These Baked Pear & Burrata Towers with Pomegranate & Pistachio Crunch are a festive, elegant dish that can be served as either an appetizer or dessert. The roasted pear slices are perfectly paired with the creamy, delicate burrata, the crunchy pistachios, and the sweet-tart pomegranate seeds. This stunning dish is not only visually impressive but also full of delightful textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
For the Pear Towers:
- 4 ripe pears, sliced horizontally into rounds
- 1 cup burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Pears: Slice the pears horizontally into even rounds. The slices should be uniform to create stable towers. A mandoline slicer is helpful here if you want perfectly even slices.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Cinnamon: Place the pear slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor and aroma.
- Roast the Pears: Roast the pear slices in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still holding their shape. Avoid overbaking to prevent the pears from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Assemble the Towers
- Layer the Pear Slices: Start stacking the pear slices on a serving platter, using the largest slices at the bottom and gradually working up to the smaller slices on top.
- Add Filling Between Layers: Between each layer of pear slices, add a spoonful of burrata cheese, a few pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. Continue stacking the pears and layering the fillings until you’ve created a tower. Aim for a nice balance between the pear, cheese, nuts, and fruit.
Step 3: Finish and Garnish
- Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle the honey over the assembled towers to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
- Garnish: Top the towers with extra pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the towers immediately while the pears are warm and the burrata is soft and creamy.
Helpful Tips for Baked Pear & Burrata Towers
Choose Firm Pears
To ensure the pear slices hold their shape during roasting, use firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou. These varieties retain their structure better when baked.
Slice Evenly
For stability in the towers, slice the pears into even rounds. A mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness, but a sharp knife will work well too.
Don’t Overbake the Pears
The pears should be roasted until they are just softened. Overbaking will make them mushy and difficult to stack. Keep an eye on them in the oven.
Serve Immediately
For the best texture and flavor, serve the towers right after assembling. The burrata is creamiest when fresh and warm, and the roasted pears have the perfect softness when freshly baked.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Alternatives
- Fresh Mozzarella: Swap burrata with fresh mozzarella for a mild, slightly chewy texture.
- Ricotta: If you prefer a lighter, fluffier cheese, use ricotta instead of burrata.
- Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist, substitute with goat cheese.
Nut Variations
- Walnuts: Use walnuts instead of pistachios for a different type of crunch and earthy flavor.
- Pecans: Pecans are a great alternative for a sweet, buttery crunch.
- Almonds: If you prefer a milder nut flavor, try chopped almonds.
Fruit Garnish
- Dried Cranberries: Substitute pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a chewy texture and festive color.
- Fresh Raspberries: Use fresh raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweet pear and honey.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries can add a pop of color and mild sweetness.
Sweetener Variations
- Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is a great vegan substitute for honey with a milder sweetness.
- Balsamic Glaze: For a savory twist, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the stacks to balance the sweetness.
Spices
- Nutmeg or Ginger: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for extra holiday warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these towers ahead of time?
Answer: While it’s best to serve these towers fresh to preserve the texture of the burrata and the crispness of the toppings, you can pre-slice and roast the pears ahead of time. Just assemble the towers just before serving to maintain the best texture.
2. What if I don’t have burrata cheese?
Answer: No worries! You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or even creamy goat cheese for a different flavor and texture.
3. Can I serve these towers cold?
Answer: While these towers can be served at room temperature, they are best enjoyed while the pears are warm and the burrata is soft and creamy.
4. What’s the best way to slice the pears evenly?
Answer: For uniform thickness, use a mandoline slicer, which helps ensure that each slice is the same size. Alternatively, a sharp knife can work, but be sure to slice carefully for consistency to keep the towers stable.
Conclusion
These Baked Pear & Burrata Towers with Pomegranate & Pistachio Crunch offer a beautiful, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted pears with creamy burrata, crunchy pistachios, and the burst of fresh pomegranate. It’s an elegant, festive dish that works wonderfully as either an appetizer or a light dessert. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of room for creative substitutions, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with both its stunning presentation and delicious taste.