Baked Pears Goat Cheese Honey

Baked pears with goat cheese honey and cranberries always strike the perfect note between sweetness and tangy richness making them a comforting treat that lingers in memory long after the last bite. This is my go to dessert whenever I need something simple yet a little elegant for a special autumn or winter meal. The recipe fills your kitchen with the scent of warm fruit and cinnamon and feels just right for holidays or cozy nights in.

The first time I made this dish pears had just come into season and they were almost too pretty to bake. Now my friends actually request this recipe every fall and everyone is always surprised how just a handful of ingredients can turn out so special.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ripe but firm pears: such as Bartlett or Bosc, choose pears that give slightly when pressed at the stem
• Goat cheese: for tang and creaminess, pick a fresh log for easy scooping
• Fresh cranberries: bringing tart balance to the sweetness, firm berries with glossy skin are best
• Honey: for natural sweetness and gloss, local honey will add floral notes
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps pears caramelize
• Ground cinnamon (optional): brings gentle warmth, always use a fresh jar for best aroma
• Mint leaves: for garnish and a hint of brightness, pick unblemished leaves if using

How to Make It

Prepare the Pears:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking dish. Halve your pears lengthwise and gently scoop out the cores using a melon baller or a spoon. If needed slice a sliver off the bottom of each pear half so they rest flat in the baking dish.

Arrange in the Dish:

Nestle each pear half cut-side up into your prepared baking dish. Place a pat of butter onto the hollow of each pear where the core was removed. This keeps the pears moist and adds flavor as they bake.

Roast Until Tender:

Bake the pears for about 20 minutes or until they are fork tender and just turning golden at the edges. The kitchen should start to smell incredible at this point.

Simmer the Cranberries:

While the pears roast combine the cranberries and honey in a small saucepan. Set it over low heat and stir occasionally as the cranberries begin to soften and burst. This will create a bright syrupy sauce that beautifully offsets the creamy goat cheese.

Fill and Top:

After the pears are roasted and have cooled slightly scoop a generous spoonful of goat cheese into each cavity. The warmth from the pears will soften the cheese just enough for an irresistible texture.

Finish with Cranberries:

Spoon the cranberry honey sauce over the goat cheese tucking some berries into the pears for pops of color and flavor. Drizzle with more honey to taste and finish with mint or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Serve:

These are wonderful when served warm straight from the oven but they are also delightful when slightly chilled, leftovers keep well in the fridge.

The goat cheese is always my favorite part because its creamy tang tames the sweetness and elevates even the simplest pear. One Thanksgiving my niece topped her pears with an extra helping of the cranberry sauce and has called them her magic pears ever since.

Flavor Boosters

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to blend as they chill. To reheat gently warm in the microwave or oven just until heated through. These pears do not freeze well as the fruit can become watery but the components can be made ahead for easier assembly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked pears as a stand alone dessert or on a brunch spread paired with crispy bacon or soft scrambled eggs. For a fancier dinner they make a refined but effortless finish accompanied by a complementary wine such as a crisp Riesling. A sprinkle of toasted nuts gives a nice contrast.

Creative Twists

You can swap the goat cheese for mascarpone or a soft blue cheese if you prefer stronger flavor. Walnuts or pecans make a nice crunchy topping if you need extra texture. For a dairy free option use coconut oil in place of butter and a vegan cream cheese for filling. If you cannot find fresh cranberries dried cranberries rehydrated in a bit of juice work well. Use what is in season swap pears for apples in late autumn or drizzle with maple syrup in place of honey in early winter. If fresh cranberries are not available pomegranate seeds add a fresh pop of color. For a spring version try a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

This recipe is as lovely for a quiet dinner as it is for a festive occasion. With just a few ingredients you can make a dessert that always feels special.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of pears work best?

Bartlett or Bosc pears, which are firm yet ripe, hold up well during baking and absorb the flavors beautifully.

→ Can I substitute the goat cheese?

Yes, you can use cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, though goat cheese adds a distinct tanginess.

→ How do I prevent the pears from overcooking?

Check the pears after 20 minutes of baking; they should be fork-tender but not mushy. Watch closely, as oven times may vary.

→ Is this dessert best served warm or cold?

The dish is delicious both warm and slightly chilled, allowing flexibility for serving preferences or occasions.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components in advance, but for best texture, assemble and bake just before serving.