Looking for a festive and elegant appetizer to grace the holiday table? I love how these baked pears combine sweetness, tang, and a touch of savory comfort. The pears are roasted until tender and golden, then filled with creamy feta, tart cranberries, and finished with a drizzle of warm honey. The result is a dish that feels both sophisticated and cozy — perfect for any autumn or winter gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it’s simple yet impressive. The balance of flavors is just right: juicy pears, tangy cheese, sweet honey, and the gentle tartness of cranberries. It looks beautiful served on a platter, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. I often prepare it for dinner parties, holiday brunches, or even as a light vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
Directions
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
I cut the pears in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the cores, leaving a small cavity in the center.
I place the pears cut-side up, brush them with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon if I’m using it. Then I bake them for 20–25 minutes until they’re tender and golden.
I remove the pears from the oven, spoon the feta and cranberries into each cavity, and drizzle them with honey. I return them to the oven for another 5–7 minutes so the cheese softens slightly.
I finish with an extra drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts or fresh herbs before serving warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings (one pear half per serving). It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook — ready in about 40 minutes total.
Variations
I sometimes swap feta for creamy goat cheese or gorgonzola for a bolder flavor.
For a vegan twist, I use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey.
I like adding chopped pistachios or candied pecans for a bit of crunch.
Dried apricots or cherries make a great substitute for cranberries.
A sprinkle of rosemary or sage adds aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with baked pears.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I place them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing them since the pears lose their texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears?
I prefer fresh pears, but canned pears in juice (not syrup) can work if they’re well-drained.
Can I substitute goat cheese for feta?
Yes, goat cheese is an excellent choice — it’s creamier and adds a lovely tang.
Do I have to use honey?
Not at all. Maple syrup or agave nectar make great alternatives.
What herbs go well with this dish?
I like thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of sage for a festive, aromatic flavor.
Can I serve the pears cold?
They can be served at room temperature, but I find the flavors are best when the pears are slightly warm.
Conclusion
These baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries are my go-to holiday appetizer when I want something elegant yet effortless. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite special — sweet, savory, and just a little indulgent. Whether I serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy fall dinner, they never fail to impress. Once I made them, they instantly earned a permanent spot on my seasonal menu.
These elegant baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries are a stunning appetizer featuring tender roasted pear halves filled with tangy feta, tart dried cranberries, and finished with honey and optional nuts and herbs—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and festive flavors.
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores to create a small cavity in each half.
Place the pear halves cut‑side up on the prepared tray. Brush each with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with the pinch of cinnamon if using.
Bake the pears for 20–25 minutes, until they are tender and golden.
Remove the pears from the oven and fill each cavity with crumbled feta and dried cranberries.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons honey over the pears and return them to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, just to soften the cheese slightly.
Finish by drizzling more honey if desired, and sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs for garnish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can substitute goat cheese or gorgonzola for the feta if you prefer a different tang. For example, one version uses pears with gorgonzola and honey for a similar elegant effect. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
For a vegan option, use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape while baking. Many recipe sources suggest this is key for best results. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Prepare the pears ahead of time, chill, and bring to room temperature before serving if you want a cooler appetizer.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently at 325 °F (160 °C) for 10–12 minutes to warm through without softening the texture too much.
