Honey Goat Cheese Baked Pears

$To make Honey Goat Cheese Baked Pears, gather these ingredients: - 4 ripe pears, halved and cored - 8 oz goat cheese, softened - 1/4 cup honey - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients blend well together. The pears become soft and sweet, while the goat cheese adds a creamy touch. The honey gives a nice glaze. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a milder flavor. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness. - Any nuts, like pecans or almonds, can work instead of walnuts. - Fresh rosemary or basil can be a fun twist instead of thyme. These substitutions help you personalize the dish to your taste. This dish serves four. Each serving has about: - 300 calories - 15g fat - 30g carbohydrates - 10g protein The pears provide fiber and vitamins. Goat cheese adds protein and calcium. Enjoy this treat without guilt! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat makes the pears soft and sweet. Next, take your ripe pears and cut them in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the core. Make sure to leave enough space for the filling. In a bowl, mix 8 oz of softened goat cheese, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the topping for your pears. Once your pears are ready, fill each half with the goat cheese mix. Don’t be shy; pack it in well! Then, place the stuffed pears in a baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts on top for a nice crunch. Drizzle a bit more honey over the pears for extra sweetness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. This helps the pears cook evenly. In the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the tops to brown just right. When they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before eating. These baked pears are great on their own, but you can make them even better. Serve them warm for a cozy treat. For a touch of color, add fresh thyme leaves as a garnish. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt. This adds a nice creaminess that balances the dish. Enjoy your tasty and simple treat! When picking pears, look for ripe ones. Ripe pears feel slightly soft when you press them gently. You can use Bartlett or Bosc pears for this recipe. They have the right sweetness and texture. Avoid pears that are too hard; they won't bake well. If your pears are not ripe yet, let them sit at room temperature for a few days. To boost the flavor, try adding more spices. Nutmeg or ginger can add a warm kick. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or figs. They add extra sweetness and texture. For a savory twist, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the goat cheese. This balance will make each bite better. A common mistake is overbaking the pears. Keep an eye on them in the oven. You want them tender, but not mushy. Also, don't skip the honey drizzle on top. It adds a nice glaze and extra flavor. Lastly, be careful when scooping out the pears. You want enough space for the cheese without breaking the fruit apart. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe, firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Varieties like Bartlett or Bosc work wonderfully. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the goat cheese filling for a unique twist. Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Serve Warm: These baked pears are best served warm, so allow them to cool slightly before enjoying for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. {{image_2}} You can switch out goat cheese for other cheeses. Cream cheese adds a smooth texture. Mascarpone gives a rich flavor. Feta cheese brings a salty kick. Each choice changes the taste. Play around and find what you love. Consider adding more flavor with fruits or spices. Dried cranberries or figs add sweetness. Fresh berries can boost color and taste. You can sprinkle nutmeg or ginger for warmth. These small changes make the dish unique. Pair baked pears with other tasty foods. Serve them with ice cream for a creamy treat. A scoop of yogurt can add tanginess. These options balance the sweet and savory flavors. Try serving with a salad for freshness. Each pairing enhances the overall meal. To store leftover baked pears, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. The cheese may harden a bit, but the flavor remains. When you want to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You could also microwave them for a quick option, but the oven gives better results. Freezing baked pears is an option, but they may lose some texture. To freeze, wrap each pear half tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Note that freezing may change the texture, but the taste remains delicious! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the pears and stuff them with the cheese mixture. Cover and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, just take them out and follow the baking steps. This saves time and still gives you a tasty treat. I recommend using ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears. These pears have a sweet taste and a soft texture. They bake well and hold their shape. Make sure they are ripe but not too soft. This ensures they cook evenly and taste great. Yes, you can try different cheeses. Cream cheese or ricotta can work well. Each cheese will give a unique taste. Goat cheese has a tangy flavor, but other cheeses can add creaminess. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor you want. This blog post covers key ingredients for your dish, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned how to choose the best pears and enhance flavors. I shared variations for fun twists and ways to store leftovers properly. Remember to consider common mistakes to get the best results. Trust your taste and experiment! Cooking should be fun, and you can create your perfect dish. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Honey Goat Cheese Baked Pears

A delightful dessert featuring ripe pears filled with a creamy goat cheese mixture, baked to perfection.

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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
8 oz goat cheese, softened
0.25 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup walnuts, chopped
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
to taste fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the pears in half and scoop out the core gently to create a small hollow for the filling.
In a bowl, mix the softened goat cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Spoon the goat cheese mixture generously into the hollowed-out center of each pear half.
Place the stuffed pears in a baking dish and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cheese filling.
Drizzle additional honey over the pears for added sweetness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pears are tender.
Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown slightly.
Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch.

Keyword baked, dessert, goat cheese, honey, pears