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Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Description

Welcome to a delightful journey through the flavors of fall with this irresistible Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries recipe! Whether you’re looking for a comforting appetizer or a light, elegant dessert, these Roasted Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are a perfect choice. The sweet, juicy pears combined with the tangy feta, luscious honey, and tart cranberries create a heavenly balance of flavors that’s sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make this easy yet gourmet dish together!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Chopped walnuts for garnish

Substitution Tips:

  • For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese option, such as almond or cashew cheese.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.
  • Nut allergies? Skip the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, halve the pears and remove their cores. To create a nice, deep well for the filling, use a melon baller or a spoon to scoop out just a little more from the center of each pear half.

Step 2: Assemble the Pears

Arrange the halved pears cut-side up in a baking dish. Lightly drizzle the pears with olive oil, making sure they’re evenly coated. This will help the pears roast to perfection while adding a subtle richness to the dish. Next, fill each pear’s center with crumbled feta cheese and chopped cranberries.

Step 3: Bake the Pears

Place the baking dish in the oven and let the pears bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want the pears to soften slightly, and the feta should begin to melt and brown around the edges, creating a lovely golden hue. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook—soft, but not mushy, is the goal here.

Step 4: Add Honey and Garnishes

Once the pears are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. While they’re still warm, drizzle each pear generously with honey. The honey will add a glossy, sweet finish to the dish. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for an aromatic, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. Finish with a light seasoning of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Optional: Garnish with Walnuts

For an extra touch of texture and flavor, feel free to garnish the pears with chopped walnuts. The nuts add a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the feta and the juiciness of the pears.

Equipment

Notes

  • Choose the Right Pears: For the best results, select pears that are ripe but still firm. Overripe pears will become too mushy during baking, while underripe pears may not soften enough.
  • Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs make all the difference in this recipe. Thyme adds a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with both the feta and honey.
  • Chop the Cranberries: Chopping the cranberries ensures that their tartness is evenly distributed throughout the dish, giving each bite a balanced contrast of flavors.
  • Serve Warm: These baked pears are best served warm right out of the oven. However, they’re still delicious at room temperature if you need to prepare them ahead of time.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/baked-pears-with-feta-honey-and-cranberries-recipe/