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There’s something truly magical about the combination of juicy pears, tart cranberries, and creamy feta cheese. This festive baked pear recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It’s simple enough for weeknight meals yet elegant enough to impress your guests. The sweet-and-savory balance, combined with the warm spices, makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether served as a holiday appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, these baked pears are sure to bring joy to the table. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Spoon (for coring pears)
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier filling.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free option.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Fruit Swap: Dried cranberries or raisins can replace fresh cranberries.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can core and stuff the pears up to one day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge. Brush the pears with melted butter just before baking to ensure they stay moist.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pears
Slice the pears in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the core and seeds using a spoon, creating a small hollow for the filling. Arrange the pear halves in a baking dish.
3. Make the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine cranberries, feta cheese, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff the Pears
Spoon the cranberry-feta mixture into the hollowed-out pears. Drizzle the melted butter over the pears and filling.
5. Bake the Pears
Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the filling is slightly caramelized.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with walnuts or pecans (if using), and garnish with fresh rosemary. Serve warm.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
These festive baked pears are not just a dish—they’re an experience! The way the sweet pears mingle with the tangy feta and tart cranberries will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for special occasions.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Leave a comment below to share how yours turned out, or ask any questions you might have.
