Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is a simple yet elegant dessert or snack. The combination of tender roasted pears, creamy goat cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry topping creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored
• 3 oz goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores. Trim the bottoms if needed so the pears sit flat in the baking dish.
3. Step 3: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Add a small pat of butter to each pear half.
4. Step 4: Roast the pears for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the pears bake, simmer the fresh cranberries with 2 tablespoons of honey over low heat in a small saucepan until the berries begin to burst and create a syrupy mixture.
6. Step 6: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, fill the center of each pear half with goat cheese.
7. Step 7: Spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the goat cheese, then drizzle with a little extra honey.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve the baked pears warm or slightly chilled for a delicious treat.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the pears before serving.
• Try using blue cheese or feta instead of goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen can be used; just thaw them before cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pears and cranberry topping ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

What other fruits work well with this recipe?

Apples, quinces, or even peaches can be used instead of pears. Adjust baking time accordingly depending on the fruit’s firmness.

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

This delightful dessert features baked pears stuffed with creamy goat cheese and topped with a luscious honey-simmered cranberry sauce. The pears are gently roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and paired with a hint of cinnamon and fresh mint for a beautifully balanced treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (3 pears halved) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pears and Toppings

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored
• 3 oz goat cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Cranberry Sauce

• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pears.
2. Prepare pears: Slice each pear in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the cores. If the pear halves do not sit flat, trim the bottoms slightly.
3. Add butter to pears: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish and add a small pat of unsalted butter to each half.
4. Roast pears: Bake the pears in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender and lightly golden on top.
5. Make cranberry sauce: While pears are roasting, combine fresh cranberries and 2 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer until the berries burst slightly and form a syrupy sauce.
6. Cool pears and add cheese: Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool briefly. Then, fill each pear half with goat cheese.
7. Top with cranberry sauce: Spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the goat cheese filling in each pear.
8. Drizzle honey and garnish: Drizzle additional honey over the pears and sprinkle with ground cinnamon if using. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve: Serve these baked pears warm or slightly chilled as a sophisticated and healthy dessert.

Notes

• Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape when baked.
• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be substituted.
• The cinnamon and mint garnish are optional but add a lovely aroma and flavor.
• This recipe can be made ahead; keep the cranberry sauce and pears separate and assemble just before serving.
• Try drizzling with additional honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Keywords: baked pears, goat cheese dessert, honey cranberry sauce, healthy dessert, roasted fruit dessert