Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries: Easy Fall Favorite

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is more than a seasonal treat, it’s a celebration of fall’s comforting flavors. Every time I make this recipe, I think of my grandmother’s warm kitchen where I first discovered the magic of roasting fruit. She used to bake pears from the garden with simple toppings that made the whole house smell like cinnamon and comfort. Over the years, I’ve refined this dish with creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey to balance it all. It’s rustic and elegant, perfect for a chilly evening or a festive dinner with friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is incredibly simple to prepare, but it looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that fits just as well on a holiday table as it does on a cozy Sunday night. With every spoonful, it brings together sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of tart in one beautiful bite. It’s no surprise this dish has become a favorite among home bakers who love seasonal desserts.

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries

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• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 halves

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Description

A rustic and elegant fall dessert featuring tender baked pears filled with creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and drizzled with honey. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 3 firm pears, halved and cored (Bosc or Anjou are ideal)
• 120g soft goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or use fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a hollow center.
3. In a bowl, mix goat cheese, 1 tablespoon honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
4. Fill each pear half with the goat cheese mixture. Top with cranberries and gently press them into the filling. Add chopped nuts if using.
5. Place stuffed pears in the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until pears are fork-tender and cheese is lightly golden.
6. Drizzle with remaining honey and garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears to maintain shape while baking. For added brightness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the pears before baking. If cranberries are too tart, soak in warm water or orange juice first.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients: Simple, Flavorful, and Balanced

What’s great about Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is how a few quality ingredients come together in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 firm pears, halved and cored (Bosc or Anjou are ideal)
• 120g soft goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or use fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)

Helpful Ingredient Notes:

• Pears should be ripe but still firm so they hold their shape.
• If you need to avoid dairy, a soft dairy-free cheese works well here.
• For nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pepitas instead.

This baked pear recipe pairs especially well with other fall-forward dishes like brown sugar pumpkin loaf or pumpkin hummus with pita chips.

Instructions: How to Make Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries

Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s visually stunning and bursting with flavor.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cut and Core the Pears
Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the center.

Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until creamy.

Step 4: Stuff the Pears
Spoon the goat cheese mixture into each pear half. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top and gently press them into the cheese. Add chopped walnuts if you like a little crunch.

Step 5: Bake
Place the stuffed pears in your baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the cheese is slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve Warm
Drizzle with the remaining honey and garnish with fresh thyme. These Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries are best served warm, either as a dessert or a savory-sweet appetizer.

Consider serving this dish after cranberry brie puff pastry bites or with a starter like pumpkin soup served in mini pumpkins.

Tips for Perfect Baked Pears Every Time

Here are a few simple tips to make sure your Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries turn out perfect every time.

• Use ripe but firm pears to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Room temperature goat cheese blends more easily for a smooth filling.
• A squeeze of lemon juice helps the pears keep their color and adds brightness.
• Taste your cranberries first, if they’re too tart, soak them briefly in warm water or orange juice.

Pair the dish with something cozy like blue cheese and pear crostini or roasted root vegetables for a balanced fall menu.

Variations: Make It Your Own

The great thing about Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is how adaptable it is.

Gluten-Free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check toppings if using packaged nuts or cheese alternatives.

Add a Streusel Topping
Mix 2 tbsp oats, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, and 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil. Sprinkle before baking for a crunchy finish, like in our apple cinnamon bread recipe.

Try Different Cheese
Swap goat cheese for brie or cream cheese if you prefer a milder or richer flavor.

Try Other Fruits
Use this method with apples, peaches, or nectarines. For inspiration, our nectarine crisp with oat pecan streusel also makes the most of baked seasonal fruit.

Storage and Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep your Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries tasting fresh.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute.
• Freezing is not recommended as it affects the pear texture.

Enjoy chilled leftovers over oatmeal or yogurt, similar to how you’d enjoy leftover banana zucchini bread in the morning.

Why Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Are a Must-Try

This dish hits that sweet spot between elegant and effortless. It’s:

• Simple to prepare
• Perfect for fall gatherings
• Naturally gluten-free
• Packed with seasonal flavor
• Visually stunning

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries truly embody everything we love about fall, warmth, flavor, and sharing something beautiful with the people around us.

Conclusion

When you want a recipe that feels like autumn on a plate, Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries should be your go-to. It’s easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough for different diets and tastes. Try it once and it just might become a fall tradition in your kitchen too.