Caramelized Pear & Burrata Bites with Pomegranate & Nut Crunch

Caramelized Pear Burrata

Transform ripe pears into a luxurious dish with this recipe for Caramelized Pear Burrata Bites. This elegant appetizer blends velvety burrata, caramelized pear halves, and the tangy crunch of pomegranate seeds. Perfect for any occasion, Caramelized Pear Burrata is easy to prepare and delivers a gourmet experience in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Pears:

  • 2 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Toppings:

  • 1 burrata ball (or ½ cup fresh ricotta as an alternative)
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme

For Drizzle:

  • 1 tbsp honey (for garnish)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Caramelize the Pears

  1. To start, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
  2. Next, stir in the honey and cinnamon until the mixture is evenly combined and aromatic.
  3. After that, place the pear halves cut-side down in the skillet.
  4. Cook the pears for 5–7 minutes, or until the cut side turns golden brown and begins to soften.
  5. Then, flip the pears gently and cook the other side for 3–5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the pears cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Burrata and Toppings

  1. Meanwhile, carefully tear or slice the burrata into small portions. These will be used to top the caramelized pears.
  2. In addition, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant, remove from heat and chop roughly.
  3. At this point, prepare the pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish.

Step 3: Assemble the Pear Bites

  1. Next, arrange the caramelized pear halves cut-side up on a serving platter.
  2. Then, place a generous portion of burrata on top of each pear half.
  3. Following that, sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the burrata, ensuring each pear half is evenly garnished.
  4. Afterward, add the toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Drizzle

  1. To finish, garnish the assembled bites with fresh thyme sprigs for a burst of earthy aroma.
  2. Additionally, drizzle honey over the pears, ensuring each bite has a sweet glaze.
  3. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor balance.

Step 5: Serve
Finally, serve the pear bites immediately, either warm or at room temperature. These elegant bites shine as an appetizer or dessert, pairing beautifully with sparkling wine or tea.

Variations

  • Cheese Options: For variety, substitute burrata with fresh ricotta, mascarpone, or even a creamy blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
  • Nut Alternatives: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
  • Fruity Twist: To add complexity, include dried cranberries or raisins along with the pomegranate seeds.
  • Savory Version: If you prefer a less sweet version, omit the honey drizzle and use balsamic reduction for a tangy finish.

Cooking Notes

  • Ensure the pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during caramelization.
  • Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent the honey mixture from sticking or burning.
  • Moreover, adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of honey according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve these bites as a classy appetizer for holiday dinners or cocktail parties.
  • They pair exceptionally well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling rosé.
  • Alternatively, use as a decadent dessert alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips

  • Select pears like Bosc or Anjou for their firm texture and natural sweetness.
  • Toast the nuts just before serving to maximize their flavor and crunch.
  • Prepare the pomegranate seeds in advance to save time.
  • Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Protein: ~5 g
  • Sodium: ~85 mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can caramelize the pears and toast the nuts a few hours in advance. However, assemble the bites just before serving to maintain freshness.

Q2: What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Substitute with other herbs like rosemary, or simply leave it out. The dish will still be delicious.

Q3: Can I use canned pears?
Fresh pears are highly recommended for their texture and flavor. Nevertheless, canned pears can be a quick alternative. Pat them dry before caramelizing.

Q4: Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Certainly! Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the burrata with a creamy cashew cheese or coconut yogurt.

Conclusion

Caramelized Pear & Burrata Bites are a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a gourmet experience. Not only do the tender, caramelized pears pair beautifully with the creamy burrata, but the crunchy walnuts and tangy pomegranate seeds also provide a delightful contrast. Meanwhile, the honey drizzle ties it all together with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish is a celebration of flavor and texture. So why wait? Give it a try and savor every bite!

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Caramelized Pear Burrata

Caramelized Pear & Burrata Bites with Pomegranate & Nut Crunch


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 20

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Pears:

  • 2 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Toppings:

  • 1 burrata ball (or ½ cup fresh ricotta as an alternative)
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 23 sprigs of fresh thyme

For Drizzle:

  • 1 tbsp honey (for garnish)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Caramelize the Pears

  1. To start, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
  2. Next, stir in the honey and cinnamon until the mixture is evenly combined and aromatic.
  3. After that, place the pear halves cut-side down in the skillet.
  4. Cook the pears for 5–7 minutes, or until the cut side turns golden brown and begins to soften.
  5. Then, flip the pears gently and cook the other side for 3–5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the pears cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Burrata and Toppings

  1. Meanwhile, carefully tear or slice the burrata into small portions. These will be used to top the caramelized pears.
  2. In addition, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant, remove from heat and chop roughly.
  3. At this point, prepare the pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme sprigs for garnish.

Step 3: Assemble the Pear Bites

  1. Next, arrange the caramelized pear halves cut-side up on a serving platter.
  2. Then, place a generous portion of burrata on top of each pear half.
  3. Following that, sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the burrata, ensuring each pear half is evenly garnished.
  4. Afterward, add the toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Drizzle

  1. To finish, garnish the assembled bites with fresh thyme sprigs for a burst of earthy aroma.
  2. Additionally, drizzle honey over the pears, ensuring each bite has a sweet glaze.
  3. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor balance.

Step 5: Serve
Finally, serve the pear bites immediately, either warm or at room temperature. These elegant bites shine as an appetizer or dessert, pairing beautifully with sparkling wine or tea.

Notes

Cooking Notes

  • Ensure the pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during caramelization.
  • Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent the honey mixture from sticking or burning.
  • Moreover, adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of honey according to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Protein: 5g