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Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

4.7 from 132 reviews

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with creamy goat cheese, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. This recipe is easy to prepare, featuring baked pears softened to perfection and topped with a warm, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or a cozy evening.

Ingredients

Scale

Pears

  • 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Toppings

  • 3 oz goat cheese
  • 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pears evenly.
  2. Prepare Pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores. If needed, trim the bottoms so they can sit flat in the baking dish.
  3. Arrange Pears in Baking Dish: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish and put a small pat of unsalted butter on each half to add richness while baking.
  4. Roast Pears: Roast the pears in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they become fork-tender and develop a golden color.
  5. Make Cranberry Sauce: While the pears are roasting, simmer the fresh cranberries with 2 tablespoons of honey in a saucepan over low heat until the berries burst slightly and the sauce thickens.
  6. Add Goat Cheese: After removing pears from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, fill each pear half with goat cheese.
  7. Top with Cranberries and Honey: Spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the goat cheese in each pear and drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired. Serve the baked pears warm or slightly chilled for best flavor.

Notes

  • Choose firm but ripe pears such as Bartlett or Bosc for best results.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • The baked pears can be served warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat.
  • Ground cinnamon and fresh mint garnish are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • You can prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time and reheat before assembling.

Keywords: baked pears, goat cheese dessert, honey cranberries, healthy dessert, fall dessert, fruit dessert, simple baked pears