Baked Pears Feta Honey: 1 Perfect Appetizer

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Baked pears feta honey has become my go-to appetizer when I want something that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to put together. I remember the first time I made this pear feta honey appetizer for a dinner party; my guests were raving about the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The aroma of warm, caramelized pears mingling with honey and a hint of cinnamon filled my kitchen, promising a delightful treat. This easy baked pears feta honey recipe is perfect for impressing friends or just enjoying a quiet evening with a sophisticated snack. Let’s get these pears baking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pears Feta Honey

Incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level.
Offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Looks elegant and sophisticated, ideal for entertaining.
This warm pears feta honey dish is surprisingly quick to assemble.
Versatile enough for an appetizer or a light dessert.
The combination of tender pears and creamy feta is irresistible.
You’ll love how this pear feta honey appetizer impresses guests.
It’s a fantastic way to highlight seasonal fruit.

Ingredients for Baked Pears Feta Honey

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful treat. This feta baked pears recipe comes together with just a few key components:

4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou) – choose pears that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, so they hold their shape when baked.
4 oz crumbled feta cheese – this creamy, salty cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet pears.
1/3 cup dried cranberries – they add a lovely tartness and chewy texture to the filling.
3 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling – the honey caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the natural sweetness of the pears.
2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
1 pinch cinnamon – a touch of warm spice that complements the fruit perfectly.
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional) – adds a beautiful visual and a subtle herbaceous note.
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional) – a classic pairing if you’re serving this as a dessert.

How to Make Baked Pears Feta Honey

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your baking dish ready.
Step 2: Prepare the pears. Cut them in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core, creating a nice hollow for the filling. If the pear halves wobble, just slice a tiny bit off the bottom so they sit flat in the dish.
Step 3: Mix the filling. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and your optional chopped nuts.
Step 4: Add the sweetness and spice. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and that pinch of cinnamon. Mix it all gently until everything is nicely combined. This simple mixture is key to our pear feta honey appetizer.
Step 5: Stuff the pears. Arrange the prepared pear halves cut-side up in your baking dish. Spoon the feta and cranberry mixture generously into the hollow of each pear half. Don’t be shy with the filling!
Step 6: Drizzle with honey. Take your remaining tablespoon of honey and drizzle it over the stuffed pears. This honey will caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a lovely glaze.
Step 7: Bake until tender. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the pears to be tender when pierced with a fork and the feta topping to be golden and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
Step 8: Cool slightly and serve. Let the baked pears with feta and honey cool for just a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.
Step 9: Garnish and enjoy. Drizzle with any pan juices and add fresh thyme sprigs if you like. For an extra decadent treat, serve this honey baked pears with feta alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pears Feta Honey

Want to elevate your baked pears? Follow these simple tips for a truly exceptional dish:

Choose the right pears: Bosc or Anjou are ideal because they hold their shape beautifully when baked. Make sure they are ripe but still firm.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the pears; you want them tender, not mushy. A fork should slide in easily.
Get creative with fillings: Feel free to swap dried cranberries for chopped apricots or dates, and experiment with different nuts like pistachios.
A touch of acidity: A tiny squeeze of lemon juice over the feta mixture before baking can brighten the flavors even more.

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Pears Feta Honey?

The real secret to perfect baked pears with feta and honey lies in the balance. Ensure your feta isn’t too salty, and don’t overdo the honey. The slight tartness from cranberries or a hint of lemon juice really makes the sweet and savory notes pop. For more tips on balancing flavors, check out this guide on flavor profiles.

Can I make Baked Pears Feta Honey ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pear halves and the filling up to 4 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just before baking, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if they’re still quite cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Pears Feta Honey?

