🍐 Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries 🍯🧀
Sweet pears roasted to perfection, filled with creamy feta and tart cranberries, finished with honey and thyme for a stunning appetizer, side, or light dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (preferably raw)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped walnuts for garnish
Substitution Tips
- For a vegan version: use almond or cashew cheese instead of feta.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Nut allergies? Skip walnuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve pears, remove cores, and scoop a deeper well with a spoon or melon baller.
- Assemble: Arrange pears cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Fill centers with feta and cranberries.
- Bake: Roast for 15–20 minutes until pears soften and feta begins to brown. Aim for tender but not mushy.
- Finish: Remove from oven. Drizzle warm pears with honey, sprinkle thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Optional Garnish: Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
Helpful Tips
- Choose pears that are ripe but firm for best texture.
- Use fresh thyme for aromatic flavor.
- Chop cranberries for even tartness in each bite.
- Serve warm for maximum flavor, though room temperature works too.
Cooking Tips
- Use ceramic or glass baking dishes for even roasting.
- Keep an eye on pears—15–20 minutes is ideal, but ovens vary.
- Opt for block feta (sheep’s milk) for creamier texture.
- Adjust sweetness with more honey, brown sugar, or swap for balsamic glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve with mixed greens for a fresh starter.
- Side Dish: Pair with roasted chicken or grilled pork.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for indulgence.
✨ Elegant, sweet, and savory—these baked pears are a versatile dish that impresses every time!