Baked Pears with Goat Cheese Recipe – Elegant Holiday Appetizer
This Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is a show-stopping appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Sweet pears are roasted until tender, then topped with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with golden honey, and finished with tart cranberries for a festive touch. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or even as a light dessert, this dish is simple to prepare yet feels gourmet.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Sharp knife & spoon (for coring pears)
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush (for honey drizzle)
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett)
- 4 oz goat cheese (soft, fresh)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (or fresh if available)
- 3 tbsp honey (wildflower or clover)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish)
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Pears: Wash pears, slice in half lengthwise, and scoop out cores with a spoon to create cavities.
- Fill with Cheese: Place a spoonful of goat cheese into each cavity.
- Top with Cranberries: Sprinkle cranberries over the cheese.
- Drizzle Honey: Brush or drizzle honey evenly over pears.
- Bake: Arrange pears on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with nuts, herbs, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Variations: Try savory blue cheese, vegan cashew cream, or dessert-style with chocolate drizzle.
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in oven.
- Pairings: Serve with sparkling rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or crusty bread for texture contrast.
- Healthier Options: Use light goat cheese, reduce honey, and add extra cranberries for tartness.
- Holiday Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg before baking for festive flavor.