Description
Delightful baked pears stuffed with creamy goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts, drizzled with honey and seasoned with cinnamon and sea salt. Perfect as an elegant appetizer, light dessert, or holiday side dish, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with savory and nutty flavors, finished with a fragrant touch of fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears and Cheese Filling
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Topping and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the cores with a spoon or melon baller to create a small hollow well in each half. Place the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with dried cranberries and chopped nuts if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Stuff the pears: Spoon the goat cheese mixture into the hollowed cores of each pear half, filling them generously.
- Add toppings: Drizzle honey and olive oil evenly over the stuffed pears. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the pears: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and their edges turn slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baked pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- This dish works beautifully as an appetizer, light dessert, or holiday side.
- For added sweetness, drizzle with extra honey just before serving.
- Swap goat cheese for mascarpone or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Use walnuts or pecans depending on your nut preference or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Ensure pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during baking.
