Baked Pears with Goat Cheese and Honey

I will never pretend I’m above sweet-and-savory pairings — especially when they involve soft, oven-warmed pears, tangy goat cheese, and drippy honey. This is basically dessert and cheese plate making out and falling in love in the same bite. It’s elegant enough for guests, stupidly simple enough for weeknights, and forgiving enough that you can totally pretend you meant to char the pear edges.

Once I tried to make these for company and convinced my husband to core the pears. He returned triumphant, proud as if he’d just defused a bomb, holding a pear with the top hollowed out… and a fork jammed through the bottom. “Ventilation?” he said. Our toddler proudly taste-tested the mistake and somehow gave it a thumbs-up, which in toddler-speak means “more” or “let’s redecorate the couch.” I salvaged it, we ate with our fingers, and the dog judged our table manners appropriately. Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-crumbled goat cheese—yes, you can be that lazy and still delicious.
– Skip poaching and roast pears straight on a foil-lined sheet to cut cleanup in half.
– Microwave pears for 30–60 seconds to soften if you’re in a hurry; oven time is negotiable.
– Toast nuts in the oven while pears bake so one pan does double duty.
– Use jarred honey and call it rustic. Nobody will fact-check your pantry choices.

Serving Ideas

– Serve on a cheese board with crackers and a suspiciously large glass of wine (for when the kids drove you nuts).
– Spoon over vanilla ice cream for grown-up sundaes that require zero dignity.
– Toss onto arugula with a drizzle of balsamic for a salad that says, “I meal-prepped.”
– Top with granola and a dash of cinnamon for brunch that pretends it’s healthy.
– Keep it simple: plate, fork, and the unapologetic acceptance that you’ll lick the honey off your thumb.

What to Serve It With

– A crisp white wine, like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, or black coffee if you’re classy in the morning.
– A rustic baguette or plain crackers for scooping.
– Mixed greens if you feel the need to redeem dessert as dinner.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t use pears that are as hard as rocks unless you like chewing furniture. Aim for just-ripe.
– Scoop cores cleanly so goat cheese sits like a little throne — not a spilled heap.
– Watch the oven time; over-soft pears turn mushy and then we all get sad.
– Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. If you crowd them, at least lean into the rustic presentation.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a minute if you want warm again.
– Toppings like nuts or granola are best added just before serving to keep the crunch.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Use blue cheese instead of goat for a funkier vibe.
– Replace honey with maple syrup for a woodsy twist.
– Add chopped rosemary or thyme for savory depth.
– Sprinkle with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios depending on your snack personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese and Honey

Delightful baked pears topped with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with honey.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 medium ripe pears Choose sweet varieties like Bosc or Anjou.
• ▢ 6 oz goat cheese Softened for easy spreading.
• ▢ 3 tbsp honey Adjust sweetness to taste.
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil For brushing the pears.
• ▢ 1 tsp cinnamon Enhances the flavor of pears.
• ▢ 1 oz walnuts Chopped for texture.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice each pear in half and remove the core.
• Brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil.
• Sprinkle cinnamon over the pears.
• Place the pears cut side up on a baking sheet.
• Spoon goat cheese into the center of each pear half.
• Drizzle honey over the cheese-filled pears.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch.
• Bake for 25 minutes until the pears are tender.
• Serve warm, garnished with a few extra walnuts if desired.

Notes

For an extra flavor twist, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.