If you’re searching for a dessert that’s elegant, easy, and bursting with flavor, these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are exactly what you need. The combination of soft roasted pears, creamy feta cheese, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of golden honey creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether served as a festive appetizer, side dish, or light dessert, this recipe is a celebration of balance—sweet, salty, and perfectly seasonal.
Learn more about creative fruit pairings in our Citrus Pomegranate Salad with Honey.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pears
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The magic of this dish lies in contrast. The natural sweetness of ripe pears meets the creamy saltiness of feta, while cranberries add a tart punch and honey brings everything together.
Beautiful and Easy
No complicated steps, no fancy tools—just everyday ingredients that transform into a gourmet plate in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou) | 3 large |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup |
| Dried or fresh cranberries | ⅓ cup |
| Honey | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh thyme or rosemary | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Crushed walnuts or pecans | ¼ cup (optional) |
Check out more creative holiday side dishes like Maple Roasted Carrots with Tahini Pomegranate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pears
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores using a spoon to create small “bowls.”
2. Drizzle and Bake
Place pears cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and honey, then bake for about 20 minutes until the pears are tender and golden around the edges.
3. Add the Toppings
Remove from oven, sprinkle with crumbled feta and cranberries, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes. The feta will soften and the cranberries will slightly caramelize.
4. Finish and Serve
Drizzle with the remaining honey, top with walnuts or herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Why Feta Works So Well with Pears
The Flavor Harmony
Feta’s slight saltiness enhances the pears’ natural sweetness, while its creamy texture complements the fruit’s juiciness. The result? A perfectly balanced bite every time.
Alternative Cheeses
Want to mix it up? Try goat cheese for extra tang or ricotta for a milder flavor.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Pomegranate White Cheddar Cheese Ball.
Serving Ideas
As an Appetizer
Serve baked pears on a platter with toasted baguette slices or crackers. The combination of warm fruit and creamy feta makes a fantastic pre-dinner bite.
As a Dessert
Top with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of caramel for a simple yet elegant finish.
As a Side Dish
Pair with savory mains like Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast or Pomegranate and Orange Glazed Salmon.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears
Choose the Right Pears
Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape best during baking. Avoid overly ripe ones—they’ll become mushy.
Balance the Sweetness
Taste your pears before baking. If they’re extra sweet, reduce the honey slightly.
Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on them; you want tender, not soggy pears.
Variations You’ll Love
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese and Cranberries
For a tangier twist, swap feta with goat cheese. The creamy texture and subtle tang pair beautifully with cranberries.
Baked Pears with Honey and Nuts
Keep it simple: skip the cheese and top baked pears with honey, toasted almonds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a lighter dessert option.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based feta or cashew cheese and agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dish.
FAQs
How do you make baked pears with feta and cranberry?
To make baked pears with feta and cranberry, slice ripe pears in half, scoop out the cores, and drizzle with olive oil and honey. Bake until tender, then top with crumbled feta and cranberries. Finish with a light honey drizzle before serving for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Can I make baked pears with goat cheese and cranberries instead of feta?
Absolutely! Baked pears with goat cheese and cranberries are an excellent alternative if you prefer a creamier, tangier flavor. The soft goat cheese melts slightly into the warm pears and pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries and sweetness of honey.
How do you make baked pears with honey?
Baked pears with honey are simple and elegant. Halve the pears, drizzle generously with honey, and bake until golden and tender. You can enjoy them plain or add nuts, yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Can I make baked pears ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pears in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven and add fresh feta, cranberries, and honey right before serving to keep the textures fresh.
Conclusion
Elegant, healthy, and easy—Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are proof that holiday dishes don’t need to be complicated to impress. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a showstopping plate that works for any occasion.
Don’t miss our fruity finale: Pomegranate Sorbet for a light, refreshing dessert.
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Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant, easy, and perfectly balanced, these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries blend sweet roasted pears, tangy feta cheese, and tart cranberries with a luscious drizzle of honey. A holiday favorite that works as an appetizer, side dish, or light dessert — simple enough for a weekday, stunning enough for a celebration.
Ingredients
3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup dried or fresh cranberries
2–3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the pears: Slice in half lengthwise and remove the cores to form small “bowls.”
Drizzle and bake: Place pears cut-side up on a parchment-lined tray. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and 1 tablespoon honey. Bake for 20 minutes until tender and golden around the edges.
Add toppings: Remove from oven, sprinkle with feta and cranberries, and return for another 5 minutes to soften the cheese and slightly caramelize the fruit.
Finish and serve: Drizzle with remaining honey, garnish with nuts or herbs if desired, and serve warm as an appetizer, side, or dessert.
Notes
Make ahead: Bake pears up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding toppings.
Cheese swap: Use goat cheese for a tangier flavor or ricotta for a milder option.
Vegan version: Replace feta with plant-based cheese and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
Serving idea: Add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy dessert twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Side / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pear (1 serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Baked pears with feta honey and cranberries, baked pears recipe, holiday appetizer, sweet and savory pear recipe
