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
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pears.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
