Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer that will absolutely wow your guests, then this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a stunning blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that just works every time. I love this recipe because it’s quick to make, feels fancy, but relies on just a handful of ingredients you can easily find. Stick around, and I’ll share some insider tips so you can nail it perfectly in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully — ripe pears give you that juicy sweetness, and blue cheese adds that rich, creamy punch. Be sure to pick pears that are ripe but still firm to hold up well during baking.

• Pears: Choose firm, ripe ones like Bosc or Anjou for that perfect balance of sweetness and structure.
• Blue cheese: Crumbled for easy stuffing, and feel free to pick your favorite variety, from milder to more pungent.
• Walnuts or pecans: Chop these for extra crunch—roasting before mixing amps up the nutty flavor.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a lovely herbaceous note that brightens the richness of the cheese.
• Honey: Drizzled at the end to add a touch of natural sweetness that ties everything together.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground, to bring out the complex flavors and add a gentle kick.
• Olive oil: Used to brush the pears for a bit of moisture and to help them brown slightly in the oven.

Variations

I love how versatile Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe can be — you can easily swap ingredients or tweak things depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

• Cheese swaps: For those who find blue cheese a bit strong, I’ve successfully used goat cheese or ricotta—still creamy but milder.
• Nut alternatives: Toasted almonds or hazelnuts add a different, equally enjoyable crunch.
• Herb twists: Instead of thyme, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or sage works beautifully and adds a seasonal feel.
• Sweetener tweaks: Try maple syrup or even a balsamic glaze drizzle instead of honey for a flavor boost.

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). Cut each pear in half lengthwise with a sharp knife, and gently use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a neat hollow for the filling. I like to keep the pear halves sturdy—this method helps the pears bake evenly without turning mushy.

Step 2: Add olive oil and arrange in the baking dish

Lightly brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil. This might seem like a small step, but it helps them develop a beautiful golden color in the oven and keeps the texture just right. Place each pear cut-side up on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking dish, giving them a bit of breathing room.

Step 3: Make the savory stuffing blend

In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled blue cheese, chopped nuts, and fresh thyme leaves. This combo is where all the magic happens — creamy, salty, crunchy, and herbaceous. Spoon the mixture generously into the hollow centers of each pear. I find that a heaping tablespoon works perfectly.

Step 4: Bake until tender and gooey

Bake the pears for 15 to 18 minutes. Your aim is for the pears to become tender but still hold their shape, and for the blue cheese to soften and meld into the nuts without melting into a puddle. Keep an eye on them — every oven’s a bit different, and you don’t want the cheese to burn or the pears to become too mushy.

Step 5: Finish with honey and pepper

Right after you take the pears out of the oven, drizzle each one with a little honey — that touch of sweetness perfectly balances the tangy cheese and earthy nuts. Then, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for a gentle bite. Serve them warm or at room temperature; both are delicious!

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple — a few fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on top really elevate the presentation and reinforce the herb flavor. Sometimes a small drizzle of extra honey right before serving adds that extra shimmer and sweetness, which guests always appreciate.

Side Dishes

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears pair beautifully with a crisp green salad — especially peppery arugula or mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Also, this recipe shines alongside crusty bread or a glass of sparkling or dessert wine, making for an elegant appetizer course.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these pears on a platter garnished with whole sprigs of thyme and a handful of toasted nuts scattered around. You can also make bite-sized versions by slicing pears smaller and serving them as canapés at cocktail parties. I discovered this trick last holiday season, and it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes happen, but not often!), I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the pears from becoming too soggy, I separate them from any excess juices and add the honey fresh when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze super well because the pears can become mushy after defrosting. If you want to prep ahead, I suggest making the components separately — prep and freeze the pear halves unstuffed, and then bake fresh when ready.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes just to warm them through without overcooking the pears or melting the cheese too much. Adding a fresh drizzle of honey right after reheating brings back the brightness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for those moments when I want to impress without fuss. Its balance of textures and flavors feels both sophisticated and comforting. If you’re craving something that’s quick yet elegant, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it delightfully addictive, just like my family and friends do every time I serve it!

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