Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a showstopping blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them a delightfully unexpected appetizer or light dessert for any occasion. With soft, baked pears cradling a creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnut filling, each bite is pure harmony: luscious fruit, punchy cheese, and that irresistible kiss of honey. This dish brings together an incredible mix of textures and flavors—perfect for holiday gatherings or an impressive dinner party treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s so much beauty in the simplicity of this ingredient list. Every component brings something special to the table, contributing vibrant color, bold flavor, or just the right crunch. Let’s make every ingredient count in our Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears!
- Ripe but firm pears: The foundation of the dish, they should be just soft enough to yield to baking, but still hold their shape for stuffing.
- Crumbled blue cheese: This gives the dish its signature punch—look for cheese that’s rich, creamy, and aromatic.
- Chopped toasted walnuts: Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor and adds an addictive crunch to balance the tender pears.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that mellows out the bold blue cheese and brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): A sprinkle of fresh thyme brightens everything with a subtle herbal note.
- Pinch of black pepper: Just a little kick intensifies the cheese’s complexity and keeps things savory.
- Lemon juice: Brushed onto the pears, it preserves their color and adds a fresh, tangy hint.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. Carefully slice your pears in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the cores to create neat little hollows for the filling. Lightly brush the cut sides with lemon juice, which keeps the pears looking fresh and prevents any browning.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, honey, a sprinkle of fresh thyme if using, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir gently just until everything is incorporated—the walnuts should stay chunky and the blue cheese will blend slightly with the honey for a rich, creamy base.
Step 3: Stuff the Pears
Using a spoon, divide the blue cheese mixture evenly among the hollowed centers of your pear halves. Try to mound the filling just slightly, so each bite has plenty of flavorful stuffing.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Arrange your stuffed pears cut-side up on the lined baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are just tender and the cheese is warm and slightly melted. Your kitchen will smell positively heavenly at this point!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, drizzle generously with more honey. Enjoy your Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears while they’re warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
The finishing touches take these pears from lovely to absolutely elegant. A fresh sprig of thyme, an artful drizzle of honey, or a subtle scattering of more toasted walnuts make the dish extra inviting. Feeling fancy? A tiny splash of balsamic glaze adds dramatic flair and another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears sit beautifully alongside a platter of crostini, crisp salad greens, or a rustic charcuterie board. They’re a fantastic match for light, citrusy salads or even as a complement to roasted meats at a holiday table. Let your meal be as elegant or as relaxed as you wish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, nestle the stuffed pears on a bed of arugula or serve each half on a small appetizer plate with edible flowers for a pop of color. Tuck them into a brunch spread, or cut the pear halves into quarters and spear each piece with a toothpick for bite-sized party treats. However you present them, Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears never fail to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll hold up for two days, though the pears may soften a bit more as they chill.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe. The pears and cheese both tend to lose their lovely texture once thawed, so they’re best enjoyed fresh or just lightly chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the pears on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pears too soft. Always finish with a fresh drizzle of honey for best results!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! Gorgonzola or goat cheese offer a mellower profile, and both pair beautifully with pears and honey. Try to choose a cheese with plenty of flavor, as it’s the star of the filling.
Are Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears served hot or cold?
They’re most delicious served warm or at room temperature. Freshly baked, the cheeses are melty and aromatic, but letting them cool a little also brings out the sweetness of the pears.
Which pear variety works best for this recipe?
Bosc or Anjou pears are great choices, as they keep their shape during baking and aren’t overly juicy. Just make sure they’re ripe but still firm so they don’t collapse in the oven.
Can I make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the pears a few hours ahead; just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?
It is both gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a smart choice for a wide range of guests. Plus, it’s an easy yet luxurious dish to add to your entertaining menu!
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply magical about how Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears bring together bold flavors and gorgeous presentation with minimal effort. If you’re craving a dish that will wow friends and family, this recipe is a must-try. Go ahead—invite these pears to your next gathering and savor every sweet, savory, irresistible bite!
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed halves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, these baked pears offer a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears (halved and cored)
Stuffing:
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Lemon juice (to brush on pears to prevent browning)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice.
- Make the stuffing: Mix blue cheese, walnuts, honey, thyme, and black pepper. Fill each pear half with the mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until pears are tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Drizzle with honey and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve as an elegant appetizer, side, or dessert.
- For extra flavor, add balsamic glaze before serving.
- Can use Gorgonzola or goat cheese as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
