Description
This delightful recipe features ripe pears baked to tender perfection, stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese and honey, and topped with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy nuts. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and fresh herbs, these baked pears offer a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, making an elegant appetizer or a light dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears
- 4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
Goat Cheese Filling
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the pears in half and carefully remove the core and seeds using a melon baller or a spoon, while keeping the skin intact for texture and presentation. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, stabilizing them with a small piece of foil or parchment paper if needed.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon if using. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Stuff the Pears: Spoon the goat cheese mixture into the hollow center of each pear half, filling the cavity left by the removed core.
- Bake the Pears: Drizzle a little honey on top of each stuffed pear half to enhance sweetness. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and golden around the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pears from the oven and sprinkle with dried cranberries and chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer, side dish, or light dessert.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta if preferred.
- Adjust the honey quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your pears.
- For a vegan variation, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Adding cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warm flavor that complements the pears.
- Walnuts, pecans, or other nuts can be omitted or replaced according to your preference or allergies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
