Description
Elegant baked pears filled with tangy feta cheese, tart dried cranberries, and a sweet drizzle of honey. This sophisticated appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings and offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a cavity in each half.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up on the baking tray. Brush them with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are soft and slightly golden.
- Remove the pears from the oven. Spoon feta cheese and dried cranberries into the cavity of each pear. Drizzle with honey.
- Return the pears to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, until the feta cheese is warm and softened.
- Drizzle with extra honey before serving. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou to ensure they hold their shape when baked.
- For a vegan option, substitute vegan feta and maple syrup for honey.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Vegetarian
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg