Easy Appetizer with Pear, Pomegranate, Goat Cheese and More
This easy appetizer is perfect for your next party or gathering with juicy pear, pomegranate, creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and candied nuts.
This easy appetizer is absolutely delicious with its sweet and juicy pear and delightful toppings. The pleasant combination of ingredients makes this recipe quite tasty with great texture. It has so much going for it, so come with me and I’ll show you why you’ll love it, what’s in it, how to make it and more!
Why You’ll Love this Pear Appetizer
- The tasty flavor of the pear with the mild sharpness of the cheese is a winning combination.
- You’ll love the taste and texture of the candied nuts and pomegranate garnish.
- It makes a great appetizer for your next festive fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s gathering.
- This treat is elevated, yet quick and easy to throw together.
- It’s the perfect lightweight snack to keep you satisfied between meals.
What’s in this Easy Appetizer Recipe
Pears – I use green Bartlett or D’Anjou pears for this easy appetizer. They’re commonly found at the grocery store in my area and go well with the other ingredients. To pick out a ripe pear, you’ll want a fruit that has slight give when pressed on. Avoid pears that are too hard as they are not yet ripe and bland in flavor. Overly ripe pears are too soft and start to get mushy. Also avoid pears with brown bruised areas that are softer than the rest of the fruit.
- Change it up: There are many types of pears that will work in this recipe, so choose your favorite! I think green pears look pretty with the white cheese and red pomegranate during the holidays.
Goat Cheese – This adds a little bit of creamy tartness to the appetizer and cuts the sweetness perfectly.
- Change it up: Brie cheese is another great option on this appetizer.
Honey– Just a light drizzle on top of each pear slice will do.
- Change it up: Pure maple syrup is another option with this recipe if that’s what you have on hand. Just like with the honey, a light drizzle will do.
Candied Pecans – This adds nice crunch, texture and sweetness to the recipe. I use candied pecan halves.
- Change it up: Candied almonds or walnuts also work well with this appetizer.
Pomegranate – Like the cheese, this also cuts the sweet and adds a little tartness to the dish. The texture is great too!
- Speed it up: If you are in need of saving time, grocery stores often sell the pomegranate seeds already removed from the fruit.
How to Make this Easy Pear Appetizer
The first thing I do is slice each pear lengthwise into about six “plates” or “discs,” creating a total of 12.
Next, I gently remove the seeds with a knife and try to avoid creating large holes in the pear slices, so the cheese doesn’t seep through the bottom.
Then, I spread a layer of goat cheese out to the edges of each pear slice, using all 4 ounces of goat cheese between the 12 slices. If the cheese is crumbling, I either let it come to room temp or pop it in the microwave for five seconds. It spreads easier this way.
Next, I add a pecan half on top of each cheese covered pear slice. I think it’s pretty placed it in the middle.
Then, I sprinkle about ½ tsp of pomegranate (about 5 seeds) to the top of each pear slice.
Lastly, I lightly drizzle honey on the top of each slice, using a quick back and forth motion.
Finally, we serve and enjoy this delightful and easy appetizer!
What to Serve with this Easy Appetizer?
The right beverage served along side this appetizer will add to the experience. Here’s a few options that pair well with this dish:
White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are fantastic alongside this recipe with it’s creamy cheese and lovely fruit.
Sparkling Water – Sparkling water is another option if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it with a fresh lemon wedge for added flavor. If you are serving this appetizer at a holiday party, add a few pomegranate seeds and garnish it with a sprig of rosemary for a festive look.
Ginger Ale – The ginger in this fizzy beverage goes very well with the flavors in this appetizer.
Sparkling Cider – Traditional Apple Cider also works well served alongside this recipe. Apple cranberry is a great option too.
Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers
Making Ahead
I recommend making this appetizer fresh. You can, however, remove the pomegranate from the fruit ahead of time to slightly speed up this already quick and easy appetizer.
Storing Leftovers
Although I always recommend making and eating this appetizer fresh, store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container or baggie. I recommend consuming leftovers within 24 hours.
Thank you for taking the time to check out this easy appetizer with pear and goat cheese. Let me know what you think it the comments below!
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Easy Appetizer with Pear, Pomegranate, Goat Cheese and More
Ingredients
- 2 Pears
- 4 oz Creamy Goat Cheese * Log, not crumbled
- 2 Tbsp Pomegranate Seeds
- 12 Candied Pecan Halves
- 2 - 3 Tbsp Honey
Instructions
- Slice each pear into six “plates” or “discs,” creating a total of 12 slices.
- Gently remove the seeds with a knife. * Try and avoid creating large holes in pear slices when removing seeds so the cheese does not seep through the bottom.
- Spread a layer of goat cheese out to the edges of each slice of pear, using all 4 ounces between the 12 slices. *If cheese is crumbling and not spreading well, bring the cheese to room temperature or microwave it for five seconds.
- Place one candied pecan half on top of the cheese and in the center of each pear slice.
- Sprinkle ½ tsp (about 5 seeds) of pomegranate to the top of each pear slice.
- Lightly drizzle honey on top of each pear slice using a back-and-forth motion.
- Serve and enjoy!
