Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These winter-baked pears with honey and thyme are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Roasted until tender, they’re filled with creamy feta, tart cranberries, and fragrant thyme, making them an elegant yet simple dish. Whether served as a light dessert, an appetizer, or a holiday side, this recipe is a cozy, flavorful treat that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- Honey
- Fresh thyme
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Dried cranberries
- Walnuts or pecans (chopped)
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut pears in half and scoop out the cores with a spoon.
- Drizzle & Season: Place the pears cut-side up in the baking dish. Drizzle with honey and a little olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and cinnamon if using.
- Bake: Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and caramelized.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and fill the center of each pear with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts.
- Final Drizzle: Drizzle with more honey before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Replace feta with dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.
- Extra Indulgent: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
- Nut-Free: Swap nuts for toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as pears can become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
What type of pears work best?
Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape well when baked.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh cranberries will add more tartness to the dish.
How do I know when the pears are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the pears ahead and reheat just before serving.
What can I serve with baked pears?
They pair well with roasted meats, salads, or as a dessert with whipped cream.
Can I use another cheese instead of feta?
Goat cheese, ricotta, or blue cheese are great alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup adds a slightly deeper, caramelized sweetness.
How do I make the pears extra caramelized?
Roast them for a few extra minutes or broil them for a golden, sticky finish.
Can I add a savory twist?
Yes! Try adding prosciutto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
These easy winter-baked pears with honey and thyme are a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a sweet dessert or a savory appetizer, they bring warmth and coziness to any meal. Try different toppings and pairings to make them your own, and enjoy this seasonal favorite all winter long!
Print
Easy Winter Baked Pears with Honey and Thyme
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Winter Baked Pears with Honey and Thyme are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors! Tender roasted pears are drizzled with honey and filled with feta cheese, cranberries, and fresh thyme, making them a light yet flavorful dessert or appetizer. A simple and elegant winter treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pears: Slice pears in half and remove the cores using a spoon or melon baller.
- Drizzle & Season: Place pears cut side up in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with fresh thyme and cinnamon (if using).
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pears are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm, drizzled with extra honey if desired. Enjoy as a light dessert or an elegant appetizer!
Notes
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Serve with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a sweeter dessert.
- For a vegan version, replace feta with dairy-free cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired