Homemade Pear Preserves

October 18, 2025

These amazing but simple Homemade Pear Preserves are made with honey, rosemary, and a hint of lemon. The sweet and savory mixture is perfect for hearty bread, cheese boards, or gifting during the holidays. Just know that your friends will be begging you for more!

homemade pear preserves with rosemary and honey in a glass dish with fresh pears and a crusty bread

Why You’re Going to Love These Homemade Pear Preserves

This Honey and Rosemary Homemade Pear Preserves recipe is one of those that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing while it simmers. Juicy pears, warm honey, and fresh rosemary come together in a perfectly sweet and lightly savory spread that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or entertaining.

Years ago, I catered the wedding dinner for my brother’s wedding. At the request of his darling bride, these preserves were on the menu as Honey Pear Bruschetta. They were an instant hit with everyone at the wedding as well as everyone in the kitchen! Every fall I make these preserves, just so I can have them on hand to make Honey Pear Bruschetta as well as a few other favorite recipes we’ve developed over the years. One of our newest favorites is Pistachio Pear & Brie Stuffed Sourdough–it’s heavenly!

It’s cozy, homemade, and just fancy enough to feel special — without being hard to make. You can spoon it over toast or pancakes, pair it with cheese and crackers, or even use it as a glaze for chicken or pork. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a batch now and enjoy the flavors of fall all season long.

How to Make the Perfect Homemade Pear Preserves

The secret to this recipe is to dice the pears and the fresh rosemary nice and small. Then cook the preserves on medium heat until it becomes a slightly dark, golden color. Stir only as needed and let it cook at a good simmer–not too low. I keep my heat at medium, or just slightly lower than medium.

Tips for Success:

Pick the Right Pears: Use firm ones like Bosc or Anjou so they hold up as they cook.
Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar depending on how sweet your pears and honey are.
Texture Tip: Like it smoother? Mash the pears a bit while cooking.
Make It Ahead: The flavor gets even better after a day or two.
Easy Gifting: Pour into small jars, tie with ribbon, and you’ve got a sweet homemade gift.

process photos showing how to make pear preserves

Serving Suggestions:

With Cheese: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar on a charcuterie board.
On Toast: Spread over warm sourdough or biscuits for an elevated breakfast.
As a Glaze: Spoon over roasted chicken or pork for a sweet-savory finish.
With Yogurt: Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a gourmet twist.
For Desserts: Use as a topping for vanilla ice cream or as a filling for crepes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips:

Refrigerate: Store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Make Ahead: The preserves taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

More Delicious Homemade Fruit Spread Recipes:

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