Festive Cheese and Pear Tart Recipe

Holiday parties are chaotic enough without worrying if your snack will hold up or fall flat. This dish started as a mishmash of leftovers – creamy cheese, ripe pears, crunchy nuts – and somehow turned into a crowd favorite.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels comforting yet unexpected, perfect for breaking out during the festive chaos.

Why This Snack Will Keep Coming Back to Your Table

It’s a surprise every time; the smoky-sweet combo is oddly addictive. Plus, it’s so easy to adapt – more spice, different nuts, seasonal fruits – making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

It’s a dish that feels festive without fuss, perfect for those quick moments of chaos before guests arrive. For an equally cozy pairing, the Classic Pecan Pie and the Roasted Squash Salad both complement these flavors beautifully.

Breaking Down the Flavors and Components

• Cream cheese: Creamy and tangy, it forms a luscious base; swap with mascarpone for extra richness.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth; substitute with chipotle powder for a spicier kick.
• Pears: Juicy and sweet, they soften beautifully; apples can stand in for crunchier texture.
• Walnuts: Crunchy and nutty, they add texture; pecans work well too.
• Cayenne: A pinch of heat to balance sweetness; omit for milder flavor.
• Honey (optional): Drizzled on top for extra sweetness and shine; maple syrup is a good swap.
• Olive oil: Lightly brushed on the pears for roasting; sesame oil can add a toasted note.

Tools and Equipment for This Festive Snack

• Shallow baking dish: To hold the layered snack evenly and allow for uniform baking.
• Mixing bowl: For blending the cheese and spices smoothly.
• Knife and cutting board: To slice pears and chop nuts.
• Oven: To bake the layered snack to perfection.

Festive Cheese and Pear Tart

This layered snack combines creamy cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy nuts baked together in a shallow dish, resulting in a savory-sweet tart with a golden top and tender fruit. The dish is assembled with simple layering, then baked until bubbling and fragrant, offering a comforting yet unexpected flavor profile perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Festive

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne optional, for heat
• 2 medium pears firm, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons honey optional, for drizzle
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing pears

Equipment

• Shallow baking dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and lightly grease your shallow baking dish to prevent sticking.
   
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with smoked paprika and cayenne, mixing until the spices are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   
3. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
   
4. Thinly slice the pears and arrange the slices over the cheese layer, overlapping them slightly for a layered look.
   
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the pears for crunch and nutty flavor.
   
6. Using a pastry brush or a paper towel, lightly brush the pear slices with olive oil to help them roast evenly and develop a slight caramelization.
   
7. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges are bubbling, the top is golden, and the pears are tender to the touch.
8. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly.
9. If desired, drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness and shine before serving.
10. Slice into squares and serve this warm or at room temperature, enjoying the harmony of smoky cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy nuts.

Notes

Feel free to customize with seasonal fruits or different nuts for variety. Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Perfection

• Ensure the cheese layer is smooth and evenly spread before baking.
• Watch for bubbling edges and a golden top as signs it’s ready.
• Check the texture of the pears; they should be tender but not mushy.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Overfilled baking dish.? Use a larger dish if ingredients spill over during baking.
• Burnt edges.? Reduce baking time if edges brown too quickly.
• Runny cheese layer.? Add a little more cream cheese if the topping is too runny.
• Over-torched top.? Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.

Try These Tasty Variations

• Apple & Cinnamon Twist – Replace pears with thinly sliced apples and add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy, fall-inspired version.
• Fig & Honey Delight – Swap pears for fresh or dried figs and finish with a generous honey drizzle for a deeper sweetness.
• Pecan-Spiced Tart – Use pecans instead of walnuts and add a hint of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic profile.
• Savory Herb Version – Skip the honey and cayenne; mix cream cheese with rosemary or thyme for a more savory appetizer.
• Maple-Walnut Bake – Drizzle maple syrup before baking for caramelized edges and an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with walnuts.
• Cranberry Pear Festive Mix – Add a handful of dried cranberries for tart pops of color and flavor, perfect for holiday tables.

Once out of the oven, this snack offers a sweet, smoky aroma that invites everyone to dig in. It’s perfect for when you want something different but still cozy.

Feel free to swap out the pears for apples or figs, or add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. It’s a simple, honest dish that surprises and satisfies.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora the curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.