If you adore the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, then you absolutely must try Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Recipe that will quickly become your new favorite. This dish brings together juicy, tender pears baked to perfection, creamy melty brie, crunchy walnuts, and tart cranberries for an irresistible combination. Whether you’re looking for a stunning dessert to impress guests or a delightful brunch option that feels both indulgent and comforting, this recipe covers all bases with elegance and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the overall flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious pears to the aromatic herbs, every element elevates the dish into something truly special.
- 3 ripe pears: Choose pears that are firm but ripe for the most tender, juicy result after baking.
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil: Adds a golden richness and helps caramelize the pears slightly as they bake.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness that complements the savory brie and tart cranberries perfectly.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the fruitiness of the pears without overpowering the dish.
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes: A creamy, gooey element that melts delightfully into each pear half.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries: Bursts of sweet-tart flavor add a lovely contrast and chew.
- ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balances the softness of the pears and cheese.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Introduces a fresh, herbal aroma that brightens the rich components.
- Extra honey for drizzling: A final touch of sweetness for presentation and enhanced flavor complexity.
- Fresh mint or thyme for garnish: Visual appeal and a hint of freshness to tie it all together.
How to Make Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the pears. Starting with a hot oven is key to baking the pears evenly, making them tender without turning mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Halve the pears and carefully scoop out the cores to create room for the filling. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish, positioning each half like a little boat ready to be filled with all the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Add Butter, Honey, and Cinnamon
Brush the pear halves generously with melted butter or olive oil, ensuring they get that golden, caramelized finish while baking. Drizzle with honey for sweetness, then sprinkle with cinnamon to add a subtle warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the fruit’s natural flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pears Just Right
Bake the pears for 15 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. This initial baking step draws out their natural sweetness and makes the flesh tender enough to complement the creamy, melting brie that will follow.
Step 5: Fill with Brie, Cranberries, and Walnuts
Remove the baking dish from the oven and fill each pear half with the cubed brie, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. This layering is the heart of the recipe, combining sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements all in one bite.
Step 6: Final Bake to Melt and Toast
Return the pears to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the brie to melt luxuriously and the walnuts to toast lightly. This step brings a delightful gooeyness that binds all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 7: Drizzle and Garnish
Before serving, drizzle extra honey over the warm pears for a glossy, sweet finish. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme leaves to add a pop of color and an herbal lift, making the dish as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh mint or thyme not only brighten the presentation but also add a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and savory richness. For a touch of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of extra walnuts scattered on top work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds freshness to the plate. For brunch, serve alongside crusty artisan bread or buttery croissants to soak up any luscious melted brie drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the baked pears in individual ramekins or on a rustic wooden board for a charming farm-to-table vibe. You could also assemble the ingredients on puff pastry shells for a flaky, irresistible twist perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the texture intact, avoid stacking them and place parchment or wax paper between layers if needed.
Freezing
Because of the juicy and delicate nature of pears combined with melted cheese, freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pears in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the brie softens again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the texture rubbery or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bosc or Anjou pears are excellent choices due to their firmness and sweetness; just make sure they are ripe but not overly soft to hold their shape when baked.
Can I substitute the brie with another cheese?
Yes, creamy cheeses that melt well like Camembert or fontina work beautifully. Avoid hard cheeses as they won’t provide the same luscious texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Not as is, due to the brie cheese and honey. However, you could experiment with vegan cheese alternatives and substitute honey with maple syrup to make it plant-based.
Can I prepare the pears ahead of time before baking?
You can halve and core the pears in advance and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. However, assembling and baking fresh will yield the best flavor and texture.
What herbs pair best with this dish?
Fresh rosemary and thyme both complement the sweetness and richness wonderfully. Mint works well for garnish by adding a cooling freshness at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Recipe is truly a showstopper that you’ll want to make again and again. The harmony of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and it’s easier to prepare than it looks. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll fall in love just like I did!
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Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries – A Sweet & Savory Dessert or Brunch Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Description
Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries offer a deliciously sweet and savory dessert or brunch treat. This easy-to-make dish combines tender baked pears with creamy melted brie, crunchy walnuts, and tart dried cranberries, finished with honey and fragrant herbs for an elegant and flavorful experience everyone will love.
Ingredients
Fruits and Nuts
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Cheese
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Fresh mint or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the pears: Halve the pears and scoop out the cores carefully, then arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish to hold the fillings later.
- Brush and season the pears: Brush the pear halves evenly with melted butter or olive oil, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle cinnamon on top to add sweetness and warmth of spice.
- Initial baking: Bake the pears in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while maintaining their shape.
- Add fillings: Remove the pears from the oven and fill each hollowed-out center with cubes of brie cheese, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped walnuts for texture and flavor contrast.
- Finish baking: Return the filled pears to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, just until the brie melts and walnuts toast lightly.
- Final touch and serve: Drizzle extra honey over the baked pears and garnish with fresh mint or thyme. Serve warm as a delightful dessert or brunch dish.
Notes
- You can substitute brie with camembert or a mild goat cheese if preferred.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for additional warmth.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for extra richness.
- Ensure pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during baking.
