Description
Baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and seasonal elements. Tender baked pears are filled with salty feta, tart cranberries, and optional crunchy pecans, then finished with a drizzle of honey. This elegant dish is versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light dessert. It is naturally gluten-free and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and a bit of the center to create a small well for the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir gently to combine.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up in the baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then divide the filling evenly among the pear halves, spooning it into the wells.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the filling is lightly golden. Tent with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Remove the pears from the oven and immediately drizzle with a little more warm honey. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Bosc or Anjou pears are recommended as they hold their shape well during baking.
- For a vegan option, substitute maple syrup for honey and use plant-based feta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Avoid using overripe pears, as they may become mushy when baked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg