Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is a warm, elegant dish that blends sweet, tangy, and savory elements into a visually stunning and delicious appetizer, side, or light dessert—perfect for fall and holiday entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the core to create a well.
- Brush cut sides of pears with olive oil or melted butter and place cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until pears begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- Remove from oven and fill each pear center with goat cheese, cranberries, and nuts if using.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is soft and pears are tender.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Bosc and Anjou pears work best as they hold their shape when baked.
- Use blue cheese or feta for a stronger flavor, or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Fresh cranberries can be used if cooked down or sweetened first.
- Add cinnamon or dates for a sweeter version; candied pecans for crunch.
- To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
