There's something magically cozy about this Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe that turns simple fruit into a luscious, comforting treat. The tender, warm pears paired with creamy Brie and bright bursts of tart cranberries create a lovely balance you'll crave again and again. I love making this when I want something elegant yet easy - perfect for a special breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a sweet side for dinner. The honey drizzle adds just the right touch of golden sweetness, and the smell while baking? Absolutely irresistible.
Jump to:
- The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Again
- Ingredients You'll Actually Use
- How to Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Without Stress
- Little Tricks That Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Better
- Serving Ideas That Look Great
- Storing & Reheating Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe
- Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe FAQs
- You Made It - Now Tell Me!
- Complete Recipe
The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Again
This recipe feels like a warm hug - it combines the soft, caramelizing pear, the oozy, mild Brie, and tart cranberries for a symphony of flavors that's both fancy and fuss-free. You'll love how quick it is to prepare, plus it uses ingredients you probably have around. Whether it's a brunch with friends or a quiet Sunday indulgence, it's such a joy to bake and even better to eat.
- Big flavor, simple steps: Just a few fresh ingredients create a dish bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
- Comfort-food energy: Warm, tender pears and melty cheese feel like a little luxury on any day.
- Everyday ingredients: Most of what you need is pantry staples and common fresh produce.
- Easy to customize: Swap nuts, cheeses, or fruits to suit your taste or what's in the fridge.
Ingredients You'll Actually Use
When choosing ingredients for your Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe, picking ripe pears is key-they should give slightly to the touch but not be mushy. Bartlett or Bosc pears work beautifully because they bake into tender, juicy softness. Brie cheese adds creamy richness, so opt for a triple-cream Brie if you can for extra meltiness. If Brie isn't your favorite, creamy Camembert or even a mild goat cheese can be delightful swaps. Dried cranberries introduce tang and chewiness, but feel free to experiment with dried cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds for a juicy surprise. A drizzle of honey rounds it all out with natural sweetness, balancing the tartness and savory cheeses perfectly.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm Bartlett or Bosc pears. Asian pears can work but will be crisper.
- Brie cheese: Look for creamy triple-cream Brie for melt-in-your-mouth texture. Camembert is a good alternative.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a chewy tartness; swap with dried cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds if you like.
- Optional add-ins: Toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch; fresh thyme or rosemary to add an herby note; a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Ingredient Note: Exact measurements for Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Without Stress
Step 1 - Set Up for Success
First things first: preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. While the oven warms, halve your pears and carefully core them. Then, brush the cut sides with olive oil or melted butter - this adds a lovely golden color and keeps the fruit juicy. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the pears for a subtle warm spice that complements the cheese beautifully. Getting these little steps done ahead means your baking goes smoothly and the flavors develop perfectly.
Step 2 - Cook Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Until It Smells Amazing
Arrange the pears cut-side up in the baking dish. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You'll start to notice a subtle caramelized aroma filling your kitchen-that's when the pears are softening but still holding shape, not mushy. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart. The edges will deepen into a lovely golden tone. Once baked, remove them from the oven and immediately top each pear half with crumbled Brie and a handful of dried cranberries. The warmth of the pear will gently melt the cheese, creating that luscious texture we're aiming for.
Step 3 - Finish Strong
Drizzle each pear generously with honey to add a beautiful shine and a sweet counterpoint to the tangy cranberries and rich Brie. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and subtle herbiness-it's a touch that makes a difference. Let the pears rest for a minute or two; this helps meld the flavors and cools them just enough to serve without sacrificing that warm creaminess. You'll know it's perfect when the cheese is soft and melty, the pears tender yet intact, and each bite floods your palate with sweet, savory, and tart goodness.
Little Tricks That Make Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe Better
Over the years, I've fine-tuned a few tips to make this recipe even more foolproof and fun. Controlling the oven heat and timing keeps the pears tender but not mushy, which is the essence of this dish. Using quality Brie and fresh pears really elevates the flavors, so don't skimp here. Preparing everything before turning on the oven saves time and stress, allowing you to enjoy the sensory joy of baking rather than rushing.
- Doneness cues: Look for pears that slide a fork easily but hold their shape without collapsing.
- Heat control: Stick to 190°C (375°F) but check at 20 minutes if your oven runs hot to avoid overcooking.
