Description
These Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Roasted pears topped with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with honey, and finished with a sprinkle of dried cranberries make for an elegant appetizer or light dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pears in half and remove the core and seeds with a melon baller or spoon. Leave the skin on for texture and presentation.
- Arrange the pear halves, cut-side up, in a baking dish. If needed, you can place a small piece of foil or parchment paper underneath the pears to keep them stable.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of salt. If using cinnamon, add it to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Stuff the Pears:
- Spoon the goat cheese mixture into the center of each pear half, filling the hollow space where the core was removed.
- Bake the Pears:
- Drizzle a little honey over the top of each pear.
- Place the pears in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and golden around the edges.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pears from the oven and sprinkle with dried cranberries and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
- Drizzle with a bit more honey for extra sweetness and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Serve:
- These baked pears can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light dessert.
Notes
- If you want to add a savory twist, a small drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese can complement the flavors nicely.
- You can prepare the pears ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese or use a nut-based cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg