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Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries

Category: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

Enjoy oven-baked pears enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil or butter, then finished with warm, salty feta and tender cranberries. Baking brings out the pears' natural sweetness while feta adds a creamy, savory touch. A hint of cinnamon and fresh thyme amplify the aromatic notes, making this dish perfect for fall dinners or holiday tables. Serve warm for the best flavor contrast and elegant presentation.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Created by Mary Loxip Mary Loxip
Last updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:51:20 GMT
A plate of food with blue cheese and red berries. Pin
A plate of food with blue cheese and red berries. | panbite.com

Baked pears with feta honey and cranberries are a stunning yet simple dish perfect for autumn gatherings or whenever ripe pears call out from the fruit bowl. There is magic in the combination of juicy fruit with salty cheese and a drizzle of warm honey brightened by bursts of tart cranberry.

After serving this at Thanksgiving last year my family immediately requested it for Christmas as well. It has become our go to when we want something both comforting and show stopping.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • ripe pears: choose Bosc or Anjou for the best shape and sweetness. Look for fruit that yields slightly when pressed but is not mushy
  • olive oil or melted butter: quality olive oil brings a peppery richness while butter gives extra depth and gloss
  • cinnamon: a classic pairing with pears and honey that wakes up their flavor
  • feta cheese: opt for creamy feta in a block and crumble it yourself for the freshest taste
  • dried cranberries: provide tart bursts for balance plus they soften beautifully when warmed
  • honey: any good local honey will pool in the pears and tie it all together. You can use maple syrup for a vegan option
  • fresh thyme: totally optional but adds a lovely herbal top note. Choose bright sprigs with lots of aroma

How to Make It

Prepare The Pears:
Cut ripe pears in half and use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the seeds and core. Leave the stem attached for a pretty look. Brush each cut side with olive oil or melted butter so they stay moist and pick up extra flavor as they bake.
Bake The Pears:
Set the pears cut side up in a parchment lined baking dish. Dust with cinnamon all over their exposed flesh. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the fruit to be fork tender but not collapsing so check with a gentle poke at the thickest part as baking time can vary by ripeness.
Top With Feta And Cranberries:
Right as you take the pears out scatter crumbled feta over their surface. Sprinkle on dried cranberries so they can soften in the pears residual warmth.
Drizzle With Honey And Serve:
Generously drizzle the still hot pears with honey letting it pool into their hollows. Garnish with picked thyme leaves if you like. Serve warm for the most delicious contrast between soft cheese and juicy fruit.
A plate of food with a variety of toppings.
A plate of food with a variety of toppings. | panbite.com

The feta is my favorite part. Its salty creaminess pulls every bite back from being too sweet. One year my niece wanted to help and scooped all the feta herself giggling because she kept sneaking little nibbles.

Flavor Boosters

Store any leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you want to reheat do so in a covered dish in the oven set to low heat or briefly in the microwave. The cheese will soften again without melting too much.

Serving Suggestions

These baked pears are elegant on their own but even better over vanilla Greek yogurt or on a cheese board. They are wonderful served slightly warm alongside roast chicken for an unexpected main course pairing.

Creative Twists

Goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess if you need a break from feta. For a sweeter cheese try fresh ricotta. If cranberries are not on hand use dried cherries raisins or chopped dates which will add a new layer of flavor. Maple syrup or agave works in place of honey for a vegan version.

A white plate with sliced pears and cheese.
A white plate with sliced pears and cheese. | panbite.com

A neighbor once brought these to our block party and everyone raved in disbelief at how easy they are. The children loved helping to drizzle the honey. They have made an appearance at every potluck since.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta also work well to provide a creamy, tangy contrast to sweet baked pears.

→ What type of pears are best?

Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape during baking and offer a naturally sweet flavor, ideal for this dish.

→ Can I substitute dried cranberries?

You can use dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates for a different texture and sweetness.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Choose plant-based butter, vegan feta, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly bake.

→ Is fresh thyme necessary?

Thyme is optional but adds herbal depth. Sub with fresh mint or rosemary, or leave out for a simpler presentation.

Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries

This warm autumn dish features juicy pears baked with tangy feta, honey, and cranberries—ideal for cozy holidays or festive gatherings. Save & click.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Complete Time
40 minutes
Created by Mary Loxip: Mary Loxip

Type of Recipe: Desserts

Level of Skill: Perfect for Beginners

Cultural Cuisine: Mediterranean

Serves: 4 Portion Size (8 pear halves)

Dietary Needs: Suitable for Vegetarians, Free From Gluten

What You Need

→ Produce

01 4 ripe pears, preferably Bosc or Anjou
02 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

→ Cheese

03 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Pantry

04 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
05 1/3 cup dried cranberries
06 2 tablespoons honey
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make It

Step 01

Halve pears lengthwise and remove the core using a melon baller or small spoon. Retain stems for visual appeal if desired. Brush the cut sides thoroughly with olive oil or melted butter to encourage moistness and depth of flavor.

Step 02

Place pear halves cut side up in a parchment-lined baking dish. Evenly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the pears.

Step 03

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until pears are fork-tender yet still maintain structure. Monitor closely toward the end of the baking period.

Step 04

Remove from the oven. While pears are hot, top with crumbled feta cheese and distribute dried cranberries over each half so they gently soften.

Step 05

Drizzle warm pears with honey, allowing it to settle in the center. Garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves, if using, and serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor contrast.

Extra Tips

  1. Allow pears to ripen at room temperature for optimal sweetness, but use before they become too soft.
  2. Line the baking dish to prevent honey from sticking and to simplify cleanup.
  3. Feta should be added to the pears while still hot to gently soften the cheese.
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture.
  5. Goat cheese or ricotta can substitute for feta, and dried cherries, raisins, or dates can replace cranberries for different flavors.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Melon baller or spoon
  • Basting brush

Allergen Information

Always review ingredients for possible allergens and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These facts are provided as informational and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 15 grams