Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both stunningly simple and utterly delectable? Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears fit the bill beautifully. With luscious ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, all finished with a golden drizzle of honey, this dish delivers a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will utterly charm your guests—or just give you a little reason to celebrate a weeknight. It’s a seasonal favorite that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears lies in how a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients transform into a sophisticated starter. Each component shines individually, yet together they create a memorable bite you’ll want to make again and again.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou so they hold their shape beautifully in the oven.
- Blue cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds creamy, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pears.
- Walnuts, toasted and chopped: Toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and earthy depth—don’t skip toasting for maximum flavor!
- Honey: A drizzle infuses a gorgeous floral sweetness that ties everything together and highlights the pears.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Just a sprinkle brings herbaceous freshness and a lovely green pop of color.
- Black pepper: A pinch balances the richness and brings unexpected warmth to every bite.
- Olive oil: A final drizzle adds silkiness and helps the pears caramelize ever so slightly while baking.
How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prep Your Pears
Start by selecting four beautiful, ripe-yet-firm pears—look for fruit that gives just slightly when pressed. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the core, creating a neat hollow for all that glorious stuffing. Arrange the pear halves cut side up in a lightly oiled baking dish so they’re ready for their elegant transformation.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, toss together the crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, sweet honey, fresh thyme leaves, and black pepper. This is where the magic happens: creamy, savory, crunchy, and fragrant, this filling brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so every bite is full of excitement.
Step 3: Stuff the Pears
Spoon a generous heap of the blue cheese mixture into the hollowed center of each pear half, pressing lightly to help it stay in place. Don’t worry if some of it spills over the sides—it just means there’s more lusciousness to enjoy. The pears should be snugly filled but not overloaded.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the tops of the stuffed pears with olive oil. This step is the secret to beautiful caramelized edges and an extra layer of flavor. If you like, add a final crack of black pepper across the pears for a dramatic touch right before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the pears to be perfectly tender, the cheese just starting to melt, and the walnuts toasty and aromatic. Let the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears cool for just a minute or two before serving so you don’t miss any of those incredible warm, melty textures.
How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
These pears are already eye-catching, but a few thoughtful garnishes can truly make them shine. Try a sprinkle of extra fresh thyme leaves, a handful of jewel-like pomegranate seeds for color and tang, or even a lace of additional honey just before presenting. A twist of black pepper also brings out the complexity of the blue cheese wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are rich and bursting with flavor, so light, fresh accompaniments are ideal. A peppery arugula salad or lightly dressed mixed greens pair beautifully, cutting through the creaminess and sweet notes. These stuffed pears also make a unique pairing with roasted vegetables or alongside slender crostini for contrast in textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each pear half on an individual plate for a luxurious appetizer, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board for shared snacking at a gathering. You can even slice the stuffed pears into wedges and thread them onto skewers with cubes of roasted beet or apple for an inventive party platter. However you present them, they’ll steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears!), allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making them a unique treat for the next day.
Freezing
These pears are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of both the fruit and the cheese can change after freezing and thawing. If you must freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, and consume within a month—but expect a slightly softer result upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pears back in a baking dish and warm in a 325 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8–10 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fruit mushy. A lower oven temperature helps maintain the lovely texture that makes Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese is classic here, creamy goat cheese, gorgonzola, or even a bit of brie would work nicely. Each will bring its own delicious flavor profile to your stuffed pears.
Which kind of pear is best for this recipe?
Bosc and Anjou pears are best because they keep their shape when baked, balancing sweetness and firmness. Avoid overly ripe or soft pears, as they may collapse in the oven.
Are Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a wonderful choice for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your blue cheese to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the pears (except for the final drizzle of olive oil) up to a few hours in advance and keep them chilled. When ready to serve, add the oil and bake them off fresh for best results.
What nuts can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans make a great substitute in Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, bringing a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor. Hazelnuts or even toasted almonds could also add delicious crunch and complexity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that wows with minimal effort, don’t hesitate to try Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. They strike the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, promising flavor and elegance in every bite. Treat yourself and your guests—you’ll never look at pears the same way again!
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Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, perfect for an appetizer or a sophisticated side dish. The warm, tender pears filled with creamy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and a hint of honey are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
Blue Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare pears: Arrange pear halves in a baking dish cut side up.
- Mix filling: In a small bowl, combine blue cheese, toasted walnuts, honey, thyme, and black pepper.
- Fill pears: Spoon the mixture into the hollowed centers of the pears.
- Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the pears. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted.
- Serve: Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still hold their shape when baked, such as Bosc or Anjou.
- For added texture, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top before serving.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 210 milligrams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 milligrams
