“Baked” Pear Yogurt

This simple three minute Baked Pear Yogurt breakfast is shockingly easy and delicious. The pears are cooked until they are tender and everything is served on thick and creamy Greek yogurt with cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts.

Pears sometimes feel like the forgotten fruit of the fruit family, don't they? I always think about the obvious ones for cooking — apples, berries...well, mostly apples and berries. Oh, and also peaches, plums, sometimes pineapple. But very rarely pear. Usually, when I cook with pears, it's almost an afterthought, like, "Oh yeah, I bought pears that need to be eaten, what can I cook them in?"

However, once you start thinking about what you can add pears to, the gears really get going. That subtly sweet flavor and soft texture really add to a lot of dishes you wouldn't even think of. I like to eat them breakfast in oatmeal, for lunches sliced on a salad, or at dinner cooked with a tenderloin. They really are versatile. If you haven't gotten them into your food repertoire yet, I recommend you do so soon.

That being said, this recipe now happens to be one of my favorite, quick recipes for breakfast or a snack. The pear is "baked" in the microwave until it's nice and warm, softened, and delicious. Then I simply serve it over the top of a spoonful or two of Greek yogurt and top with walnuts. The texture of the pear mimics what you would get if you baked it, but without needing an hour in the kitchen. Can I get a wa-hoo?

Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Pear Yogurt

I tend to eat this all on its own for breakfast, but sometimes you need a heartier breakfast to really fill you up, or sometimes you have very hungry teenagers (or partners) who live with you and need a little more to get them through the day. Or, maybe you want to serve this dish as part of a bigger spread — like a holiday brunch. Whatever your need, I have you covered, as these other sides complement the pear dish quite nicely.

• Eggs. Any which way you like them. (Almost) everyone likes eggs and they make a great, hot side for any breakfast or brunch.
• A slimmed-down coffee cake will add a nice texture to your breakfast spread.
• If coffee cake isn't your thing, how about a carrot cake muffin?
• Almond flour pancakes can help round out your morning meal.
• A vegetarian breakfast burrito is a great dish to eat alongside to your morning baked pear yogurt.
• Use this topping (minus the yogurt) for a waffle or oatmeal bar.

Ideas for Customizing Baked Pear Yogurt

If you don't like pears, well, I don't know what to tell you, I guess you're out of luck. I kid, I kid. Though, really, I get it. Not everyone likes the same fruits. This would work well other ways, too.

• Swap pears for apples and "bake" them in the microwave as well. Though, they'll need a little bit more time. Maybe another minute or so.
• Try a flavored yogurt instead of plain with your pears.
• If you don't like almonds, how about walnuts or pecans instead?
• Add a little low-fat granola to the pears, yogurt, and nuts for some extra crunch and fiber.
• Use the whole mixture as a topping for your pancakes or waffles.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for added sweetness.
• Swap out the cinnamon for vanilla, nutmeg, or another of your favorite flavorings.
• Try the baked pears as a topping for a sweet potato.
• Instead of nuts, try adding seeds like sunflower or flax to the baked pears.
• Make your own fruit-on-the bottom yogurt, layering yogurt on top of the baked pears in several small containers for a sweet treat throughout the week.

What are the health benefits of eating pears?

Pears are a good fruit to add to a healthy diet for a number of reasons. First, they are a good source of fiber, with six grams in one medium-sized fruit. They are also low-calorie, and they can keep you feeling fuller, longer (which is a great thing if you are watching what you eat) by filling you up with their water and fiber content. Pears also provide you with up to 12 percent of your vitamin C intake for the day and 10 percent of vitamin K. They also contain potassium, calcium, riboflavin, protein, folate, and vitamin B-6.

Can you eat pear skin?

Yes, and in fact, I think the skin is the best part. Clean it off first though, by rinsing it under cool water and then drying it. Most of the fiber is in the skin, so if you don't eat that, well, you are missing out on a great nutrient. The skin also contains some anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and antioxidants. So go ahead, eat the whole fruit!