If you adore the perfect blend of sweet and savory, you are going to fall head over heels for this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to prepare, showcasing the luscious softness of baked pears wrapped around a rich, tangy blue cheese filling. The sweetness of honey and the crunch of nuts elevate the flavors, making each bite a delightful party in your mouth. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a sophisticated snack, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the dish. From the firm pears providing a juicy base to the creamy cheeses delivering bold flavor, and the nuts adding a satisfying crunch, every element works together beautifully.
- 4 ripe but firm pears: The star of the show, these should be just ripe enough to soften when baked but still hold their shape perfectly.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles: Adds that signature tangy, pungent kick that defines this recipe.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Balances the blue cheese’s boldness with smooth creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Provides a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for drizzling: Brings natural sweetness that complements the sharp cheese and pears.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme leaves: Adds a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- Pinch of black pepper: Enhances the complexity and gives a gentle spicy warmth.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a baking dish large enough to fit all pear halves comfortably. Carefully halve the pears and remove the cores, making a lovely pocket to fill. Lay the pears cut side up in the baking dish, ready to be dressed for their starring role.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese crumbles, softened cream cheese, chopped nuts, honey, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined, forming a creamy yet textured filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Generously spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The pears should become tender but not mushy, and the filling will warm through and develop a golden edge, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe from the oven and drizzle with a little extra honey. This final touch adds a glossy sweetness that provides a perfect balance to the savory filling, making the dish absolutely divine.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this recipe even further, consider sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped toasted nuts on top just before serving. These simple garnishes not only add a pop of color and freshness but also reset the flavor with subtle herbal and crunchy highlights that wow every time.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads like baby arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or even a beet and walnut salad. The fresh, peppery flavors of salads work perfectly to counterbalance the richness of the blue cheese-stuffed pears, creating a harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the pears on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra nuts, honey pots, and fresh herbs. Alternatively, place them atop small salad beds or in elegant individual bowls to charm your guests with both taste and appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the pears’ tenderness and the filling’s creamy texture.
Freezing
Due to their delicate texture, freezing baked pears isn’t recommended as they can become watery and lose their integrity after thawing. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will gently warm the pears and filling without drying them out, restoring that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese gives this recipe its signature tang and depth, you can experiment with goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamy twist. Just remember that blue cheese’s unique flavor is what truly defines the dish.
What kind of pears work best for this recipe?
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm, like Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer great balance between sweet and juicy, which is crucial for wonderful results.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the cheese filling a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before stuffing the pears to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe contains no meat and is perfect for vegetarians looking for a flavorful and elegant appetizer or snack.
How can I make the recipe sweeter?
For a sweeter version, try adding dried cranberries or a handful of chopped dried apricots to the cheese mixture. The extra sweetness pairs beautifully with the blue cheese’s sharpness for an indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that impresses every time – simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, these stuffed pears deliver warmth and flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. Happy baking!
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful appetizer features ripe but firm pears halved and cored, then stuffed with a creamy mixture of blue cheese, cream cheese, chopped nuts, and honey. Baked to perfection at 375°F, the pears become tender while the filling turns warm and slightly golden. Finished with a drizzle of honey, these Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears balance sweetness and savory flavors, making them an elegant and easy-to-prepare starter for any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the pear halves.
- Prepare Pears: Arrange the halved and cored pears cut side up in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the blue cheese crumbles, softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, honey, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Stuff Pears: Spoon the cheese and nut mixture evenly into the center cavities of each pear half, pressing lightly to fill.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is warm and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove pears from the oven and drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- This appetizer can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining.
- For a sweeter variation, add a tablespoon of dried cranberries to the cheese and nut filling.
- Use either walnuts or pecans based on your preference for texture and flavor.
