Baked Pears with Goat Cheese Honey and Cranberries
Indulge in a sophisticated yet effortlessly simple dessert or appetizer with these delectable baked pears. Sweet, tender pears are roasted to perfection, then filled with creamy, tangy goat cheese, a vibrant cranberry-honey compote, and finished with a delicate drizzle of honey and fresh mint. It's a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that truly shines.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly elegant, making it perfect for entertaining or a special treat.
- A harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that delight the palate.
- Quick to prepare and bakes in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to be vegetarian-friendly.
- Versatile enough to be served as a sophisticated appetizer or a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc), halved lengthwise and cored
- 85 g (3 ounces) fresh goat cheese, softened at room temperature
- 80 g (1/3 cup) fresh cranberries
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) liquid honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even roasting as soon as the pears are ready, promoting a beautifully tender texture and golden exterior.
- Carefully slice each pear in half lengthwise, from the stem to the base. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, gently scoop out the fibrous core and any seeds. To ensure stability during baking and a neat presentation, slightly trim a thin slice off the rounded back of each pear half if necessary, allowing them to sit flat in the baking dish without wobbling.
- Arrange the prepared pear halves, cut-side up, in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer without overcrowding. Place a small pat of butter (approximately 5 grams or 1 teaspoon) into the hollowed-out center of each pear half. This butter will melt into the pears, enhancing their natural sweetness and contributing to a rich flavor.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The precise timing will depend on the ripeness and size of your pears, but they should become wonderfully fork-tender and develop a delicate golden hue around the edges, indicating they are perfectly cooked through.
- While the pears are roasting, prepare the vibrant cranberry-honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries with 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of liquid honey. Place the saucepan over low heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. The cranberries will soften and begin to burst slightly, releasing their tart juices and creating a beautifully bright, slightly jammy sauce. Remove from heat once desired consistency is reached.
- Once roasted, carefully remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This brief cooling period makes them easier to handle and prevents the goat cheese from melting too rapidly and becoming runny upon contact. Spoon or crumble the softened goat cheese evenly into the hollowed centers of each warm pear half.
- Generously spoon the warm cranberry-honey mixture over the goat cheese in each pear. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle a little additional honey over the top of each filled pear, allowing it to cascade over the cheese and cranberries.
- For a refreshing finish and a hint of warming spice, garnish the baked pears with finely chopped fresh mint leaves and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired. These optional additions elevate the dish with aromatic notes.
- Serve the Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the goat cheese to be perfectly creamy, or slightly chilled for a refreshing twist that highlights the fruit.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Small saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Melon baller or small spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Essential Success Tips
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm; soft pears can become mushy during baking.
- Ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature for easy scooping and a creamier texture.
- Don't overbake the pears; they should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.
- Trimming the bottom of the pear halves ensures they sit flat in the baking dish, preventing spills and making for a prettier presentation.
- For extra richness, a tiny pinch of sea salt on the goat cheese can enhance all the flavors.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For a deeper, caramelized flavor, try drizzling the pears with a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar along with the butter before baking.
- Infuse your honey! Gently warm the honey with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a vanilla bean for 10-15 minutes over low heat before using. Strain out the aromatics for an elevated flavor profile.
- Consider a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish for added texture and a nutty complement to the creamy cheese and fruit.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy chilled.
- Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gorgonzola for a bolder flavor, or brie for a milder, creamier alternative. Other berries like raspberries or chopped figs can also be used in the compote.
- Make Ahead: The cranberry-honey compote can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The pears are best baked fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears for this recipe?
It is highly recommended to use fresh, firm pears for this recipe. Canned pears are typically too soft and will turn mushy during baking, losing their texture and shape.
What if I don't have fresh cranberries?
You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen cranberries without thawing them first. The cooking time for the compote might be slightly longer, but the result will be just as delicious. Dried cranberries can also be used, but they should be rehydrated first and the sweetness adjusted.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While the cranberry-honey compote can be made a day ahead, the pears are best baked and assembled just before serving to ensure the optimal texture and warmth. You can halve and core the pears a few hours in advance, brushing them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 280, Protein: 8g, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 30g, Fiber: 4g (Estimated per serving based on ingredients listed)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (goat cheese, butter). Naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and dairy-free butter.
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