This Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce is a refreshing twist on the classic applesauce, using roasted pears and apples for a naturally sweet, slightly caramelized flavor. It’s the kind of simple, rustic side that fits just as well on a holiday table as it does with everyday dinners. With warm spices and citrus zest, this sauce delivers both comfort and elegance in every spoonful.

What Is Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce?

It’s a warm, spiced fruit sauce made by roasting a mixture of apples and pears along with citrus juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of butter. Once baked until tender, the fruit is mashed or puréed into a rich, smooth (or chunky, if you prefer) sauce. Ina’s version elevates this humble dish with deep roasted flavors and balanced sweetness.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Naturally sweetened – No need for added sugar if your fruit is ripe
Perfect make-ahead side – Great for holidays or meal prep
Versatile in serving – Works as a side, dessert, or snack
Freezer-friendly – Stores well for later use
Kid-friendly and healthy – No artificial ingredients
Lovely for gifting – Especially around the holidays
Pairs with everything – Chicken, pork, or breakfast

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
3 apples (Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a medium baking dish or casserole.

Step 2: Prep the Fruit

Peel, core, and chop the pears and apples into even-sized chunks.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples and pears with orange juice, zest, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Roast the Fruit

Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Roast uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the fruit is soft and lightly caramelized.

Step 5: Mash or Purée

Remove from the oven and mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher for a chunky sauce.
For a smoother texture, purée in a blender or food processor.

Step 6: Serve Warm or Cool

This sauce can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Roast pork or pork chops – A natural pairing with sweet fruit
Thanksgiving turkey – A modern twist on cranberry sauce
Pancakes or waffles – Use as a fruity topping
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese – For a wholesome breakfast
Vanilla ice cream – Turns into an elegant dessert
Brie or goat cheese – Serve on a cheese board

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Use ripe fruit for best flavor – Slightly soft pears and sweet apples roast beautifully
Don’t skip the zest – It adds brightness that balances the sweetness
Adjust the sugar – Depending on your fruit’s ripeness, you may need more or less
Mash by hand for texture – If you prefer a rustic sauce
Blend for a silky finish – Ideal for smoother presentations
Double the batch – It freezes well and makes a great gift
Try different apple-pear combos – Bosc pears and Honeycrisp apples work well

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Add vanilla extract – Stir in ½ tsp after roasting for warmth
Spice it up – Use cloves, allspice, or ginger for fall flavor
Make it chunky – Reserve a portion of chopped fruit to stir in after mashing
Include dried fruit – Add raisins or cranberries before roasting
Use maple syrup instead of sugar – For a deeper, woodsy sweetness
Top with chopped nuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch
Turn it into dessert – Layer in parfaits or serve with pound cake

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Keep in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months
Cool completely before storing to avoid condensation
Label and date if freezing for later use

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce

Stovetop: Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 20mg

FAQs

Do I need to peel the fruit before roasting?

Yes, it’s best to peel both the apples and pears for a smoother sauce. The skins can become tough after roasting and may affect the texture.

Can I freeze roasted pear and apple sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months.

What apples and pears work best for this sauce?

Use sweet, firm varieties like Gala or Fuji apples and Bosc or Bartlett pears. These hold their shape and caramelize beautifully.

Can I blend the sauce instead of mashing it?

Definitely, use a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency. For a chunkier texture, mash by hand with a fork or masher.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear & Apple Sauce is more than just a side—it’s a warm, wholesome comfort food that celebrates the beauty of ripe fruit and slow roasting.