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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you love a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little tangy bite, then this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is going to knock your socks off. I absolutely love this because it’s ridiculously easy yet feels so elegant—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again, trust me.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly Elegant: Turns simple pears into a beautiful appetizer or dessert with minimal prep time.
  • Flavor Combo Magic: The sweetness of pears balances the bold, creamy blue cheese perfectly.
  • Versatile Dish: Great warm, room temperature, or paired with salads and wines for multiple occasions.
  • Nutty Crunch: Adding walnuts or pecans brings an irresistible texture contrast you’ll crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe lies in its simple and fresh ingredients—you’ll find they come together so naturally. When shopping, look for pears that are ripe but still firm, so they hold up well during baking.

Flat lay of two ripe but firm pears halved lengthwise, a small white bowl of crumbled blue cheese, a small white bowl of chopped walnuts, a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, pear appetizer, elegant party appetizers, blue cheese pear bites, cheese stuffed fruit
  • Pears: Choose firm Bartlett or Bosc pears for sweetness without getting mushy.
  • Blue cheese: A crumbly variety adds that signature tang, but balance it by picking milder brands if you prefer less pungency.
  • Walnuts or pecans: Toast them lightly beforehand to boost their flavor and crunch.
  • Fresh thyme: Its subtle herbal notes complement both pear and cheese beautifully.
  • Honey: Drizzled on top, it brings out all the complex flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering.
  • Olive oil: For brushing the pears to help them bake evenly and develop a delicate glaze.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love about this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to play around with the nuts, cheese, or herbs to find your perfect combo. I often swap walnuts for toasted pecans or try goat cheese for a milder flavor profile.

  • Cheese Swap: I once made these with creamy goat cheese when blue cheese was too strong for guests—it was a hit!
  • Nuts Variation: Roasted pecans instead of walnuts add a slightly sweeter crunch I really enjoy.
  • Herbs Twist: Fresh rosemary can work great if thyme is not on hand, giving a piney aroma.
  • Sweet Kick: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for fall gatherings deepens the flavor even more.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pears with Care

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment or lightly greasing it with olive oil. Slice your pears in half lengthwise, and here’s my favorite trick: use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core gently, creating a little well perfect for stuffing without breaking the pear apart. Brush the cut sides with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist and help them roast beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Filling Like a Pro

In a small bowl, crumble blue cheese and toss in your chopped toasted walnuts and fresh thyme leaves. I discovered that toasting the nuts first really elevates this mixture by adding extra warmth and depth—totally worth the extra minute or two. Blend everything gently so the morsels stay distinct but evenly combined.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake to Perfection

Spoon your cheese and nut mixture into each pear half’s hollow. Don’t overfill; you want the flavors to meld but not overwhelm the delicate pear. Pop them into the oven for about 15-18 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape and the cheese has softened but hasn’t completely melted away. I like to keep an eye on the first batch since oven temps can vary, and you want that perfect texture.

Step 4: The Perfect Finishing Touch

Right after pulling them out of the oven, drizzle each pear half with honey. This little sweet kiss really balances the tang of the cheese and the earthiness of the nuts. Finally, a few turns of freshly ground black pepper brings it all together. Serve these beauties warm or at room temperature—I’ve enjoyed them both ways depending on the occasion.

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Pro Tips for Making Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

  • Choose Firm Pears: I learned the hard way that riper pears get mushy when baked, so always pick ones that are ripe but still sturdy.
  • Toast Nuts First: Toasting really brings out the flavor and adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy cheese.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the pears so they’re tender but not falling apart—you want that elegant shape and texture.
  • Honey Right at the End: Add honey after baking to keep the sweetness fresh and vibrant without caramelizing.

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes here—fresh thyme sprigs or a few whole toasted nuts sprinkled on top add a lovely touch. Sometimes I like to add a little drizzle of extra honey just before serving for that sticky-sweet shine that makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe shines when paired with peppery arugula or mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. It also pairs beautifully with crisp white wines or sparkling rosé if you’re entertaining. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these stuffed pears on a wooden serving board with clusters of grapes and nuts scattered around for an inviting cheese board vibe. For holiday dinners, serving each pear half nestled on a bed of microgreens in individual small dishes is a showstopper—and easy to prep ahead of time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they’ll keep nicely for up to 2 days without losing much texture or flavor—though they’re honestly best fresh.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t something I usually recommend for this recipe because the texture of the pears changes after thawing, becoming a bit watery. But if you want to try, wrap each pear half tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Just be prepared for a softer bite after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the pears intact without drying out the cheese. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep textures just right.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pears for this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe?

    Absolutely! While I recommend firmer varieties like Bartlett or Bosc for their texture, you can experiment with other pears like Anjou as long as they’re not overly ripe to maintain structure during baking.

  2. What if I don’t like blue cheese—any alternatives?

    No problem! Goat cheese or ricotta work wonderfully as milder substitutes, providing creamy texture without the strong tang of blue cheese, making the recipe more approachable for picky eaters.

  3. How do I prevent pears from getting mushy when baked?

    Choosing pears that are ripe yet firm is key. Also, watch your baking time closely—about 15-18 minutes is ideal to soften the pears just enough without them falling apart.

  4. Can I prepare the pears ahead of time?

    You can core and stuff them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, but I recommend baking them shortly before serving to capture the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. I remember bringing it to a dinner party once, thinking it’d be just a small hit, and it turned into the star of the show with everyone asking for the recipe. You really can’t go wrong here—the combination of creamy blue cheese, sweet juicy pears, crunchy nuts, and a honey drizzle is simply irresistible. I hope you love making and savoring this as much as my family and I do!

Print
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 stuffed pear halves (serves 2-4)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears offer a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer or light dessert. Ripe but firm pears are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of crumbled blue cheese, chopped nuts, and fresh thyme, then baked to tender perfection. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper, this dish combines sweet, salty, and nutty flavors for a beautifully balanced treat that pairs perfectly with salads or wine.


Ingredients

Fruits

  • 2 ripe but firm pears

Cheese and Nuts

  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Black pepper to taste

Other

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Olive oil for brushing


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise and carefully remove the cores and seeds using a spoon or melon baller, creating a hollow center for the stuffing.
  3. Brush Pears: Lightly brush the cut sides of the pear halves with olive oil and arrange them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese with the chopped walnuts or pecans and fresh thyme leaves to create the stuffing mixture.
  5. Stuff Pears: Spoon the cheese and nut mixture into the hollow center of each pear half, filling them evenly.
  6. Bake: Bake the stuffed pears in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese has softened but not completely melted.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven, drizzle each with honey, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For added flavor, roast the nuts beforehand to enhance their nuttiness.
  • If you prefer a milder taste, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or ricotta.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with arugula or mixed greens when served as part of a salad course.
  • It complements sparkling or dessert wines beautifully, making it an elegant appetizer or dessert.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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