Description
This elegant blue cheese stuffed pears recipe is a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy. Ripe pears are halved and filled with crumbled blue cheese, then lightly baked to enhance their flavor and texture. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts, this dish works perfectly as an appetizer, salad course, or even a refined dessert.
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm pears
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon honey
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it.
Cut the pears in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the center of each half.
Lightly brush the cut side of each pear with olive oil and place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the crumbled blue cheese with chopped nuts and thyme. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out centers of each pear half.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are just tender and the cheese is softened but not melted completely.
Remove from the oven and drizzle each stuffed pear with a little honey. Add a touch of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor contrast.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For added depth, roast the nuts before mixing them with the cheese. If you prefer a milder cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta instead of blue cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with arugula or mixed greens if served as part of a salad course. It’s also a great wine companion, especially with sparkling or dessert wines.