Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey Recipe

Sweet, savory, and just the tiniest bit spicy—these Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” are genuinely something special. Ripe pears cradle tangy vegan feta, with a crunchy sprinkle of walnuts and a swoosh of chili-thyme “honey” that will totally wake up your tastebuds. This plant-based showstopper is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy, elegant appetizer or lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your short-but-powerful lineup; every ingredient in Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” plays a starring role, from juicy pears to that bold, sticky drizzle. Here’s why you’ll love each component in this crave-worthy creation:

• Pears: Choose firm-yet-ripe pears—they turn buttery soft in the oven without falling apart. Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc are all excellent picks.
• Vegan feta cheese: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version; its tangy creaminess is divine against mellow pear.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle keeps the pears juicy and helps everything roast to golden, tender perfection.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A generous sprinkle really lifts the flavors and complements both the sweet and savory notes.
• Raw walnuts: Chopped and pressed into the cheese, they add an earthy crunch and a hint of toasty depth.
• Maple syrup (or vegan “honey” or agave): This forms the sticky-sweet backbone of that irresistible hot “honey.”
• Red chili pepper flakes: Essential for that addictive, spicy kick in your drizzle.
• Dried thyme: Brings a whisper of herbal complexity that brightens the “honey.”
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness and helps the hot “honey” sing over the pears.

Variations

This recipe for Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” is endlessly adaptable—swap out nuts, adjust the spice, or even experiment with flavors to make it truly your own! Here’s how you can riff on the original:

• Different Nuts: Try pecans, pistachios, or even toasted hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a fresh crunch.
• Spice Level: Dial the heat up or down by adjusting those chili flakes—or add smoked paprika for a subtly smoky twist.
• Fruit Swap: Baked apples or quinces are delicious alternatives if you’re out of pears or feeling adventurous.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not into vegan feta, try a plant-based blue or herby almond cheese for a new flavor dimension.

How to Make Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey

Step 1: Prep the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears lengthwise and use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out the cores, making a little boat for all that creamy feta. Don’t worry about perfection—just enough room for the filling is perfect!

Step 2: Arrange and Season

Nestle the pear halves, cut-side up, into a small casserole dish so they’re snug but not squeezed. Rub with a touch of olive oil and season generously with freshly ground black pepper to enhance those sweet and savory flavors.

Step 3: Fill and Top

Crumble vegan feta cheese into the cavity of each pear half—go ahead and really pack it in! Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top, pressing a few gently into the cheese to help them stick and get nice and toasty during baking.

Step 4: Drizzle and Bake

Give the pears another light drizzle of olive oil, then bake uncovered for about 40 minutes. The pears should turn golden and yield easily to a fork, while the feta softens and the walnut tops toast up beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Hot “Honey”

While the pears bake, make your hot “honey”: Combine maple syrup (or vegan honey/agave), chili flakes, and dried thyme in a small saucepan. Gently heat on medium-low until it just simmers, stir in apple cider vinegar, then cool for a few minutes before serving. This drizzle is pure magic over the warm pears!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate the pears while they’re still warm and drizzle enthusiastically with plenty of hot “honey.” Each forkful of Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” will offer a burst of creamy, sweet, savory, and spicy goodness—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.

How to Serve Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey

Garnishes

Finish off your Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or microgreens for a colorful, herby touch. A light dusting of extra black pepper or a sparkly pinch of flaked sea salt right before serving makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

These baked pears are lovely with a simple arugula salad, a crusty wedge of sourdough, or even served alongside vegan lentil soup. For a dinner party, pair them with a platter of grilled vegetables and a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Creative Ways to Present

For a buffet, serve each pear half on a chic slate or wooden board, or arrange them in individual ramekins with a drizzle of hot “honey” tableside. If you’re feeling whimsical, skewer mini pear halves for festive, sweet-savory cocktail bites at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pears may soften a bit more, but they’ll stay sweet, creamy, and perfectly snackable.

Freezing

While you *could* freeze baked pears, their texture tends to get too soft and watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy them freshly baked or from the fridge instead!

Reheating

To reheat, place pears in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through—about 10–12 minutes. Drizzle with fresh hot “honey” right before serving for that perfect flavor hit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need a recipe that delivers elegance with zero fuss and maximum flavor, Vegan Baked Pears With Feta & Hot “Honey” are it. I hope you’ll give these a try—whether for a special dinner party, a simple lunch, or a cozy treat after a long day. You deserve every sweet, savory, spicy bite!

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