- Make-ahead options: You can core and halve pears a few hours ahead, store them in lemon water to prevent browning, and assemble just before baking.
- Common issues + fixes: If your pears are underripe and too firm, bake a few extra minutes; if too soft, reduce time. Use honey sparingly so it doesn't become overly sweet.
Serving Ideas That Look Great
Finishing Touches
To really make your Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe sing, consider sprinkling on some toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add an earthy aroma that complements the cheese nicely. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can enhance the sweet-savory balance. For a twist, squeeze a touch of fresh lemon juice or zest over the finished pears, giving a bright lift that pairs beautifully with honey and cheese.
Perfect Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a peppery arugula salad, toasted whole-grain bread, or a warm quinoa pilaf. Roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balance the richness of the Brie and honey in the pears. I also love serving it alongside a light prosciutto to add a savory twist for brunch or appetizer spreads.
Make It Photo-Ready
For the prettiest presentation, plate pears cut-side up with the melty Brie clearly visible and cranberries peeking through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary, sprinkle a few toasted nuts on top for texture, and wipe the plate edges clean for sharpness. The golden honey glaze catches the light beautifully-try drizzling just before serving for that irresistible shine and fresh appeal.
Storing & Reheating Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe
Fridge Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pears will keep their texture beautifully for this time, though the cheese may firm up once chilled. When you reheat, aim to warm gently to bring back that creamy, melty quality without turning the pears mushy.
Freezing Tips
This recipe isn't ideal for freezing because the texture of pears and Brie shifts during thawing, often becoming watery or grainy. If you want to prep ahead, assemble unbaked pears and keep refrigerated for a day, then bake fresh when ready.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Reheat gently in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 8-10 minutes covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds, checking frequently so the cheese melts softly but doesn't get tough.
Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Camembert or a soft goat cheese are great alternatives that melt well and complement the pears and cranberries nicely. Just avoid very hard cheeses to keep that creamy texture.
They should be ripe but still firm-soft enough to become tender in the oven but not so mushy that they fall apart. Think of pears that give slightly when you press but don't have bruises.
You can swap Brie for dairy-free cheese alternatives with good melting qualities, like cashew-based cheeses. Also, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious!
Place cut pears in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice until you're ready to bake. This keeps them fresh-looking and prevents browning beautifully.
You Made It - Now Tell Me!
I'd love to hear how your Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe turned out! Did you add your own twist or find a perfect pairing? Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and don't forget to save or pin it so you can recreate this cozy favorite anytime. Sharing your feedback helps me and your fellow home cooks make every bake even better. Happy baking and enjoy every warm, creamy bite!
PrintComplete Recipe
Baked Pears with Brie and Cranberries Recipe
These Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries offer a warm and delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light dessert, the pears are tender and infused with cinnamon, then topped with creamy feta, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. Fresh thyme adds a subtle aromatic finish to bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Yield: 6 pear halves (serves 3-6 depending on portion size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Dairy
- 75 grams crumbled feta cheese (can substitute with brie for a creamier option)
Pantry
- 30 milliliters olive oil or melted butter
- 30 grams dried cranberries
- 30 milliliters honey
- 1 gram ground cinnamon
- 30 grams chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pears: Brush the pear halves with olive oil or melted butter to help them roast evenly and gain a rich flavor. Arrange them cut-side up in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and proper presentation.
- Season Pears: Sprinkle the pears lightly with ground cinnamon to add warm spice that complements their natural sweetness.
- Bake Pears: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
- Add Toppings: Remove the pears from the oven and immediately top each half with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries. The warmth of the pears will slightly soften the cheese for a wonderful texture contrast.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Generously drizzle the honey over each pear half to add sweetness and shine. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves to impart a subtle herbal aroma and enhance the visual appeal.
- Serve Warm: Serve the baked pears warm as a sophisticated appetizer or dessert, enjoying the combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in every bite.
Notes
- You can substitute brie cheese for feta if you prefer a creamier, more delicate cheese flavor.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch-toast them lightly beforehand for extra depth of flavor.
- Fresh thyme is optional but recommended for adding an herbaceous note.
- To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter alternative and replace honey with maple syrup.
- Ensure pears are ripe but firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
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