I love how these baked blue cheese stuffed pears bring together sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements in one elegant bite. Tender roasted pears are filled with rich blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fragrant thyme, then finished with a drizzle of spicy honey. I find this dish perfect for holiday entertaining, dinner parties, or whenever I want a simple yet sophisticated appetizer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 large Bosc pears
1–2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
1–2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
Flaky salt, for garnish
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F.
I slice the pears in half lengthwise and remove the core and seeds. I arrange them cut side up in a cast iron skillet or baking dish. I drizzle them with olive oil, season lightly with salt and black pepper, then turn them cut side down.
I bake the pears for about 15 minutes, until they are slightly tender.
I remove them from the oven and carefully turn them cut side up. I fill each cavity with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme. I return them to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese begins to soften and melt.
While the pears finish baking, I stir together the honey and Aleppo pepper in a small bowl.
I transfer the warm pears to a serving platter, drizzle them with the spiced honey, and finish with flaky salt and extra thyme if I like. I serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the walnuts for pecans or pistachios when I want a slightly different flavor and texture. If I prefer a milder taste, I use goat cheese instead of blue cheese. For a deeper sweetness, I drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top instead of spicy honey. I also like adding a thin slice of delicate cured meat before baking for a savory twist when serving these at dinner parties.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I place the pears in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. I avoid microwaving if possible, since I find it can make the pears too soft and affect the texture of the cheese and nuts.
FAQs
Can I make these pears ahead of time?
I like to roast the pears ahead of time and refrigerate them, then add the filling and bake again just before serving so they taste freshly made.
What type of blue cheese works best?
I prefer a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola for a smoother texture, but I also enjoy stronger varieties when I want a bolder flavor.
Can I use a different type of pear?
I find Bosc pears hold their shape best during baking, but Anjou pears also work well if they are still slightly firm.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
I consider this recipe vegetarian as long as the blue cheese used is made without animal rennet. I always check the label if that is important to me.
Can I serve this as a dessert?
I sometimes serve these pears as a light dessert by slightly increasing the honey and reducing the amount of salt, which enhances the sweet and savory contrast.
Conclusion
I truly enjoy how these baked blue cheese stuffed pears deliver elegant flavor with minimal effort. The contrast of sweet fruit, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and spicy honey makes every bite memorable. Whether I serve them for a holiday gathering or a cozy dinner at home, I always find they bring a touch of sophistication to the table.
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender roasted pears are filled with creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme, then drizzled with spiced honey for a beautifully balanced sweet and savory appetizer. This elegant dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
3 large Bosc pears
1–2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
1–2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
Flaky salt, for garnish
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise and remove the core and seeds. Arrange them cut side up in a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season lightly with salt and black pepper, then turn them cut side down.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Remove from the oven and carefully turn the pears cut side up. Fill each cavity with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme. Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese begins to soften and melt.
- In a small bowl, stir together the honey and Aleppo pepper.
- Transfer the warm pears to a serving platter, drizzle with the spiced honey, and finish with flaky salt and additional thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Swap walnuts for pecans or pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder taste.
Drizzle balsamic glaze instead of spicy honey for deeper sweetness.
Add a thin slice of prosciutto before baking for a savory variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Roast pears ahead of time and refrigerate, then fill and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
