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.

How This Tart Idea Came Together

The inspiration came from pairing warm winter spices with seasonal fruit. By layering spiced cream cheese beneath thinly sliced pears, the tart creates contrast and richness that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• Uses Simple, Everyday Ingredients
• Beautiful Presentation With Minimal Work
• Sweet, Savory, And Smoky Flavors In One Bite
• Ready In Under 30 Minutes
• Great For Parties, Snacking, Or Holiday Platters
• Delicious Warm Or Room Temperature

Helpful Tips Before You Start

• Use Firm Pears So They Slice Neatly
• Thin Slices Bake More Evenly
• Brush Pears With Oil To Enhance Browning
• Add Honey Only After Baking For Best Shine
• Toast Walnuts Before Adding For Extra Flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. Cream Cheese
2. Smoked Paprika
3. Cayenne (Optional)
4. Fresh Pears
5. Walnuts
6. Honey (Optional)
7. Olive oil (for brushing the pear slices only)

Tools You’ll Need

1. Shallow baking dish
2. Mixing bowl
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Pastry brush or paper towel
5. Oven

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) and grease the baking dish lightly.
2. Mix cream cheese, smoked paprika, and cayenne until smooth.
3. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Slice pears thinly and layer them over the cheese base.
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts across the top.
6. Brush the pears lightly with olive oil for even roasting.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
8. Let the tart cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets.
9. Drizzle with honey if desired for sweetness.
10. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Add A Pinch Of Cinnamon If You Want Warmth Instead Of Heat
• Swap Pears For Apples If Needed
• Replace Walnuts With Pecans Or Almonds
• Use Ricotta Instead Of Cream Cheese For A Lighter Tart
• Substitute Maple Syrup For Honey

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: Appetizer

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
• Pastry brush or paper towel
• 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.

What You Should See After Baking

• Golden edges with gentle bubbling
• Pears softened and lightly caramelized
• Walnuts toasted and aromatic
• Cream cheese layer set but still creamy

Texture Tips

• Use room-temp cream cheese for smoother spreading
• Thin pear slices ensure tenderness without overbaking
• Allow resting time so the tart slices neatly

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pears cut too thick, they won’t soften properly
• Skipping oil, pears won’t caramelize
• Too much cayenne, can overpower sweetness
• Serving immediately, cheese layer needs settling time

Nutrition Snapshot

• Serves: 4
• Calories Per Serving: 250 (Depending On Honey)
• Rich In: Healthy Fats, Fiber, Antioxidants

Storage And Reheating

• Store in fridge up to 3 days
• Reheat in oven for crisp edges
• Avoid microwaving, softens pears too much

Best Ways To Serve

• With Crackers Or Toasted Baguette
• On A Holiday Cheese Board
• As A Light Dessert With Extra Honey
• Beside A Green Salad For A Balanced Plate

Variations You Can Try

• Apple Cinnamon Walnut Tart
• Pear And Blue Cheese Tart
• Cranberry Pecan Holiday Tart
• Ricotta Honey Pear Tart
• Spiced Maple Almond Version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it ahead? Yes, assemble and bake later.
2. Can I use canned pears? No, they’re too soft.
3. Can I skip walnuts? Yes or replace with seeds.
4. Should the cream cheese be soft? Absolutely.
5. Does the tart need a crust? No, this is crustless.
6. How sweet is it? Mild, adjust honey as desired.
7. Can I use vegan cream cheese? Yes.
8. What pears work best? Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett.
9. Can I add herbs? Thyme works beautifully.
10. Is it kid-friendly? Yes, just skip cayenne.

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.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. 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.