If you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries should be on your list. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, tangy flavor of feta cheese, creating a harmony that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve it as a light appetizer or an elegant dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Not only is this dish extraordinary in flavor, but it also stands out for its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip it up in no time. The process involves halving and coring the pears, filling them with savory feta, cranberries for a touch of sweetness, and a drizzle of honey that elevates the dish to new heights. With a sprinkle of fresh thyme, you infuse a herbaceous note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pears with Feta Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Combination: The mix of sweet pears, tangy feta, and honey creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
- Impress Your Guests: This dish looks sophisticated and can serve as both an elegant appetizer or a refined dessert.
- Simple and Quick: Requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it easy to incorporate into any occasion.
- Nutritious: Offers a great source of vitamins and minerals from the pears and cranberries.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you get started with your Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. First, ensure you have a clean kitchen environment that will allow you to work efficiently. Measure out your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.
Tools needed include a baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup, a sharp knife for halving the pears, and a whisk or small bowl for combining the honey with olive oil if you choose to make a dressing. Additionally, a spoon will be useful for scooping out the core from the pears and for adding the filling.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it allows the pears to bake evenly and achieve a perfect tender texture. Once preheated, prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Halve and core your pears, making sure to keep them intact for the filling. Place the pear halves cut-side up in the lined baking dish. For some extra flavor and moisture, brush the insides of the pears lightly with olive oil, creating a nice base for the filling. Then, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the pears—it adds a warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Step 3: Fill the Pears
Now, it’s time to fill the pears! Start by adding a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese into the hollowed center of each pear half. This creamy, tangy cheese will melt beautifully during baking, enhancing the overall flavor. Over the feta, sprinkle dried cranberries and walnuts for a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. If you prefer a little crunch, the walnuts are a perfect touch.
Step 4: Bake the Pears
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let the pears roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the pears are tender, and the cheese has turned a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey and Serve
As soon as your baked pears come out of the oven, drizzle honey over each one while they are still warm. The honey will melt slightly, creating a luscious sauce that seeps into the pears. If you’ve chosen to use fresh thyme leaves, this is the perfect time to sprinkle them on top for added aroma and flavor. Serve the pears immediately for the best tasting experience.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding cooked bacon or prosciutto for a meaty element that pairs well with the sweetness of the pears.
- Vegetables: Experiment with adding spinach or arugula for a fresh green element that complements the dish beautifully.
- Spices: Try different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- The ripeness of the pears is essential; choose pears that are ripe but firm to withstand baking without becoming mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
- For a more indulgent version, consider using goat cheese or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your baked pears with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Tips
- Make sure to watch the baking time closely to achieve your desired level of tenderness for the pears.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the honey for an interesting depth of flavor.
- Preparing a larger batch? Just increase the ingredient quantities and use a bigger baking dish to accommodate them all.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While feta adds a unique tang, feel free to try goat cheese or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
What can I substitute for cranberries?
If cranberries are unavailable, dried cherries or raisins work well too, adding their own sweet notes to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
This Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that is as delightful to your palate as it is easy to prepare. Its unique combination of sweet pears and salty feta cheese creates an elegant dish suitable for any occasion. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share your experience! Feel free to play around with variations or toppings to make it your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share with your friends, so they too can enjoy this delicious treat!
Print
Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with ripe pears, feta cheese, honey, and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve and core the pears, placing them cut-side up in a lined baking dish. Brush the insides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Fill the pears with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Drizzle honey over the warm pears and sprinkle with thyme before serving.
Notes
Adjust honey amount based on sweetness preference. Use goat cheese for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 5 g