Description
Elegant Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries – A festive and sophisticated appetizer that balances sweet roasted pears with tangy feta, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a light, flavorful meal.
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)
- 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 the pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a cavity in each half.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up on the baking tray. Brush them with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until soft and slightly golden.
- Remove the pears from the oven. Spoon feta cheese and dried cranberries into the cavity of each pear. Drizzle with honey.
- Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, 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 to ensure they hold their shape when baked.
- Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- For a vegan option, 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.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- 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