Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful dish that marries sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy notes all in one bite, you are going to love these Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries. This recipe is like a warm hug from your oven—bringing together tender baked pears filled with melty brie cheese, crunchy walnuts, and tart dried cranberries. It’s the kind of elegant yet comforting creation that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for an appetizer, a light dessert, or even a cozy snack, this dish hits all the right flavor and texture notes that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients ready for these Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries is wonderfully simple. Each component plays a vital part in balancing the dish—the pears provide a juicy sweetness, the brie brings creamy richness, walnuts add an earthy crunch, and cranberries offer a burst of tartness that brightens every bite.

• 4 ripe but firm pears: Choose pears that are ripe enough to soften but still hold their shape after baking.
• 6 ounces brie cheese: Keep the rind on or trim it slightly; the rind melts nicely and adds extra flavor.
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and depth or use raw for a softer bite.
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries: These bring a lovely tart contrast to the sweet pears and creamy brie.
• 2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that adds a beautiful glaze and complements the fruit’s flavor.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds richness and a subtle woodsy sweetness to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps the pears brown and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the pears’ natural sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional garnish): Adds an herbaceous touch that makes the dish feel even more special.

How to Make Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your ripe but firm pears and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the core from each half using a spoon or melon baller so you have a perfect little well ready to be filled. This prep step is essential because it creates the perfect pocket for the brie, walnuts, and cranberries to mingle and melt into each luscious pear half.

Step 2: Arrange for Baking

Next, place your pear halves into a baking dish with the cut side facing up. Brush each half lightly with the melted butter, which will give the pears a beautiful golden glow as they bake. Sprinkle them evenly with cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt. This seasoning layer might seem small, but it makes a big difference in rounding out the flavors and making the sweetness pop.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Now fill each pear cavity with a mixture of chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. The walnuts bring a welcome crunch, while the cranberries introduce that bright, tart note which pairs amazingly with the buttery richness of the brie coming up next. Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over each pear for a subtle, smoky-sweet touch that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the pears bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the pears tender and juicy but still holding their shape so they don’t turn mushy. At this stage, the walnuts toast slightly inside the fruit, and the cranberries plump up with warmth—trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Add the Brie

Once your pears are perfectly tender, take the baking dish out of the oven. Gently nestle a small wedge of brie atop each pear half. Don’t worry about it melting away entirely; we want it soft, creamy, and just beginning to ooze. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes—a short time that transforms this dish from great to unforgettable.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Finally, drizzle warm honey over your pears right before serving—this step adds a glossy, sticky sweetness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. If you have fresh thyme, sprinkle some leaves on top for the perfect aromatic finish. Serve these warm and watch your friends’ faces light up as they bite into the exquisite harmony you’ve created!

How to Serve Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves are a classic garnish that adds a subtle earthiness and a pop of color, transforming your pears into a rustic and refined presentation. You could also sprinkle a bit of crushed pistachios or a few rosemary sprigs for a slightly different herbaceous twist.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own as an appetizer or dessert but can also make a beautiful accompaniment to a salad of bitter arugula or baby spinach dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier option, try serving alongside roasted chicken or a slice of crusty bread to mop up the melted brie and syrupy juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these baked pears on a platter with a spread of assorted cheeses and nuts, inviting guests to mix and match flavors. You can also stuff the pears with goat cheese instead of brie for a tangier variation or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like a hint of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though fresh is always best to enjoy the full combination of textures.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the delicate pears and creamy brie can become watery and lose their delightful texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This gentle heat helps the brie soften again without overcooking or drying out the pears. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause uneven heating and a less appealing texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! While brie is creamy and mild, you can experiment with camembert or even a rich goat cheese. Just choose something that melts well and balances the sweetness of the pears.

What kind of pears work best for this recipe?

Look for ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape nicely when baked and have a sweet flavor that complements the filling.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

You can swap the brie for a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making this an adaptable recipe for different diets.

Is it possible to prepare the pears ahead of time?

You can prepare and stuff the pears earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add the brie and bake them shortly before serving for the best melt and warm, fresh experience.

How sweet is this dish? Is it too sugary?

The Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries achieve a balanced sweetness from the natural sugar in pears, honey, and maple syrup. The tart cranberries and pinch of salt help cut the sugar so it never feels overwhelming—just deliciously harmonious.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way these Baked Pears with Brie, Walnuts, and Cranberries come together. They’re simple enough to make any night of the week but special enough to impress your guests or treat yourself. The blend of textures and flavors is a celebration on the plate, and I promise once you try them, they will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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