When you’re looking for a dish that is equal parts elegant, cozy, and irresistibly flavorful, these Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are the perfect choice. This recipe transforms simple pears into a warm, caramelized, gourmet-style appetizer or dessert that feels festive and comforting. As the pears bake, they become soft, fragrant, and naturally sweet. The creamy, salty feta adds a beautiful contrast, while honey adds a silky drizzle of sweetness and cranberries bring a pop of tangy brightness. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors—warm fruit, creamy cheese, sticky honey, and tender cranberries. It’s effortless to prepare yet stunning enough to serve for holidays, dinner parties, or a cozy winter night in.
Why You’ll Love Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
This dish is unique, eye-catching, and incredibly delicious. The sweet-savory combination makes it perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light dessert. It’s naturally beautiful, healthy, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The balance of warm pears with cool feta and sticky honey creates a flavor explosion that feels indulgent but wholesome.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try when you want something impressive with minimal effort. It uses just a handful of ingredients, bakes in under 25 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with holiday spreads or brunch boards. Whether you’re entertaining or cooking for yourself, these baked pears bring a gourmet flair with hardly any work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3–4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett work best)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional topping)
How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Prep the Pears: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to form a small hollow.
- Season the Pears: Brush cut sides with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake the Pears: Place pears cut-side up in a baking dish. Bake for 18–22 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Add the Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately fill the hollow of each pear with crumbled feta and dried cranberries.
- Finish with Honey: Drizzle generously with honey.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
Tips for the Best Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Use firm pears to prevent them from collapsing during baking.
- Don’t skip the butter—it helps the edges caramelize beautifully.
- Add feta after baking to keep the texture creamy and fresh.
- Warm the honey slightly before drizzling for the perfect glossy finish.
- For extra richness, add a scoop of mascarpone or vanilla yogurt on the side.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Swaps: Goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheese, or burrata.
- Sweetener Options: Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar.
- Fruit Boost: Add pomegranate seeds, chopped apples, or raisins.
- Nut Options: Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or slivered almonds.
- Spice Variations: Cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin spice for a holiday twist.
What to Serve with Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
- Holiday roast dinners
- Charcuterie boards
- Brunch spreads
- Fresh salads with arugula and balsamic
- A glass of white wine or sparkling cider
- Warm baguette slices for a savory pairing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overripe pears: They turn mushy instead of caramelized.
- Baking with cheese: Feta dries out if baked too long—add it after baking.
- Not hollowing enough: A deeper well helps hold more feta and honey.
- Skipping the seasonings: Cinnamon and salt enhance all the flavors.
- Overbaking: Pears should be soft but not falling apart.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Avoid microwaving—pears may become mushy.
- Drizzle with fresh honey before serving again.
- Not ideal for freezing due to fruit texture.
Conclusion
These Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and caramelized flavors. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or feel-good dessert, this recipe delivers warmth, freshness, and gourmet charm in every bite.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use apples instead of pears?
Yes! Apples bake beautifully—choose Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Are fresh cranberries okay?
Dried cranberries work best for sweetness. Fresh cranberries can be used but may taste tart.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can prep the pears and seasoning ahead, but bake just before serving.
What type of pear is best?
Bosc pears hold shape best, but Bartlett or Anjou are also great choices.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely—walnuts, pecans, or pistachios add amazing crunch.