Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are my secret move when I need something easy, cozy, and a little bit fancy without the stress. You know those nights when you want dessert or a snack that feels special, but you also don’t want to dig out a mixer or chill dough for hours? Same. This recipe gives you soft, warm pears with caramelized edges, salty creamy feta, and pops of sweet-tart cranberries. It tastes like fall in a baking dish and works just as well for brunch as it does for a holiday side. If you’ve got a couple pears and a jar of honey, you’re halfway there.

Why This Baked Pears with Feta and Honey Recipe Works

It hits that magic sweet salty tangy spot. The pears bake until tender, the honey thickens into a shiny glaze, and the feta melts just enough to get creamy but still hold its shape. Cranberries add little bursts of brightness so each bite feels balanced. And the best part is how forgiving it is. Use ripe but firm pears and you’re golden. No special equipment, no stressful timing. This dish scales up for a crowd or down for a solo treat.

It’s also flexible. Want it sweeter? Add more honey or a drizzle of maple. Want heat? Hot honey is a winner. Dairy free? Vegan feta steps in without missing a beat. This is a feel-good recipe that never feels fussy.

Ingredients for the Best Baked Pears with Feta

Here’s the short list. Keep it simple and let those pears shine.

• Ripe but firm pears, like Bosc or Anjou
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Honey, maple syrup, or hot honey
• Dried cranberries
• Butter or olive oil
• Cinnamon and a pinch of salt
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, vanilla, orange zest

Pro tip: a tiny splash of lemon juice keeps the pears from browning before they hit the oven.

Sweeteners: Honey, Hot Honey, Maple Syrup Options

Honey is classic and gives that familiar warm sweetness. If you love a little kick, hot honey is incredible with pears and feta because the gentle heat wakes up the salty cheese. Maple syrup adds deeper caramel vibes and works great if you want a cozier feel. You can even blend them. I like 1 tablespoon honey plus 1 teaspoon maple for each two pear halves. If you’re cutting sugar, try a drizzle of date syrup and let the cranberries bring the pop.

Cheese Choices: Feta, Vegan Feta, Dairy-Free Alternatives

Feta is the star because its salty briny flavor keeps the dish from tasting candy-sweet. Choose a block feta in brine if you can. It stays creamy and bakes like a dream. Vegan feta works really well too. Look for a brand with coconut oil or almond base so it softens in the oven. Dairy free and not into feta? Try a dollop of cashew ricotta at the end of baking and return to the oven for 2 minutes just to warm it.

Add-Ins: Cranberries, Nuts, Spices, Herbs

Dried cranberries are perfect here. They plump in the heat and bring tang. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch. A pinch of cinnamon is great, but don’t sleep on cardamom or nutmeg. For a fresh finish, add torn mint or thyme after baking. If you’re building a spread with easy sides, browse more ideas in my Appetizers and Sides collection to round out your table.

How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Step-by-step

Heat your oven to 375 F. Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the core with a spoon to make a little well. Rub the cut sides with a bit of lemon juice if you have it. Place the pears cut-side up in a small baking dish. Brush with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt and cinnamon. Fill the wells with crumbled feta and dried cranberries. Drizzle with honey or maple. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife and the edges look caramelized.

Timing and texture

Pear ripeness matters. Slightly firm fruit holds shape and softens to a spoonable center. If your pears are very ripe, check at 15 minutes. If they’re quite firm, add 5 minutes. You want soft but not slumped, and cheese that’s warm and creamy.

Flavor Variations to Try

Orange zest and a splash of vanilla for bakery-style flavor. Pistachios and cardamom for a Middle Eastern twist. Rosemary and black pepper with hot honey if you like savory-sweet vibes. You can also swap cranberries for chopped dates and finish with a dusting of cocoa for a dessert-forward version.

Vegan Baked Pears with Plant-Based Feta

Use vegan butter or olive oil, a good plant-based feta, and maple syrup. Bake the pears first for 10 minutes without the cheese, then add the vegan feta and cranberries for the final 10 minutes. This keeps the texture creamy, not oily. Finish with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of hot maple if you like heat.

Hot Honey Pears for a Sweet-Heat Version

Blend 2 tablespoons honey with 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce or use store-bought hot honey. Drizzle over the pears after adding the feta. A pinch of black pepper turns the whole thing into a spicy-sweet bite that pairs beautifully with salty cheese. This is my go-to when I want something bold but still comforting.

Cranberry-Pecan Holiday Baked Pears

For holidays, toss the cranberries with orange zest and add chopped pecans on top before baking. Serve alongside your favorite mains and a cozy sweet potato side. If you’re mapping out a festive menu, these pears play so well next to Candied Sweet Potatoes. That mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart is a crowd-pleaser.

