Description
Elegant Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a sophisticated holiday appetizer. This recipe features tender roasted pears filled with tangy feta cheese, tart dried cranberries, and a sweet drizzle of honey. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal dish for festive gatherings or a light, nourishing seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
- Slice pears in half lengthwise and use a spoon to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small cavity in each half.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up on the baking tray. Brush them with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until soft and slightly golden.
- Remove the pears from the oven and spoon feta cheese and cranberries into the cavity of each pear. Drizzle with honey. Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese warms and softens.
- Drizzle with extra honey before serving. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold their shape when baked.
- You can substitute goat cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta for feta.
- For a vegan version, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Vegetarian
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg