Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

This baked pear dish is a fast, elegant dessert or light snack that comes together in under 30 minutes. Ripe pears roast until tender, then get a salty feta, chewy cranberry, and sweet honey finish. It’s ideal when you want something impressive with minimal effort. For another speedy, savory idea try Spinach Feta Egg White Wraps for a quick meal bundle.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is built around contrasts that require almost no prep. Pears need only halving and coring and the oven does the rest, so hands on time is tiny. Feta adds a salty, creamy kick without melting away, while dried cranberries bring texture and a bright pop. Honey ties everything with a glossy finish and deep sweetness that cuts through the cheese. Cinnamon lends a warm note without overpowering the fruit. The method is forgiving so you can adjust bake time to your pear ripeness and personal preference.

Flavor and Texture

Roasted pears become silky but still hold shape, creating a gentle bite that pairs perfectly with crumbly feta. The cheese gives a savory counterpoint so the dish never tastes cloying. Dried cranberries deliver chew and a tart edge that keeps each forkful interesting. A warm drizzle of honey rounds the flavors and adds shine, while a pinch of cinnamon warms the overall profile. Fresh thyme, if used, adds a herbaceous lift that keeps this simple and fresh.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 75 grams crumbled feta cheese
• 30 milliliters olive oil or melted butter
• 30 grams dried cranberries
• 30 milliliters honey
• 1 gram ground cinnamon

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C.
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Brush pear halves with olive oil or melted butter.
4. Arrange the pears with the cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle each pear lightly with ground cinnamon.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pears are tender yet retain their shape.
7. Remove from oven and immediately top each pear half with crumbled feta.
8. Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the feta.
9. Generously drizzle with honey.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve warm.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Pick pears that give slightly to gentle pressure so they soften in the oven without falling apart. If you are short on time use pre-crumbled feta and pre-chopped cranberries to speed assembly. Swap olive oil for melted butter depending on how rich you want the finish. If you prefer less sweetness use half the honey and serve extra on the side. For a savory twist add a few cracked walnuts before baking for crunch and nuttiness and check out another fast feta idea at Spinach Feta Egg White Wraps.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently in a warm oven to avoid sogginess. Add honey right before serving if you plan to reheat so the glaze stays glossy. If prepping ahead, keep the feta and cranberries separate and add them after warming for the best texture. This also makes it easy to portion into single servings for grab and go.

Short Closing Note

This is a fast, elegant recipe that looks like you spent more time than you did. It’s perfect for busy nights, last minute guests, or a quick solo treat.

Conclusion

For more inspiration and the original version of this pairing see BAKED PEARS WITH FETA, HONEY, AND CRANBERRIES.

FAQ

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