For More Christmas sides, visite this Borad.

Expert Tips for Caramelized, Tender Baked Pears

The keys to caramelization

Use a small baking dish so the pears sit snugly. This helps steam them gently while the honey reduces. Brush the cut sides with a little fat so the edges brown instead of drying out. Don’t drown them in liquid. A moderate drizzle of honey is enough to create a glaze without pooling.

How to Choose Ripe but Firm Pears

Look for pears that give slightly near the stem but aren’t soft. Bosc holds shape well. Anjou is juicy and forgiving. Avoid pears that are very soft or bruised since they will collapse in the oven. If yours are underripe, put them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two to nudge them along.

How to Keep Feta Creamy and Flavorful While Baking

Use block feta and pat it dry before crumbling. Keep the pieces a little chunky so they warm through without melting away. A small drizzle of olive oil over the feta helps it stay luscious. Add a tiny pinch of black pepper to bring out its savory notes.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pears

• Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt.
• Set next to roasted chicken or pork as a sweet-savory side.
• For a cozy dinner, pair with a bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
• Want something lighter? Try with this veggie-packed Burger Bowl with Sweet Potato.
• Finish with an extra drizzle of honey and chopped nuts for crunch.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

You can core and prep the pears a few hours ahead. Brush with lemon water and refrigerate. Assemble with feta and cranberries right before baking. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently so they stay tender, not mushy.

How to Store Leftover Baked Pears

Cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container. Keep the extra glaze from the pan so you can spoon it over when reheating. If you want to freeze, skip the cheese and add it after thawing. Frozen pears can get softer but still taste great warmed.

How to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheat in a 325 F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a tiny splash of water to the pan to rehydrate the glaze. Microwave works in a pinch, but go in short bursts so you don’t over-soften the fruit.

Nutrition Information & Dietary Swaps

This dish is naturally gluten free and easy to adapt. For dairy-free, use vegan feta and plant butter. To reduce sugar, use a lighter drizzle of honey and lean on the cranberries for brightness. Pears bring fiber and vitamin C. Feta brings protein and calcium. It’s an easy way to make a dessert-adjacent bite that still feels balanced.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My pears are too soft

They were probably too ripe. Bake slightly less time and choose firmer fruit next round. Also use a snug baking dish so they don’t over-steam.

The topping didn’t caramelize

Too much liquid or crowding can stop browning. Use a light drizzle of honey, not a pour, and don’t cover the dish. A quick 2-minute broil at the end helps color the edges.

Why Pears Turn Mushy

Overripe fruit plus long bake time equals mush. Pears also soften fast if there’s a lot of moisture in the dish. Keep the sweetener modest, don’t cover, and choose pears that feel firm with just a little give near the stem.

Why the Filling Doesn’t Caramelize

Caramelization needs heat and minimal liquid. If the pan is too crowded or you use too much syrup, the steam prevents browning. Use a small dish, leave a bit of space, and brush the fruit with a little butter or oil to help the edges brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apples instead of pears? Yes. Cut thicker halves to hold the filling, and add 3 to 5 minutes to the bake time.
Do I need to peel the pears? Nope. The skin helps them hold shape and adds texture.

Is This a Good Thanksgiving or Christmas Side Dish?

Absolutely. It brings color and brightness to the table in a way that feels special but still simple. For a truly festive plate, serve it next to roast meats and a classic sweet potato side like Candied Sweet Potatoes. If you want even more seasonal inspo, browse my Appetizers and Sides page and build a menu that balances richness with freshness.

How Do You Prevent Pears from Browning Before Baking?

Brush the cut sides with lemon water. Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 cup cold water and swish the pears for a few seconds. Pat dry, then fill and bake. It’s quick and keeps them pretty.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, but chop them if they’re large. No need to thaw. They’ll burst and get jammy.
What if I only have crumbly tub feta? It works. Add a tiny splash of olive oil over the cheese so it stays creamy.
Can I make this in the air fryer? Yep. 350 F for 10 to 14 minutes. Check early since air fryers vary.
How do I scale for a crowd? Use a sheet pan and keep the pears snug. Rotate the pan halfway for even browning.
What’s good for dessert after this? Keep the cozy theme and bake a batch of Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. Simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.

A Sweet Little Wrap-Up

If you want something that tastes like a hug and looks fancy without the fuss, this is it. Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries bring soft fruit, salty cheese, and shiny glaze together in a way that just works. The recipe is flexible, friendly to swaps, and perfect for weeknights or holidays. Grab a couple pears and give it a go. I’m betting it’ll become one of your repeat favorites, too.

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