Discover the ultimate elegant appetizer that is deceptively simple to create. These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a triumph of flavor, combining sweet, juicy pears with tangy, creamy blue cheese and the perfect crunch of toasted walnuts, all drizzled with a touch of golden honey. If you’re searching for a sophisticated starter for your next holiday gathering, dinner party, or a simple yet special treat, this recipe is your answer. It’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
We’ll walk you through everything, from picking the perfect pears to pairing suggestions that will elevate your entire meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this unforgettable dish.
Why You’ll Adore This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance that will become a staple in your entertaining playbook.
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- Effortlessly Elegant: With its beautiful presentation and sophisticated flavors, this dish looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen, yet it’s incredibly easy to assemble.
- A Symphony of Flavors: The natural sweetness of the baked pears, the bold tang of blue cheese, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the sweet kiss of honey create a perfectly balanced and addictive bite.
– Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as a classic appetizer, a unique side dish for roasted meats, or even as a light, savory dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a main course like Easy Roast Spatchcock Turkey.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday feast, an intimate dinner, or a wine and cheese night, these stuffed pears fit the bill every time.
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using high-quality ingredients is crucial to let each flavor shine. Here’s what you’ll need.
Choosing the Right Pears
The star of the show! For baking, you want a pear that holds its shape and doesn’t turn to mush. Bosc or Anjou pears are excellent choices. They are firm, sweet, and have a dense flesh that stands up well to the heat of the oven. Look for pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch.
Selecting Your Blue Cheese
The bold, savory counterpart to the sweet pear. A creamy Gorgonzola is a fantastic, milder choice that melts beautifully. For a sharper, more intense flavor, consider a Roquefort or a classic Stilton. The choice is yours, and it’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste.
Essential Complements
Walnuts provide a much-needed crunchy texture and earthy flavor. Toasting them beforehand deepens their taste. Honey adds a final touch of sweetness that ties everything together. A drizzle just before serving is all you need. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely, subtle herbaceous note.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a truly memorable appetizer. It’s as easy as prep, stuff, and bake.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, wash and dry your pears.
- Halve and Core: Slice the pears in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or a small spoon to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small hollow for the filling.
- Prevent Browning: To keep your pears looking fresh, you can lightly brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice. This step is optional but recommended if you aren’t baking them immediately.
- Stuff the Pears: Fill the hollow of each pear half with crumbled blue cheese. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
- Add the Crunch: Top the blue cheese with a generous sprinkle of chopped, toasted walnuts.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven. Drizzle them generously with honey and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pears
Want to ensure your Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are flawless every single time? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the pears. You want them to be tender enough to pierce with a fork, but not so soft that they lose their shape.
- Toast Your Nuts: Always toast your walnuts before using them. It only takes a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, but it unlocks a tremendous amount of flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Allowing your blue cheese to come to room temperature will make it easier to crumble and stuff into the pears.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, you can easily customize it. For a different nutty flavor, try making Slow Cooker Candied Pecans and using them instead of walnuts for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
Add a Savory Element
For a salty, savory contrast, try wrapping each pear half in a thin slice of prosciutto before baking. The prosciutto will crisp up in the oven and adds an incredible depth of flavor.
Try a Balsamic Glaze
Instead of, or in addition to, the honey, a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze after baking adds a delightful tangy sweetness that complements the blue cheese perfectly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These stuffed pears are incredibly versatile. Serve them on a platter as a standalone appetizer, or place one half on a bed of arugula for a beautiful starter salad. They are the perfect prelude to a holiday dinner, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey. They also make a fantastic addition to a cheese board. For another cheesy appetizer idea, check out these Garlic Sausage and Cheddar Balls.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Planning for a party? You can halve and core the pears a few hours ahead of time. Brush them with lemon juice and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mix the cheese and walnuts ahead of time. When ready, simply stuff and bake. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the pears by halving and coring them a few hours in advance. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice, cover, and refrigerate. You can then stuff and bake them just before serving.
To prevent oxidation and browning, simply brush the cut surfaces of the pears with a small amount of fresh lemon juice right after you halve and core them.
Pecans are an excellent substitute for walnuts and offer a slightly sweeter flavor. Toasted almonds or even shelled pistachios would also work wonderfully for a different texture and taste.
The best pears for baking are firm varieties that hold their shape well, such as Bosc and Anjou. They have a dense flesh that becomes tender without turning mushy.
A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy cheese beautifully. For a sweeter pairing, a Port or a late-harvest Riesling works exceptionally well, especially if serving it as a dessert course.
An Elegant Appetizer Awaits
This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears recipe is more than just food; it’s an experience. It’s a simple, elegant, and delicious way to elevate any meal and impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or a small spoon to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a hollow in each pear half.
- Brush the cut sides of the pears with lemon juice to prevent browning, if desired.
- Fill the hollow of each pear with crumbled blue cheese, then top with chopped toasted walnuts.
- Arrange the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with honey, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Pears can be prepped up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Tip 3: Prosciutto can be wrapped around the pears before baking for a delicious salty addition.
