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.
