Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
When the weather starts cooling down and the leaves are falling you know it’s Pear season. Pears are an Autumn fruit and are readily available through the Winter Months. Pears are very versatile and are delicious just on their own or are incredible in baked recipes such as this one. My Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts then drizzled with a bit of honey are just sublime.
This medley of flavors will become a go to recipe for your holidays. The salty and savory you get from the blue cheese pairs so nicely with the sweetness from the pears themselves. A light drizzle of honey over the salty walnuts makes this a beautiful and mouthwatering combination.
Some people like to serve this as an appetizer maybe enjoyed with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio. I prefer to serve this along with a meal such as your holiday Turkey. The slight sweetness of these baked pears is incredible along with a Turkey or a Pork Roast and of course still serve that glass of wine!
So, without further ado, let’s dive into how you can create this simple yet stunning recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The Perfect Flavor Balance
The creamy, tangy blue cheese complements the sweet, caramelized pears. Add crunchy walnuts and a hint of honey, and you have a dish that is equal parts savory, sweet, and satisfying.
Versatility of Pears
With so many varieties to choose from—Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, Comice, or Asian pears—you can’t go wrong. Bartlett pears were used in this recipe, but Bosc pears are another excellent option, as they hold their shape well during baking.
Effortless Elegance
This dish is deceptively simple to prepare yet looks and tastes gourmet. A few easy steps transform fresh pears into a restaurant-worthy creation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pears
Start by halving the pears and using a melon baller to scoop out the cores and create a small well. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper add depth to their natural flavor.
Baking the Pears
Bake the pears cut-side down for 15 minutes at 400°F. This softens the flesh and begins to caramelize the sugars for that signature roasted taste.
Adding the Fillings
Turn the pears over and fill the wells with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and thyme leaves. Bake for an additional 8 minutes until the cheese is gently melted and the toppings are warmed through.
Finishing Touches
Transfer the pears to a serving platter and drizzle lightly with honey. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, flaky sea salt, and fresh ground pepper for an added burst of flavor. Garnish with thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These baked pears are incredibly versatile:
- Serve as a warm appetizer with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio.
- Pair with a holiday turkey or pork roast for a unique and slightly sweet side dish.
- Include them as part of a festive cheese board.
No matter how you choose to serve them, your guests will marvel at their gourmet appearance and incredible flavor.
More Recipes to Elevate Your Holiday Table
Looking for more seasonal dishes to wow your guests? These recipes are perfect complements to your holiday spread and pair beautifully with the flavors of these Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts:
- Cranberry Brie Bites: These bite-sized appetizers combine the creamy richness of Brie with the tartness of cranberries, offering a perfect balance to the sweetness of baked pears.
- Wonton Sausage Stars: Crispy wonton wrappers filled with savory sausage and cheese, these stars add a delightful crunch and savory note to your spread.
- Shrimp Shooters: Elegant and fun, these individual shrimp cocktails served in shot glasses bring a refreshing seafood option to your table.
- Cranberry Raspberry Martini – A festive and fruity cocktail that balances sweet and tart notes, making it the perfect sip to start or end your meal.
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts are a must-have recipe for the holiday season. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they elevate any table with their elegant presentation and harmonious blend of sweet and savory.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these pears are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Baked Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Pan
Ingredients
- 3 Bartlett Pears
- 1 TB Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Blue Cheese Crumbled
- 1/3 Cup Chopped Walnuts
- 4 Sprigs Thyme with Leaves Removed More full sprigs for garnish
- 1-2 TB Honey
- 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Flaky Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
Instructions
- Cut pears in half and using a melon baller scoop out core and create a well in each half
- Place pears in pan or baking dish cut side up and drizzle with Olive Oil and season with salt and pepper – Turn cut side down and Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes
- Remove from oven and turn pears over and fill with Blue cheese, Walnuts and Thyme and Bake for approx 8 minutes until cheese is slightly melted
- Transfer to platter and drizzle lightly with honey, sprinkle with red pepper, flaky Sea Salt, Fresh Pepper and Thyme leaves
