Mediterranean Pear Cranberry Brie Quesadillas with Hot Honey
Mediterranean pear cranberry brie quesadillas with hot honey are a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors wrapped in a crisp, golden tortilla. Thinly sliced pears and apples provide natural sweetness, cranberries add bursts of tartness, and creamy brie melts to create a luscious filling. A drizzle of hot honey adds gentle warmth and spice, taking this simple dish to an elegant, Mediterranean-inspired treat.
The recipe is versatile and customizable, allowing you to adjust sweetness, richness, and spice according to taste. Hot honey can be swapped with regular honey for a milder version, while adding fresh thyme or nuts elevates the flavor and texture. Overall, this dish embodies Mediterranean cooking principles: fresh, flavorful ingredients, balanced flavors, and satisfying textures.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 (makes 4 quesadillas)
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas
6–8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
1–2 pears, thinly sliced
1–2 apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
1–2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
Hot honey (or honey mixed with chili flakes), for drizzling
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves (optional), for garnish
Instructions
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, arrange slices of brie evenly, leaving a small border.
Layer thin pear and apple slices over the brie. Keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.
Spoon cranberry sauce or sprinkle dried cranberries over the fruit. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors.
Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to hold the filling.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil
Cook each quesadilla for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp, and the brie has fully melted.
Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, and slice into wedges.
Drizzle hot honey over the quesadillas and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
Use firm, ripe pears and apples to prevent sogginess.
Remove brie rind for a smoother melt.
Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts.
Slice fruit thinly and evenly for consistent texture.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce for tart bursts; dried cranberries add chewiness.
Add hot honey gradually for balanced sweetness and heat.
Serve immediately to maintain crispness.
Toasted walnuts or pecans can be added for crunch.
Slightly press quesadillas while cooking for even melting.
Pair with arugula or fresh greens for a refreshing contrast.
Variations
Substitute pears or apples with figs, peaches, or plums.
Swap brie with camembert or soft goat cheese.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach inside for freshness.
Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit for warmth.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.
Add a layer of nut butter (almond or hazelnut) for richness.
Incorporate roasted sweet potato slices for a heartier version.
Drizzle balsamic glaze instead of hot honey for tanginess.
Make mini quesadillas as finger foods for parties.
Serve alongside Greek yogurt or a fruit salad for brunch.
Q & A
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and cook just before serving for best texture.
Are these very sweet?
No, the combination of brie, sea salt, and hot honey balances sweetness and tartness.
Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What apples and pears work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala apples, and Bartlett or Bosc pears are ideal for sweetness and firmness.
Are these vegetarian?
Yes, and you can make them vegan by replacing brie with a plant-based cheese and using maple syrup instead of honey.
How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore crispness.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 4 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean pear cranberry brie quesadillas with hot honey are a delicious balance of crisp, creamy, sweet, and tart flavors. The combination of tender fruit, melted brie, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of hot honey creates a dish that feels indulgent yet light.
Perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or a festive appetizer, these quesadillas showcase how simple, seasonal ingredients can be transformed into a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired treat. Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both family meals and entertaining.