a little sugar to balance their tartness.

Conclusion

Honey Baked Pears are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and elegant holiday feasts. Whether served warm or cold, these pears are sure to impress and delight your guests.

Honey Baked Pears with Feta, Cranberries, and Thyme

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Modern Winter Cuisine
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the flavors of Honey Baked Pears, a simple and elegant winter dessert or appetizer. Tender roasted pears are filled with feta cheese and dried cranberries, drizzled with honey, and garnished with fresh thyme and walnuts. This cozy dish balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for entertaining or a festive menu.

 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Pears
  • Halve the pears and scoop out the cores to create a small well in each half.
• Arrange in a Baking Dish
  • Place the pears cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil to lightly coat them.
• Fill the Pears
  • Fill each pear center with crumbled feta cheese and chopped cranberries.
• Bake
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the feta begins to melt.
• Finish the Dish
  • Remove the pears from the oven. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
• Optional Garnish
  • Add chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Serve
  • Serve warm as an appetizer or light dessert.

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Notes

• For a vegan version, replace feta with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or herbal tea.