If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s a conversation starter all by itself, look no further than Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. This irresistible combination of sweet, juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a sticky drizzle of honey is a treat for all senses—bold, elegant, and surprisingly effortless to make. You’ll love how the warm, melty cheese plays off the fruit and nuts with each bite, turning a handful of pantry staples into a truly show-stopping dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears is how a short list of well-chosen ingredients can deliver such memorable flavors. Each one plays its own unique part, from balancing sweet and savory to offering that perfect textural contrast.
- Ripe but firm pears (3, halved and cored): Choose pears that give slightly when gently pressed—they bake up sweet and tender but hold their shape.
- Crumbled blue cheese (½ cup): The star of the show! Pick a creamy, bold blue cheese for maximum flavor, or swap for gorgonzola if you prefer something milder.
- Chopped toasted walnuts (¼ cup): Toasting brings out their aroma and adds crunch; pecans also work well in a pinch.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A gentle drizzle of honey lends luscious sweetness, balancing the robust cheese.
- Balsamic glaze (1 tablespoon): This syrupy reduction ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Chopped fresh thyme, optional (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh herbal note that beautifully complements pears and cheese.
- Pinch of black pepper: Just a touch for a subtle kick that makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, halve the pears lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and core with a spoon or melon baller. You want each half to have a little hollow—a perfect cozy spot for the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts until they’re combined. This little mixture is savory, nutty, and just waiting to tuck into those pear halves.
Step 3: Stuff the Pears
Arrange your prepared pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Spoon generous mounds of the blue cheese and walnut mixture into the hollow of each pear. Don’t worry if it spills over—the more, the merrier!
Step 4: Add Honey and Pepper
Drizzle each pear with a little honey and finish with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. This small step makes a big difference, blending fruit and cheese into one harmonious bite.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pears are fork-tender and the cheese is soft and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point—it’s hard to wait!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sophisticated sparkle of flavor. Scatter with fresh thyme if using, then serve your Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears warm or at room temperature. Elegant, inviting, and sure to steal the spotlight!
How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a bright, herbal note to your Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, while extra toasted walnuts or a little extra drizzle of honey can take things over the top. Don’t be afraid to add a few edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of color and whimsy if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Pair these pears with a crisp, peppery arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside lightly toasted baguette rounds and a chilled glass of white wine. Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears also shine as a unique addition to a cheese or charcuterie board—just watch them disappear.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the plate! Try serving these atop endive leaves for a handheld version, or slice each stuffed pear half and fan the pieces for a pretty, easy-to-eat display. For a party, use smaller seckel pears to make bite-sized, poppable appetizers your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have a few Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears left (which is rare in my house!), tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days—just be aware that the pears may soften a bit more over time.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal due to the delicate texture of the pears, you can tightly wrap and freeze the stuffed pears if needed. Defrost in the fridge before reheating, but expect the fruit to be much softer after thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, simply pop the pears into a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Microwaving is an option, but reheating in the oven helps preserve the delightful texture of the filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
Definitely! While Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears celebrate the bold flavor of blue cheese, gorgonzola offers a milder twist, and goat cheese gives you something a little tangy and creamy. Taste and choose what you love!
Which pear varieties work best for this recipe?
Look for ripe but firm varieties like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. These types bake beautifully without turning mushy, and their natural sweetness is perfect for this dish.
Can I prepare Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pears (stuff and season them) and store them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop them in the oven right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
What if I want to make this recipe nut-free?
You can leave out the walnuts entirely or substitute them with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. This way, everyone can still enjoy these gorgeous Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears worry-free.
Are Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears served best warm or at room temperature?
They’re delicious both ways! Warm from the oven, they’re gooey and fragrant, while at room temperature, the flavors mellow beautifully—either option is bound to please.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dazzle your guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary, Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are the answer. This unique dish transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor and elegance. Go ahead—try it out, and let every bite remind you just how joyful cooking (and sharing) can be!
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory with these delectable Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. Ripe pears filled with savory blue cheese and toasted walnuts, baked to perfection and drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze. A delightful appetizer or dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears (halved and cored)
Stuffing:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Pears: Arrange pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Make Stuffing: In a small bowl, mix blue cheese and chopped walnuts. Fill each pear half with the mixture.
- Season and Bake: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with black pepper, and bake for 15–20 minutes until pears are tender and cheese is melted.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These pears are versatile and can be served as an elegant appetizer or a sweet dessert.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese for varied flavors.
- For a savory touch, consider adding prosciutto to the stuffing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
