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
Scale
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.
