Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey & Pecans
Delicious Baked Pears with Goat Cheese Honey and Pecans create an unexpected flavor combination you didn’t know you needed. Firm, slightly underripe pears get brushed with melted butter and fresh rosemary, roasted until tender, and finished with a golden honey drizzle and toasted nuts.
Whether you need an easy snack, a stunning appetizer, or an easy dessert, this reader-favorite recipe has been a go-to since 2017.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Pear for this Recipe
During pear season, you will find roughly ten different varieties at the market, but the firm ones work wonderfully here. Bosc pears, Bartlett, and Anjou pears hold their shape best in the oven. Avoid overly ripe fruit, as soft pears turn mushy when exposed to high heat.The firmness factor: Look for pears that are just slightly firm to the touch so they stand up to baking while developing natural sweetness.
- To peel or not to peel: The skin is entirely edible and adds a bit of texture and structural stability, but feel free to peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
- The apple swap: If pears are out of season or not your favorite, sweet apples work just as well using the exact same method.
Building the Flavors
The earthy, piney notes of fresh rosemary pair beautifully with the tangy richness of goat cheese. To balance that tang, a sweet fruit is essential. If you prefer a milder option, cream cheese makes a lovely substitute and complements the flavors of this dish.
A drizzle of honey and toasted pecans round out the dish with a satisfying crunch. If you don’t have pecans on hand, chopped almonds or walnuts are equally delicious. For an extra seasonal twist, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a blend of both.
Tips for Success
- Watch the bake time: Bake at a high heat of 425°F (220°C) for just a few minutes. They should be warm and tender with melted cheese, but not falling apart.
- Give them space: Leave plenty of room between the slices on your baking sheet, and always line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm or at room temperature. An elegant appetizer, or a sweet/savory dessert. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco, and adding a handful of baby arugula turns the whole platter into a fresh, elegant salad.
More Ways to Enjoy Pears
Once you fall in love with roasted fruit, it is hard to stop. Pears bring a natural sweetness and crisp structure that transitions effortlessly from simple weeknight side dishes to stunning centerpieces.
- Pear and Crispy Prosciutto Salad: A bed of crisp greens gets tossed with thinly sliced fresh fruit, salty crumbled prosciutto, and toasted walnuts for an effortless balance of sweet and savory.
- Easy Pear Tart: Slices arranged over a buttery pastry crust create a rustic showstopper that makes the most of peak season produce.
- Pear and Goat Cheese Quiche: A rich, savory custard meets sweet autumn fruit and tangy cheese inside a flaky crust, making it a stellar weekend brunch option.
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey & Pecans
Video
Ingredients
- 4 firm/slightly underripe pears, cut into ¼-inch (½ cm) thick slices (see note)
- 1 tablespoons (14 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon (1 gram) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Goat cheese, crumbled
- Good honey
- ¼ cup (32 grams) toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pear slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with the chopped rosemary. Bake for 8 minutes, or until tender and warm, but not too soft.
- Remove the pears from the pan and allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer the slices to a serving platter and top with crumbles of goat cheese (however much you like), drizzle with honey and top with pecans.
Fast, easy to make, delicious! Thank you for the great recipe!
You’re welcome, thank you for the feedback.
How does one serve this? I am making this for guest but I can’t think of a good way to present this as an appetizer.
You can serve this one of two ways. If you look at my pictures, I serve it on a slate platter along with deli meats like charcuterie/family style. Or, you can individually plate it for your guest alongside the deli meats or something else of your liking. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy.
Yes, thank you!
You’re welcome
Good flavor profile, however, a few more tips and tricks with cutting the pears and putting the goat cheese on top (since it is very soft), might be advised. I used walnuts, bosc pears and wildflower honey. Also, I removed the unsightly spots and core.
Good recipe,
I’m sorry that there was no pear slicing tips, but I can add this. I usually just lay the pear on it’s side and slice until I reach the core. I’m happy you enjoy the flavors and walnuts really are delicious in this also.
I added a smidge of cinnamon the 2nd time I made these and the heavens sang. Nothing is better than pears.
Thank you for this delicious tip and great feedback. I’m definitely going to try this.
I made this for entertaining last weekend. I used toasted walnuts and it was such a hit.
I’m in love with these dish. I’ve made it a few times now.