Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
Baked pears with goat cheese, honey, and cranberries offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. With warm spices and a creamy filling, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Place the halved pears cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Using a spoon or a small spatula, generously fill each pear half with the goat cheese mixture.
- Step 6: Scatter the fresh or dried cranberries evenly over the filled pears.
- Step 7: If using nuts, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the pears for added crunch.
- Step 8: Drizzle a little extra honey over the pears for added sweetness and flavor.
- Step 9: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pears are tender but still hold their shape.
- Step 10: Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown slightly and become golden.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven and allow the pears to cool for a few minutes.
- Step 12: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Use firm but ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou to hold their shape while baking.
- Swap goat cheese for cream cheese or mascarpone for a milder flavor.
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture for extra aroma.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based spread and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or pistachios for varied texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warm. The pears are best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen pears instead of fresh?
Fresh pears are best for this recipe as they hold their shape and texture better when baked. Canned or frozen pears may become too soft and watery.
What can I serve with baked pears?
This dish pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
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Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, baked pears filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and tart cranberries, finished with a hint of cinnamon and a crunchy nut topping. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, combining fresh fruit with rich, complementary flavors and a visually appealing presentation.
Ingredients
Pears and Filling
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature for gentle baking of the pears.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if desired. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, perfect for stuffing the pears.
- Arrange Pears: Place the halved and cored pears cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, creating perfect little cups for the filling.
- Fill Pears: Using a spoon or small spatula, generously fill each pear half with the goat cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
- Add Cranberries: Scatter the fresh or dried cranberries over the filled pears to add a tart contrast and vibrant color.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the pears if you want an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle Honey: Drizzle a little extra honey over all the pears for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown slightly and develop a golden color.
- Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the baked pears cool for a few minutes to set the flavors and prevent burning your mouth when eating.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving to add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are not available.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture or omit them for a nut-free dessert.
- Nutmeg is optional but enhances the warm spice profile of the dish.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked pears, goat cheese dessert, honey pears, cranberry pears, fall dessert, easy baked fruit dessert
