Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese is a deliciously unique dessert or appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors. The soft, roasted pears are paired with the tanginess of blue cheese, the sweetness of honey, and the crunch of walnuts, making it a delightful treat.
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese
Ingredients:
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4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work best)
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1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
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1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
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2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
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2 ounces blue cheese (crumbled; gorgonzola or Roquefort are good choices)
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
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A pinch of salt (optional, but it enhances the flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the pears:
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Cut the pears in half and remove the cores using a melon baller or a spoon. You can leave the skins on for extra texture and color.
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Arrange the pear halves on the baking sheet or in the baking dish, cut side up.
3. Prepare the filling:
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In a small bowl, toss the berries with the honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to coat them lightly. Set aside.
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In another small bowl, chop the walnuts and mix them with a pinch of salt (optional) to bring out their flavor.
4. Stuff the pears:
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Spoon a few berries into the center of each pear half, making sure they nestle into the cavity. You can add extra berries on top if you have any leftover.
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Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the pears.
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Crumble the blue cheese on top of each pear half. You want a nice amount, but feel free to adjust depending on how strong you like the blue cheese flavor.
5. Bake the pears:
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Drizzle a bit of honey over the pears to add some extra sweetness during baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are soft and the cheese has melted and turned golden. The exact time will depend on the size of the pears, so check with a fork to make sure they’re tender.
6. Serve:
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Once the pears are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with a little more honey, and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Q&A for Common Issues:
Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
A1: Yes! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, goat cheese or brie would work well in this recipe. They’ll melt beautifully and still give you that creamy, rich texture.
Q2: Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a slightly different flavor and crunch.
Q3: What if I don’t have fresh berries?
A3: You can use frozen berries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first. Alternatively, you can use dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different texture.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the pears (stuffed with berries, nuts, and cheese) and store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: To make this dish dairy-free, you can omit the blue cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or a drizzle of coconut cream for a creamy texture. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt for a tangy flavor, but it will change the consistency slightly.
Q6: Can I add some spice to this dish?
A6: Yes! If you want to add a little kick, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can complement the sweetness of the pears and honey. Just be careful not to overpower the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
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As a dessert: These baked pears make a perfect end to any meal, especially paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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As an appetizer: Serve them as a savory-sweet starter with a glass of white wine or champagne. The combination of blue cheese and pear pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a Prosecco.
This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy, making it a show-stopping addition to any meal. Enjoy! 😋