Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Looking for a cozy, yet elegant dessert or appetizer that will impress everyone at your table? Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is the answer! These pears are roasted to perfection, soft and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and savory goodness. The combination of creamy goat cheese, drizzled honey, and tart cranberries brings a perfect balance of flavors. It’s like nature’s candy, elevated. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it for every special occasion or even as a delightful weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries

Here’s why this dish is one to remember:

A Beautiful Balance of Sweet and Savory

The sweetness of the baked pears pairs perfectly with the tangy, creamy goat cheese and the rich honey drizzle. The cranberries add a pop of tartness that ties everything together. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

This recipe is deceptively simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks like it took hours to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for them to bake!

Versatile

This dish can be served as a dessert, appetizer, or even a light breakfast. It works for all seasons and occasions, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a cozy dinner party, or just treating yourself.

Crowd-Pleasing

Even if you’re not a fan of pears or goat cheese, this dish has a way of winning people over. It’s the kind of dish that people talk about long after the meal is over.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these gorgeous, delicious baked pears:

For the Baked Pears:

• Pears: Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonderfully here. They’re tender and hold up well during baking.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy goat cheese adds richness and flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears.
• Honey: Drizzle over the pears for a touch of natural sweetness and a beautiful golden finish.
• Dried Cranberries: The tartness of dried cranberries adds a nice contrast to the creamy goat cheese and sweet pear.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started with this simple yet impressive recipe!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for the pears to roast perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Slice the pears in half lengthwise, and use a melon baller or spoon to remove the core. You can leave the skin on, as it holds the pear together and helps keep everything in place as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the Goat Cheese

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of goat cheese into the hollowed-out center of each pear half. You can use your fingers or a small spoon to press it in gently.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Cranberries and Cinnamon

Top each pear with a handful of dried cranberries, and dust with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. The cranberries will soften as they bake, releasing their tart flavor.

Step 5: Drizzle with Honey

Drizzle a little honey over each pear half. Don’t be shy with the honey—it’s the star of the show and adds a delightful sweetness that complements the pears and goat cheese beautifully.

Step 6: Bake the Pears

Place the pears in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are soft and tender when pierced with a fork. The goat cheese should be slightly melted, and the cranberries should plump up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pears are done, remove them from the oven. Serve them warm, drizzled with a bit more honey if you’d like, and enjoy the sweet, savory, and creamy goodness!

How to Serve Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries

These baked pears are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

As an Appetizer

Serve these baked pears as an elegant starter at your next dinner party. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a light cocktail for a beautiful introduction to your meal.

For Dessert

After a hearty meal, these baked pears make a light and satisfying dessert. The sweet and tangy flavors make them the perfect ending to any dinner.

With a Side Salad

If you’re looking for a savory twist, serve the baked pears alongside a simple green salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

For Breakfast or Brunch

Yes, pears for breakfast! These baked pears are also a great choice for a luxurious, yet light brunch dish. Add a side of yogurt or granola to round out the meal.

Additional Tips

• Choose Ripe Pears: Look for pears that are ripe but still firm. They’ll soften up beautifully in the oven without becoming mushy.
• Goat Cheese Alternatives: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with ricotta, cream cheese, or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
• Top with Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the pears before serving.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add a Splash of Balsamic: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the pears right before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 pear half (based on 4 servings)
• Calories per serving: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A1: Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will be more tart and won’t soften the same way dried cranberries do. If using fresh, consider lightly sweetening them with honey before topping the pears.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the pears and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. However, for the best texture and flavor, bake them fresh!

Q3: What can I substitute for goat cheese?
A3: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can try cream cheese, mascarpone, or ricotta as alternatives.

Q4: Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?
A4: Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger would add a warm, aromatic flavor to the pears. Feel free to get creative with your spices!

Q5: How do I know when the pears are done baking?
A5: The pears are done when they are tender and soft when pierced with a fork, and the goat cheese is slightly melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Q6: Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
A6: Yes, apples or even figs would work great as a substitute for pears. Just be mindful of the baking time as different fruits may require slightly different cook times.

Q7: Can I make these pears in advance and serve them cold?
A7: While they’re best served warm, you can make them in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to warm them up before serving.

Q8: Can I drizzle something else instead of honey?
A8: Yes! You could use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a splash of balsamic glaze for a unique twist.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven before serving for the best texture.

Q10: Can I freeze baked pears?
A10: It’s not ideal to freeze baked pears, as the texture may change when thawed. However, you can freeze the pear halves (without toppings) and bake them fresh when you’re ready.

Conclusion

These Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries are simple, yet feel fancy enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, appetizer, or side dish, they’ll be a hit. With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Enjoy every bite!

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