Honey Feta Baked Pears

$To make Honey Feta Baked Pears, you will need: - 4 ripe pears, halved and cored - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup honey - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can add fresh thyme leaves on top for a nice touch. They add color and flavor. These baked pears pair well with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. You can also serve them with a scoop of whipped cream for added sweetness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your pears. Cut them in half and remove the core. This creates a nice space for the filling. Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients come together. The blend should be creamy and flavorful. This mixture will give the pears their sweet and salty taste. Drizzle olive oil over the pear halves. Make sure each half gets a light coat. This keeps the pears moist while baking. Next, spoon the honey-feta mixture into the cavity of each pear half. Don't be shy—load them up! Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The pears should be tender, and the feta mixture should bubble and turn golden. Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of color. Pick ripe pears for this recipe. Look for pears that yield slightly when pressed. Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears work well. Their sweetness balances the salty feta. Avoid hard or overripe pears, as they may not bake well. Use quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Crumble it well for smooth mixing. Combine it with walnuts for crunch, honey for sweetness, cinnamon for warmth, and vanilla for depth. Adjust the honey to your taste. You may want it sweeter or less sweet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking. Arrange the pears cut-side up in a dish. Drizzle olive oil on them to keep them moist. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for tenderness, and look for a golden top on the feta mixture. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma as they bake! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pears: Opt for ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and sweetness. Feta Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of feta, such as herbed or smoked, to add unique flavors to your dish. Add a Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding some granola or crushed crackers on top of the feta mixture before baking. Serve Warm: These baked pears are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately after baking for the ultimate experience. {{image_2}} You can use different nuts in this dish. Almonds add a nice crunch. Pecans offer a sweeter taste. Cashews bring a creamy texture. Try mixing nuts for more flavor. Each nut changes the dish a bit. Experiment to find your favorite combination. Feta is tasty, but other cheeses work too. Goat cheese is creamy and tangy. Cream cheese gives a rich flavor. Ricotta is light and airy. Each cheese adds a unique twist. Feel free to swap cheeses based on your taste. You can add more flavors to the filling. A pinch of nutmeg gives warmth. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add sweetness. A splash of lemon juice brightens the taste. You could even use maple syrup instead of honey. These simple swaps can make your dish special. To keep your Honey Feta Baked Pears fresh, let them cool completely. Place the pears in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out. 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 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave them on low for about 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, so the pears don't get mushy. If you want to freeze the baked pears, let them cool first. Wrap each pear half in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Honey Feta Baked Pears ahead of time. You can mix the feta, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. Store this mixture in the fridge. Halve and core the pears just before baking to keep them fresh. When ready, assemble and bake as directed. These baked pears shine with many pairings. You can serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for sweetness. A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess. Add some fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor. You can also pair them with a glass of dessert wine. Yes, you can make vegan Honey Feta Baked Pears. Swap feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet touch. For the filling, try using chopped nuts and spices to add flavor. This keeps the dish delicious while meeting vegan needs. You now have all the tools to make Honey Feta Baked Pears. We covered the key ingredients and optional garnishes to elevate your dish. You learned how to mix and bake for the best flavor. I shared tips for choosing pears and perfecting your feta blend. Plus, you explored variations for different tastes and storage methods. Remember, this recipe is flexible. Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Delicious baked pears filled with a sweet and savory honey-feta mixture, topped with walnuts.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces ripe pears, halved and cored
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste none fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Arrange the halved pears cut-side up in a baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil over the pears, ensuring they are lightly coated.
Spoon the honey-feta mixture generously into the cavity of each pear half.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pears are tender and the feta mixture is golden and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh thyme for added flavor.

Keyword baked, dessert, feta, honey, pears