There’s something magical about Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries. The moment they come out of the oven, all warm and golden, the air fills with this cozy, slightly sweet, slightly savory aroma that’s impossible to resist. The tender flesh of the pear, the salty creaminess of feta, the tangy pop of cranberries, and that final drizzle of golden honey—it’s like the culinary version of wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket.
And here’s the thing—I didn’t always think pears were exciting. Apples? Sure. Berries? Absolutely. But pears? I used to pass them by in the produce aisle without a second thought. That is, until one chilly autumn afternoon, when I tried Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries for the first time. A friend served them at a holiday brunch, and I remember thinking, “This is the part of the meal I’ll be dreaming about later.”
Whether you need a fuss-free appetizer, a light dessert, or a stunning brunch centerpiece, Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries deliver every single time. They’re elegant without trying too hard. And honestly? They taste like something you’d get in a charming little café, but you can make them in your own kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Let’s dive in—because once you’ve made these once, you’ll be making them again. And again.
Why You’ll Love Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
The Sweet-Savory Magic
We’re talking a combination that hits every note: sweet, salty, tangy, and earthy. The pears soften into a buttery texture as they bake, while the feta turns creamy with just a hint of golden crisp. The cranberries add a little chew and tang, and the honey ties it all together with a glossy, floral sweetness.
Surprisingly Simple
You don’t need a culinary degree—or even fancy equipment—to make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries. Just a baking dish, a knife, and a few pantry staples, and you’re halfway there.
Ingredients for Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Ingredient List
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make your own batch of Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pears (ripe but firm) | 2, halved and cored | Bosc or Anjou work best |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup | Choose creamy, full-fat feta |
| Dried cranberries | 2 tbsp | Unsweetened if possible |
| Walnuts (optional) | 2 tbsp, chopped | Adds crunch |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | Floral varieties like wildflower are great |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For brushing |
| Cinnamon | Pinch | Adds warmth |
| Fresh thyme (optional) | Few leaves | For garnish |
Tools You’ll Need
To make Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries, you really don’t need much:
- Sharp knife for halving and coring pears
- Small spoon for removing the core
- Baking dish lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush for olive oil
- Measuring spoons and cups
And if you don’t have parchment paper? Just lightly oil the baking dish—this recipe isn’t fussy.
How to Make
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve your pears and scoop out the cores. Place them cut-side up in a parchment-lined baking dish. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Crumble feta into the hollow of each pear. Sprinkle cranberries (and walnuts, if using) over the top.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the feta is lightly golden.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle each pear with honey. Garnish with fresh thyme if you want to add a pop of green. Serve warm.
What to Serve with Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Serving Suggestions
Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries are incredibly versatile:
- As an appetizer: Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers.
- For brunch: Pair with a leafy green salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt.
- As dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the right pears: Bosc and Anjou hold their shape best.
- Don’t overbake: You want them tender, not mushy.
- Warm the honey: Makes drizzling easier and more even.
- Make ahead: You can prep the pears and filling up to 4 hours in advance.
Variations
Flavor Twists
Once you’ve tried classic Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries, you can play around with flavors:
- Swap feta for creamy goat cheese
- Use dried figs or apricots instead of cranberries
- Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a colorful crunch
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra tang
Storage Instructions
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), store Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 20g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader Q&A
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries will be more tart, so you may want to increase the honey slightly.
What’s the best pear variety for baking?
Bosc and Anjou are ideal—they hold their shape without getting mushy.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and add chopped nuts for richness.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish so the pears cook evenly.
How do I prevent pears from turning mushy?
Bake until just tender—check them at the 20-minute mark.
Looking for more like this? Try my other seasonal favorites like:
- Rustic Caramelized Onion and Cranberry Flatbread with Gruyère Cheese
- cranberry balsamic flatbread with goat cheese & arugula
- Pear, Brie, and Cranberry Flatbread
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: once you make Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries, you’ll find yourself craving them for every occasion. They’re fast enough for a weeknight treat, impressive enough for a dinner party, and wholesome enough that you can feel good about going back for seconds.
Whether it’s the first hint of autumn or the middle of a chilly winter, this dish brings warmth, elegance, and a little surprise to the table. And the best part? People will think you put way more effort into it than you actually did.
So grab those pears, warm up the oven, and let Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries earn their place as your new go-to. PINTEREST
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Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is that magical recipe that feels like a fancy dinner party treat but takes less than 40 minutes start to finish. Sweet pears soften into buttery perfection, salty feta melts into every bite, tart cranberries pop with color, and honey ties it all together with a golden drizzle. Serve as a light appetizer, a stunning brunch centerpiece, or an elegant dessert that leaves everyone smiling.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Arrange pear halves cut-side up in the dish. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.
Fill each pear with crumbled feta, then scatter dried cranberries and walnuts over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until pears are tender and cheese turns slightly golden.
Remove from oven and drizzle honey over the warm pears.
Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, then serve immediately as an appetizer or dessert.
Notes
Use Bosc or Anjou pears—they hold their shape well during baking.
For dairy-free, swap feta with a plant-based soft cheese.
You can prep pears ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they’ll be more tart—consider adding a touch more honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pear (with toppings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg