Description
Okay, so you know those fancy restaurant desserts that make you go “how is this even real?” Well, this is that energy but in your own kitchen with zero pretension. We’re talking tender, caramelized pears stuffed with creamy feta, drizzled with golden honey, and topped with tart cranberries that pop in your mouth like little flavor bombs. It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s sophisticated enough for your mother-in-law but easy enough for a Tuesday night when you want to feel bougie.
This dish is basically fall vibes on a plate, but honestly? I make it year-round because it’s just that good. Your guests will think you went to culinary school, but really you just turned on your oven and trusted the process. Even my “I don’t do fruit for dessert” friend was like, “Wait, can I get the recipe?” Yup. And now you can too.
Ingredients
For the Pears:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work great)
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese (get the good stuff, you’re worth it)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or fresh if you’re feeling extra)
- 3 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling because why not)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but highly recommended)
- A pinch of cinnamon (because we’re classy like that)
For Serving:
- Extra honey for drizzling
- A few fresh thyme sprigs if you have them
- Maybe some vanilla ice cream if you want to go full dessert mode
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F because we’re about to get this party started.
Cut pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core with a spoon or melon baller. You want a nice little hollow for all that good stuff we’re about to stuff in there.
Pro tip: If your pears are being wobbly, slice a tiny bit off the bottom so they sit flat. Nobody likes a tippy pear.
In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, cranberries, and chopped nuts.
Drizzle in about 2 tbsp of honey and give it a gentle stir. You want everything coated but not swimming.
Sprinkle in that pinch of cinnamon because we’re not animals.
Arrange your pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Spoon that gorgeous feta mixture into the hollow of each pear half. Don’t be shy – really pack it in there.
Drizzle the remaining honey over the top of everything. This is going to caramelize into liquid gold, trust me.
Pop those beauties in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the pears are tender and the tops are getting all golden and bubbly.
You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides into the pear like butter and everything smells like heaven had a baby with a fancy restaurant.
Let them cool for just a few minutes because molten honey will burn your tongue and that’s not cute.
Transfer to plates, drizzle with any pan juices, and maybe add a sprig of thyme if you’re feeling Instagram-worthy.
If you’re going full dessert mode, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is chef’s kiss.
Notes
- Perfect as a starter for a dinner party (watch your guests’ minds get blown)
- Amazing as a light dessert after a heavy meal
- Pairs beautifully with a glass of prosecco or a crisp white wine
- Great alongside a cheese board for ultimate sophistication points
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Protein: ~6g