Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries

Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries is a cozy autumn recipe featuring tender, caramelized pears topped with creamy feta, drizzled with golden honey, and sprinkled with plump cranberries. Just imagine the aroma of warm pears mingling with cinnamon in the oven their juices bubbling, the cheese melting gently, and sweet honey turning irresistibly glossy. I first baked a version of this for an impromptu friendsgiving in my tiny New York kitchen, and it filled the room with that unmistakable feeling of home.

What sets this dish apart is its stunning simplicity: gorgeous fall flavors, ready in minutes, but special enough for a celebration. If you’re dreaming of something comforting, impressive, and effortlessly inviting, you’ve just found your new favorite fall bake.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Fall Bake

• All the fall feels in one bite: Soft, juicy pears meld with creamy, briny feta, forming the dreamiest base for golden honey and plump, jewel-toned cranberries.
• A flavor symphony: Each forkful brings a magic mix of sweet, salty, and a hint of tart made for cozying up on chilly nights or impressing at festive gatherings.
• Perfectly simple, unmistakably special: These baked pears are effortless enough for a Tuesday but look stunning and celebratory on any holiday table.
• Nostalgic comfort, modern flair: The warm cinnamon and caramelized fruit evoke Sunday suppers at home, while the feta and cranberries add a charming, unexpected twist.
• Texture obsession: From the melt-in-your-mouth pears to the creamy cheese and chewy cranberries, every bite feels like a comforting hug you can taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ripe but firm pears – Choose pears that give slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. Bosc and Anjou varieties hold their shape beautifully during baking and absorb flavor well.
• Crumbled feta cheese – Feta brings a creamy, savory tang that melts softly over warm pears. For a milder twist, try goat cheese or even ricotta.
• Runny honey – Golden honey caramelizes in the oven, hugging the pears in a sweet, floral glaze. Pure maple syrup is a cozy alternative.
• Dried cranberries – These ruby gems add tart, chewy bursts that cut through the richness. Swap in dried cherries or chopped apricots if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Olive oil or melted butter – A brush of either adds richness and helps the pears roast to golden perfection.
• Ground cinnamon – This warm spice infuses the whole bake with autumnal aroma and a hint of nostalgia.
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional) – A sprinkle on top lends earthy fragrance and a pretty, herbal finish.

How to Make Baked Pears with Feta, Honey & Cranberries

1. Prep Your Pears
   Slice the ripe pears in half and gently scoop out the cores. Arrange them cut-side up in a parchment-lined baking dish, leaving just enough space for the toppings to pool.

2. Add Spice & Bake
   Brush each pear with melted butter or olive oil, then dust them with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Let their natural sweetness concentrate as they bake, watching for the moment when the edges turn golden and caramelized.
3. Finish with Toppings
   Remove the warm pears from the oven and quickly scatter over loads of creamy feta and glistening cranberries. This step gives you that dreamy melty-feta moment and glossy, plump fruit.

4. Drizzle & Garnish
   Pour honey all over while everything’s piping hot. Thyme leaves (totally optional!) add a whisper of herbaceous aroma perfect for those cozy, fall feels.
5. Make-Ahead Tip
   You can prep pears and toppings in advance, then assemble and bake right before guests arrive.

For another comforting, fall-inspired bake, you might also love my Pear Brie and Cranberry Flatbread.

Tips for the Best Results

• Pick pears that are perfectly ripe: Look for pears that yield just slightly to gentle pressure too soft and they’ll fall apart, too firm and they’ll stay crunchy after baking.
• Slice to the right thickness: Halve your pears or, for smaller serving sizes, cut them into thick wedges. Uniform pieces help everything bake evenly, creating that luscious, soft texture with golden edges.
• Creamy (not rubbery) feta: Add crumbled feta right after baking. The residual heat will soften it perfectly without making it chewy.
• Drizzle, don’t pour the honey: For even caramelization, drizzle honey over each pear so every nook gets glossy and golden.
• Manage moisture: If you notice excess liquid in the dish, spoon it away before serving for a picture-perfect presentation. Dryness can happen if pears are underripe next time, pick juicier ones.
• Need more inspiration? Try my Caramelized Carrots with Feta & Cranberry Honey Glaze for more cozy, savory-sweet baking ideas!

Variations You Can Try

Goat Cheese or Blue Cheese Twist: If you’re a fan of tangy or bold flavors, try swapping the feta for creamy goat cheese or a sprinkle of blue cheese. Their lush textures melt into every warm pear bite, adding dimension and a bit of luxury.

Add Crunch with Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans offer the perfect contrast crisp, buttery, and just the right amount of rustic charm. Scatter a handful on just before baking for an irresistible crunch.

Dried Fruit Swap: Not a cranberry fan? Chopped dried apricots or tart cherries are just as lovely, bringing chewy brightness to each forkful. For something totally different, substitute apple slices for pears autumn coziness at its finest.

Vegan Option: Easily veganize this bake using plant-based feta and swapping honey for a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s just as decadent, and everyone can dig in.

For more ideas about mingling cheese and cranberries, peek at our Festive Chickpea Salad with Cranberries & Feta for inspiration!

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge Storage: Let baked pears cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container and store in the fridge. They’ll keep their soft texture and tangy-sweet flavors for up to three days.
• Reheating for Best Taste: To revive that fresh-baked coziness, gently warm leftovers in the oven until the pears are heated through; the feta will turn creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch just watch closely so things don’t get rubbery.
• Freezer Guidance: Freezing isn’t ideal, as pears can go mushy once thawed. But if you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
• Leftover Inspiration: For another dreamy comfort pairing, enjoy with Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin for a soul-warming lunch or brunch spread.

Perfect Pairings

• Cozy Dinner Upgrade: These Baked Pears Feta Honey Cranberries are magic beside simply roasted chicken or a holiday pork loin the salty, tangy-sweet bite transforms the meal into something memorable.
• Festive Vegetarian Star: Lean into the dish’s elegance and serve it as a stunning vegetarian main, maybe nestled on warm grains or as the hero on a Thanksgiving table.
• Bread & Greens: Spoon pears (and all those lovely juices) over crusty, toasted sourdough, or toss onto peppery arugula for a cozy salad that feels extra special.

• Sidedish Harmony: Pair with other celebration-worthy sides like Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Honey or share the table with a Layered Sweet Potato Squash Carrot Bake.
• For Dessert: Go simple and swoon-worthy serve warm pears with a scoop of vanilla gelato, or cool Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of extra honey.

Can I make baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep your pears and gather the toppings earlier in the day. Just pop everything together and bake right before serving. It’s a wonderful way to save time and still have that warm, just-from-the-oven aroma wafting through your kitchen.

What’s the best type of pear to use for this recipe?

I recommend Bosc or Anjou pears they hold their shape beautifully while baking and become temptingly tender, not mushy. Look for pears that give slightly to gentle pressure. They’ll soak up all the flavors and keep that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Can I swap out the feta for another cheese?

Definitely! If you’re craving something milder, try creamy goat cheese for extra tang, or ricotta for a gentle, pillowy texture. Blue cheese works too if you love bold flavors. The melty cheese on warm pears is pure comfort, no matter which you choose.

How do I keep the baked pears from turning watery?

Here’s a little trick: pick pears that are ripe but not too soft, and slice them evenly. If you notice extra liquid after baking, just spoon it away before serving. This keeps every serving looking golden and cozy never soggy so your guests get that perfect autumn bake.