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
Scale
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.
