Honey Feta Baked Pears

$- 4 ripe pears, cut in half and cored - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup honey - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish If you don’t have pears, try apples. They bake well and taste great. For feta, goat cheese works nicely too. You can swap walnuts with pecans or almonds. If you want a sweeter taste, use maple syrup instead of honey. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, turn on your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating makes sure your pears bake evenly. This step is key for a great texture. Next, take four ripe pears. Cut each pear in half and remove the core. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish. Make sure they have some space between them. This helps them cook just right. Now, grab a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour in 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix everything well until you have a smooth, creamy filling. This mixture is sweet and savory. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the pears. Use just enough to coat them lightly. Then, fill each pear half with your honey-feta blend. Pack it in well! Place the dish in your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The pears should become tender, and the top will be golden and bubbly. When done, let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma! To make Honey Feta Baked Pears, choose ripe pears. Ripe pears feel slightly soft when you press them. If they are too hard, they won’t bake well. I like using Bartlett or Anjou pears. These types have a sweet flavor. If you can, let your pears sit at room temperature for a day or two. This helps them ripen perfectly. You can add more spices if you want. Try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. These spices blend well with the honey and feta. A pinch of sea salt can also make the flavors pop. Remember, less is more. You want the pears to shine. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. Serve your baked pears warm. They are great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pair them with yogurt for a healthy option. For a fancy touch, drizzle extra honey on top. Fresh thyme leaves add a nice color and taste. Enjoy your delicious dessert! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe pears that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture after baking. Experiment with Cheese: If you want a different flavor profile, try substituting goat cheese for feta for a tangy twist. Nut Variations: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a unique crunch and flavor. Serving Suggestion: Serve these baked pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an indulgent treat. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in this recipe. Walnuts add a great crunch, but pecans work well too. Use chopped almonds for a lighter taste. Each nut brings its own flavor. Toast them lightly for extra depth. This small change can make a big difference in taste. Feta is creamy and tangy, but you can try other cheeses too. Goat cheese adds a soft texture with a bit of tang. Cream cheese gives a rich and smooth feel. For a sharper taste, use blue cheese. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to the dish. Explore and find your favorite. Want to make this dish savory? Skip the honey and vanilla. Instead, add herbs like rosemary or sage. You can mix in diced prosciutto with the cheese. This adds a salty kick that pairs well with pears. Serve it as a starter or side dish. It’s a fun twist on a classic dessert. After enjoying your Honey Feta Baked Pears, let them cool completely. Place the pears in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to keep them fresh. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This warms them through and keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave. Heat each pear for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can make them mushy. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some pears for later. To freeze, first, let them cool completely. Wrap each pear tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, they stay tasty and delicious. Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture. Goat cheese offers a tangy flavor, while ricotta has a mild taste. Each cheese gives a unique twist to the dish. Experiment with what you like best! These baked pears pair well with ice cream or yogurt. The coolness balances the warm dish. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of crushed nuts adds a nice crunch, too. The pears are done when they are fork-tender. You should also see a golden crust on the cheese mix. Check them at the 25-minute mark. If they need more time, bake for an extra five minutes. Enjoy the sweet aroma as they bake! This blog post covered everything you need for honey feta baked pears. We explored the key ingredients, helpful tips, and step-by-step instructions. You learned ways to customize your dish and store leftovers safely. My final thought is this: this recipe is a simple delight. Enjoy making it your own and impressing your friends. Happy baking!$

A delightful dessert featuring baked pears filled with a creamy honey-feta mixture, topped with walnuts and a hint of cinnamon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 whole ripe pears, cut in half and cored
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 2 walnuts, roughly chopped
1 4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, roughly chopped walnuts, honey, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated into a creamy filling.
Take a baking dish and arrange the halved pears with the cut sides facing up, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the tops of the pears, using just enough to lightly coat them without pooling at the bottom of the dish.
Generously fill the cavity of each pear half with the honey-feta mixture, making sure to pack it in for a delightful burst of flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the feta mixture has developed a golden, bubbly crust.
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set the flavors.
For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh thyme leaves right before serving, adding a vibrant contrast to the sweet and savory dish.

Notes

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.

Keyword baked, dessert, feta, honey, pears