🧑🍳 Baked Pears with Blue Cheese
🍐 Ingredients:
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2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
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1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton)
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1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
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Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
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Pinch of black pepper
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Butter (optional, for greasing)
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
🔥 Oven Temp: 375°F (190°C)
🧆 Serves: 4
👨🍳 Instructions:
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Pears
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Cut the pears in half lengthwise.
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Use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the core and a little flesh to make a hollow for the filling.
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Assemble the Filling
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In a small bowl, mix blue cheese, chopped nuts, and 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup).
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Stuff the Pears
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Fill the hollowed-out centers with the blue cheese mixture.
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Bake
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Place pears cut side up in the baking dish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pears are soft and the cheese is slightly golden.
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Garnish & Serve
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Drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup.
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Sprinkle fresh thyme and a pinch of black pepper.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
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❓ Q&A: Baked Pears with Blue Cheese
Q: What type of pear works best?
A: Bosc and Anjou are ideal. They hold their shape when baked and have a subtly sweet flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep and stuff the pears in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for blue cheese?
A: Try goat cheese, feta, or brie if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
Q: Can this be made nut-free?
A: Absolutely. Just omit the nuts or substitute with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Q: Is this a dessert or an appetizer?
A: It works as both! The sweet and savory combo makes it a great starter or light dessert.
Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
A: Yes! Grill the pears cut-side down for a few minutes, then top with the filling and grill briefly until the cheese melts.
Q: How do I make it vegan?
A: Use plant-based blue cheese alternatives and maple syrup. Skip the butter or use a vegan version.
Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes pairs beautifully.