A common pitfall is using pears that are too ripe; they’ll turn to mush. Also, avoid over-mixing the feta filling, which can make it dense. Finally, don’t skip the final drizzle of honey – it adds that perfect caramelized finish to your feta baked pears recipe. Learn more about preventing common baking mistakes here.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Pears Feta Honey

These delightful baked pears are incredibly versatile and can be served in a few wonderful ways. For a sophisticated appetizer, present them warm on a platter, perhaps garnished with a few fresh thyme sprigs. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir. As a delightful side dish, this baked pears feta honey side dish complements roasted chicken or pork beautifully. The sweet and savory notes cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced plate. For a truly decadent dessert, serve these honey baked pears with feta alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. You can find more serving suggestions for appetizers on our appetizers page.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Pears Feta Honey

This sweet and savory baked pears feta honey dish is a delightful treat with moderate nutritional impact. Here’s a breakdown per serving, which is typically one pear half:

Calories: Approximately 250-300
Fat: Moderate (primarily from feta and nuts)
Saturated Fat: Moderate
Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: Moderate (from feta)
Carbohydrates: High (from pears and honey)
Fiber: Moderate (from pears and cranberries)
Sugar: High (natural sugars from fruit and honey)
Sodium: Moderate (from feta cheese)

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes for this easy baked pears feta honey recipe. For more information on pear nutrition, you can check out resources on fruit benefits.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Pears Feta Honey

Once your delicious baked pears feta honey appetizer or dessert has cooled down, proper storage is key to enjoying them later. Let the pears cool completely on a wire rack. Then, carefully transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store these warm pears feta honey dish leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have more than you can eat within that time, freezing is also an option! Wrap individual pear halves tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can gently reheat them in a few ways. Pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. They might not be as perfectly crisp after reheating, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pears Feta Honey

What are the best types of pears to use for this recipe?

For the best baked pears feta honey, I recommend using pears that are ripe but still quite firm. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou are excellent choices because they hold their shape beautifully when baked, preventing them from becoming too mushy. You want a pear that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t soft. Learn more about selecting the perfect fruit for baking.

Can I substitute the feta cheese in this baked pears feta honey dish?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, goat cheese is a fantastic substitute that offers a similar creamy texture and tang. For a completely different flavor profile, you could try a mild blue cheese, which would add a more pungent, savory note to your pear feta honey appetizer.

How can I make this recipe spicier or more savory?

To add a spicy kick to your honey baked pears with feta, try incorporating a small pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny amount of finely minced jalapeño into the feta filling. For a more savory twist, consider adding some finely chopped fresh rosemary or sage to the cheese mixture, or even a sprinkle of black pepper before baking. You can find more spice blend ideas here.

Is this a dessert or an appetizer?

This baked pears feta honey dish is wonderfully versatile! It works beautifully as an elegant appetizer, especially when served warm with a glass of wine. It also makes a delightful light dessert, particularly when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra honey. The sweet and savory balance makes it adaptable for either!

Variations of Baked Pears Feta Honey You Can Try

While this classic baked pears feta honey recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few twists to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the feta filling for a sweet and spicy surprise. This makes for a really interesting savory baked pears feta honey.
Nutty Crunch: Swap the walnuts or pecans for toasted slivered almonds or even pistachios for a different texture and flavor profile in your honey baked pears with feta.
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme directly into the feta mixture before baking. It adds a beautiful aromatic quality to the pear feta honey appetizer.
Grill It! For a smoky flavor, prepare the pears as directed and grill them over medium heat until tender and slightly charred. This is a fantastic alternative cooking method for your roasted pears feta honey.

Baked Pears Feta Honey: 1 Perfect Appetizer

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for baked pears with feta and honey offers a sophisticated yet simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender, caramelized pears are filled with creamy feta cheese, sweet honey, and tart cranberries, creating a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

Scale

4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou)
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 pinch cinnamon
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core to create a hollow. If needed, slice a small piece off the bottom of each pear half to help them sit flat.
In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts (if using).
Add 2 tablespoons of honey and the pinch of cinnamon to the feta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Arrange the prepared pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Spoon the feta mixture generously into the hollow of each pear half.
Drizzle the remaining honey over the stuffed pears.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Let the baked pears cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, drizzled with any pan juices, and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. For a dessert option, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

This dish is vegetarian.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based feta or omit the cheese and add more nuts.
Pears can be stuffed up to 4 hours ahead of baking; cover and refrigerate.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be enjoyed cold.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert/Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American