Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries

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Elegant, simple, and brimming with cozy flavor, Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries are the unexpected delight your holiday table has been waiting for. With golden roasted pears acting as sweet, caramelized vessels, every bite offers a balance of savory feta, tart cranberries, and luscious honey. It’s a warm, spoonable appetizer or dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

This dish pairs minimal ingredients with bold contrast—soft and juicy fruit meets tangy cheese, with the added pop of cranberry brightness and a finish of herbal earthiness from thyme. It’s one of those dishes that impresses visually and on the palate with little effort, making it perfect for festive entertaining or quiet fall evenings at home.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into these warm roasted pears, let’s talk tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking dish: A small to medium-sized oven-safe dish cradles the pears and helps them roast evenly without tipping.
• Melon baller or small spoon: Essential for scooping out the core to make room for the fillings.
• Sharp knife: To neatly halve the pears and trim the base if they need help sitting flat.
• Pastry brush (optional): Helps brush the cut side with melted butter or oil if you want a crispier caramelized surface.
• Foil (optional): If the pears are browning too quickly, a foil tent can help moderate the heat.

These simple tools make the preparation seamless and help elevate the final result by ensuring each pear bakes to golden, tender perfection.

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Ingredients for the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a unique role in creating a blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors:

• Ripe Pears: Choose firm yet ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou; they hold their shape while baking and become wonderfully tender and sweet.
• Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweetness of the pears and honey.
• Fresh Cranberries: Provide a tart pop that balances out the richness and enhances color.
• Honey: Brings warm floral sweetness and caramelizes slightly in the oven.
• Fresh Thyme: Offers an aromatic, earthy finish that lifts all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil or Butter (optional): Brushing the pear halves helps them caramelize and adds depth.

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How To Make the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries

Step 1: Prep the Pears

Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core using a melon baller or small spoon. Trim a sliver off the back of each half if needed to make them sit flat in the baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pears cut-side up in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 3: Fill the Pears

Into the hollowed centers, add a mix of cranberries and crumbled feta. You can gently press them down so they sit snugly.

Step 4: Drizzle and Season

Drizzle honey generously over the tops of the pears and sprinkle with a bit of fresh thyme. If you’re using olive oil or butter, lightly brush it onto the cut surfaces of the pears for extra richness.

Step 5: Bake

Roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are fork-tender and the edges start to caramelize. You may loosely tent with foil if they brown too quickly.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Garnish with additional thyme or a small extra drizzle of honey before serving. Best enjoyed warm out of the oven.

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How to Serve and Store Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries

These roasted pears are best served warm, right out of the oven when the feta is slightly melty and the honey has turned syrupy. They make an elegant starter for a fall dinner party or a delightful side to a cheese board. For a dessert spin, pair them with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt or mascarpone.

To store leftovers, allow the pears to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through—avoid the microwave, as it can alter the texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the pears be before baking?

Look for pears that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft pears can turn mushy in the oven, while too hard ones won’t develop that juicy tenderness.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. Dried cranberries will be sweeter and less tart, so consider reducing the honey slightly to balance the flavors.

Is goat cheese a good substitute for feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese offers a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor. It pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the pears and fillings a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

What type of honey works best?

Use a light floral honey like clover or orange blossom for the most balanced flavor. Avoid overly robust varieties that may overpower the dish.

Are there vegan alternatives?

Yes! Swap feta with a dairy-free cheese crumble and use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely plant-based version.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Sweet-Savory Twist?

If you’re loving these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries, check out these other creative ideas from the blog:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells — A hearty, comforting vegetarian bake.
• Taco Ranch Bites — The ultimate finger food with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
• Apple Enchiladas – A Sweet and Comforting Treat — A cozy fall dessert wrapped in tortillas.
• Coconut Snowballs — Perfect for gifting or holiday snacking.
• Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries — Sweet meets tangy in this unexpected appetizer.

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, I share recipes daily on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always on hand when you’re craving something simple yet gourmet.

Tried this one out? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go with feta or try it with goat cheese? Maybe added a splash of balsamic? Let me know in the comments!

I’m always excited to hear how you personalize these dishes—and if you have any questions, drop them below!

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