Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with our Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of flavors from the feta, honey, and cranberries creates a unique and delicious taste.
- With quick prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ripe but firm pears: Adds a natural sweetness and soft texture to the dish.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Provides a creamy and salty contrast to the sweet pears.
- Dried cranberries: Add a chewy texture and tart flavor to balance the dish.
- Honey: Sweetens the pears and enhances the overall flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the pears.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Infuse a subtle herb flavor into the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a small bowl, mix the feta, cranberries, honey, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture onto each pear half.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped walnuts before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a spoon to easily core the pears.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Store any leftover filling in an airtight container for future use.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Roast the walnuts before garnishing for a deeper flavor.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pears for an extra layer of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a fresh arugula salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, but adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese would work well.
- Can I make this dish vegan? Substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- How can I make this dish more savory? Add a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Conclusion:
Experience the delightful flavors of our Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintBaked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked pears are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy feta cheese, tangy dried cranberries, and drizzle of honey create a perfect balance. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a fragrant touch to this elegant dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey, preferably raw
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Chopped walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pears: Place the pear halves on the baking sheet, cut side up.
- Fill the pears: Fill each pear half with feta cheese and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with honey: Drizzle honey over the filled pears.
- Season: Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle thyme leaves, salt, and pepper over the pears.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped walnuts if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
- These baked pears can be served as a side dish or a light dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg