Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
Imagine a dish that’s just as fitting for a cozy brunch as it is for a show-stopping dinner finale: Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese deliver everything you’d want in a comforting yet elegant bite. The softness of roasted pears mingles with juicy berries, tangy crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together by a golden drizzle of honey. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures, as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to taste. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself, this is one of those recipes that feels like pure magic with every single forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of ingredients, but each one shines and pulls its weight! These simple elements come together to create layers of flavor, color, and texture that really make the Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese truly memorable.
- Pears: Ripe but firm pears are best for holding shape during baking and soaking up all the sweet and savory goodness.
- Mixed Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add juicy pops of color and tartness.
- Blue Cheese: The creamy, tangy edge complements the fruit and honey; swap for goat cheese or feta if you like things milder.
- Walnuts: Toasted, crunchy walnuts give wonderful richness and balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Just a drizzle ties everything together and adds a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Melted Butter: Helps the pears bake up luxuriously tender and enhances their flavor.
- Cinnamon (optional): A hint of spice that brings warmth—especially lovely in autumn.
- Fresh Thyme (optional): For an herbal note and a pop of green to finish your plate beautifully.
How to Make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully halve and core each pear, making sure to leave enough space to fill them later. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up so they’re ready for their delicious transformation.
Step 2: Add Butter, Honey, and Cinnamon
Brush each pear half with melted butter for that silky texture, then drizzle lightly with honey—a little goes a long way. If you’re craving a hint of autumnal spice, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon over the top. This step gets your kitchen smelling like absolute heaven!
Step 3: Bake Until Tender
Slide the baking dish into the oven and let the pears roast for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfect when they’re fork-tender but still standing proud, waiting for their toppings.
Step 4: Pile on the Good Stuff
Carefully take the pears out (the aroma is divine!), and nestle a spoonful of berries into each hollowed center. Crumble the blue cheese across the tops and scatter chopped walnuts over everything. This is where the magic really starts to build.
Step 5: Final Bake and Finish
Return the filled pears to the oven for just 5 more minutes, letting the cheese soften and the flavors come together. To finish, give everything an extra drizzle of honey while still warm and sprinkle with fresh thyme if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are ready to impress!
How to Serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Garnishes
A simple finishing touch makes all the difference. Fresh thyme leaves, a little extra drizzle of honey, or even a few extra berries scattered around the plate bring a burst of color and make your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese look straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Side Dishes
For a brunch, serve these warm pears alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or toasted sourdough. As an appetizer or dessert, a crisp white wine or a little scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes for a dreamy pairing—the cheese and honey tie everything together.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating each pear half individually on small, modern plates for a sophisticated starter. Or, arrange them family-style on a beautiful platter, garnished with extra berries and thyme, for a festive, shareable centerpiece. Mini versions made with tiny pears make adorable party bites your guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese left (which is rare!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 days and are surprisingly tasty cold, too.
Freezing
While baked pears can technically be frozen, the texture of the fruit and berries may change after thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh. If you do freeze them, wrap each pear half tightly and freeze for up to 1 month—just be ready for a softer bite.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pears back in a baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pears mushy and the cheese oily.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or feta offer a milder, creamy-tangy bite. Brie is another fabulous choice for meltier, softer results.
What’s the best pear variety to use?
Bosc or Anjou pears hold up beautifully during baking and develop a lovely texture. Just make sure they’re ripe but not overly soft, so they won’t collapse in the oven.
Can I make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the pears (halve and core them) and store them in the fridge earlier in the day. Bake and fill just before serving for the freshest result!
How do I make this nut-free?
Simply skip the walnuts or try pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. If allergies are a concern, make sure all your toppings are safe for your guests.
Can I serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese cold?
Yes! While they’re wonderful warm, these pears also taste delicious at room temperature—perfect for a picnic or make-ahead brunch spread.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to discover the gorgeous mix of flavors and textures in Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re adding your own creative spin, I know they’ll bring joy to your table. Happy baking—let me know how it goes!
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Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with these baked pears topped with mixed berries, honey, walnuts, and a savory touch of blue cheese. This elegant dish is ideal for both a sweet dessert or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
Berry Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
Cheese & Nut Mixture:
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pears: Place the pear halves cut-side up in the dish. Brush each pear with melted butter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Bake Pears: Bake for 20 minutes until the pears are tender. Remove from the oven.
- Add Toppings: Spoon berries into each pear, top with blue cheese and walnuts.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts slightly.
- Serve: Drizzle with more honey, garnish with thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for a delightful experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
