Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Introduction

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears offer a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that work beautifully together. This elegant dish makes a perfect appetizer or light snack, featuring warm pears filled with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts.

The image shows four halves of yellow-green pears placed on a bed of fresh, dark green arugula leaves arranged on a white square plate. Each pear half is hollowed out at the center, filled with crumbled blue cheese that has a creamy texture with blue veins, and topped with golden-brown walnut halves. The pears have a smooth, slightly shiny skin with some speckles. The arugula leaves add a leafy texture and a deep green contrast to the pears. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and elegant look to the presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou recommended)
  • 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Fresh arugula or mixed greens for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Wash the pears and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core, creating a cavity for the filling.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Carefully fill each pear half with the blue cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
  5. Step 5: Place the stuffed pears cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is slightly melted.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For added texture, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them with the cheese.
  • Swap blue cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Drizzle a little extra honey on top before serving for more sweetness.
  • Use Bosc pears for a firmer texture if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and soften the pears too much.

How to Serve

The image shows four halves of pears arranged on a bed of green arugula leaves in a white rectangular dish, each half filled with a layer of creamy blue cheese topped with a cluster of whole walnuts. The pear flesh is light and smooth with the yellowish-green skin that has small brown spots, while the blue cheese adds a crumbly, speckled blue texture, and the walnuts are chunky with a warm brown color. The arugula leaves underneath add a fresh, vibrant green color contrasting with the soft and rich toppings. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears with the filling ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, then bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What wines pair well with blue cheese stuffed pears?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the richness of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the pears beautifully.

Print
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 stuffed pear halves (serves 24 depending on portion) 1x

Description

This elegant appetizer features ripe pears stuffed with a savory and sweet mixture of blue cheese, walnuts, honey, lemon juice, and spices. Baked until tender and slightly melted, these Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears offer a perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and fruity flavors, ideal for entertaining or a special dinner starter.


Ingredients

Scale

Pear and Filling Ingredients

  • 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou recommended)
  • 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For Serving (Optional)

  • Fresh arugula or mixed greens

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pears.
  2. Prepare Pears: Wash the pears and slice each in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or small spoon, carefully scoop out the core to create a cavity for the filling.
  3. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Stuff Pears: Gently fill each pear half with the blue cheese mixture, pressing lightly to pack it firmly inside the cavity without breaking the fruit.
  5. Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed pears cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
  6. Bake Pears: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears become tender and the blue cheese filling melts slightly, creating a warm and flavorful contrast.
  7. Cool Slightly: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to avoid burning and to let flavors meld.
  8. Serve: Optionally, serve the warm stuffed pears on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a crisp, peppery complement to the rich filling.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Anjou to ensure they hold shape during baking.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet filling.
  • Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a stronger blue cheese flavor, increase the cheese slightly but balance with honey to maintain sweetness.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: blue cheese stuffed pears, baked pears, appetizer recipe, pear and cheese appetizer, elegant starters

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