Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries! It was one of those “what do I have in the fridge?” moments that turned into pure magic. The way the sweet pears caramelize while baking, paired with that salty feta and tart cranberries? Absolute perfection.
This dish has become my go-to when I need something fancy-looking but secretly easy. It’s got that Mediterranean vibe – simple ingredients letting their natural flavors shine. I swear, the first time I served these warm baked pears at a dinner party, people thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen. The honey drizzle makes everything glisten, and that cinnamon scent filling your kitchen? Heavenly.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Trust me, this dish is about to become your new favorite for so many reasons:
- Effortless elegance – Looks fancy but takes just 10 minutes of prep
- Sweet meets savory – That perfect balance between honey’s warmth and feta’s tang
- Healthy indulgence – Packed with fiber from pears and protein from cheese
- Weeknight magic – Ready in under 30 minutes from oven to table
- Versatile star – Works as appetizer, dessert, or even breakfast!
The way the flavors meld together will have you making this on repeat – I know I do!
Ingredients for Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this gorgeous dish – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role:
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored (go for firm ones like Bosc or Anjou)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled (the good stuff, not pre-crumbled!)
- 2 tbsp honey – local if you can get it
- 50g dried cranberries (those ruby-red jewels)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to make them glisten
- 1 tsp cinnamon – that warm hug of spice
See? Simple ingredients, but when they come together – wow!
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Okay, let’s get these beauties in the oven! This is one of those recipes where the oven does most of the work while you look like a kitchen genius. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Prep the Pears
First things first – grab those firm pears! Soft ones will turn to mush, and we want them to hold their shape. I like to cut them lengthwise and use a melon baller or teaspoon to scoop out the cores. Leave the stems on if you can – they make such a pretty presentation. A quick rub with lemon juice keeps them from browning while you prep everything else.
Assemble and Bake
Now the fun part! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) – no rushing this step, we want even heat. Arrange those pear halves cut-side up on a baking tray (line it with parchment if you’re smart – easier cleanup!). Drizzle lightly with olive oil – just enough to make them glisten. Sprinkle cinnamon like you’re dusting fairy dust – evenly but not too heavy.
Here comes the magic: pile on that crumbled feta and scatter cranberries like little jewels. Drizzle honey generously over everything – don’t skimp! The honey caramelizes so beautifully in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. You’ll know they’re perfect when the edges start turning golden and the cheese gets those delicious browned spots.
Careful not to overbake – set a timer! Burnt honey smells terrible and mushy pears are sad pears. When they come out, let them rest just a minute before serving – the flavors settle and the cheese firms up slightly. Oh, and that first bite? Pure heaven.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Pear pickiness pays off – Use firm Bosc or Anjou pears that hold their shape when baked
- Honey control – Start with 2 tbsp, then add more after baking if needed (hot pears absorb it differently!)
- Crispy add-ins – Toss in walnuts or pecans last 5 minutes for the perfect crunch
- Cheese wisdom – Crumble feta yourself – pre-crumbled is too dry and doesn’t melt as beautifully
Follow these and you’ll get those gorgeous caramelized edges and perfect texture every single time!
Variations for Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
The best part about this recipe? How easily you can make it your own! Swap the feta for creamy goat cheese if you want something milder. Fresh cranberries work beautifully when they’re in season – just add a sprinkle of sugar to balance their tartness.
For a savory twist, I love adding fresh thyme leaves with the cinnamon – the herbal note cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Blue cheese crumbles instead of feta? Oh yes, especially with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Honestly, once you get the basic method down, the flavor combinations are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Oh, the possibilities! These baked pears shine bright whether you serve them warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top (my guilty pleasure) or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast. They’re fantastic alongside a crisp green salad at brunch or as an elegant appetizer at dinner parties. I’ve even served them with roasted meats – that sweet-savory combo works miracles!
Storing and Reheating Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Leftovers? (Though I doubt you’ll have any!) These keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days – just store them in an airtight container. When reheating, skip the microwave! Pop them back in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that perfect texture. The cheese gets melty again and the pears stay firm – just like fresh from the oven.
Nutritional Information for Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Just so you know – nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per pear half:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The pears and cranberries pack a nice fiber punch!
FAQs About Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
I get asked about these baked pears all the time – here are the answers to everyone’s burning questions!
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese works beautifully for a creamier texture, or try blue cheese for a stronger flavor punch. Just keep it crumbly so it bakes evenly.
How do I keep my pears from getting soggy?
Two secrets: use firm, barely ripe pears (Bosc are my favorite), and don’t overbake! Check at 20 minutes – they should yield slightly to pressure but still hold their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! Prep the pears up to 4 hours ahead (brush with lemon juice to prevent browning), then assemble and bake when ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a low oven.
What if I don’t have dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries work great in season (add a pinch of sugar), or try chopped dried apricots for a different sweet-tart twist. Even raisins work in a pinch!
Irresistible Baked Pears with Feta Honey Cranberries – 4 Perfect Bites
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert combining baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp honey
- 50g dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place pear halves on a baking tray.
- Drizzle olive oil over pears.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly.
- Top each pear with feta and cranberries.
- Drizzle honey over the pears.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until pears soften.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm pears for better texture.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste.
- Add walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean