Description
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a sophisticated appetizer or light dessert featuring ripe, tender pears filled with a savory mixture of blue cheese, nuts, and fresh thyme. Baked to perfection and drizzled with honey, these pears offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal pairing for wine or a refreshing salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears
- 2 ripe but firm pears
Filling
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise, then use a spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the center of each pear half.
- Brush Pears: Lightly brush the cut side of each pear with olive oil to promote browning and place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Stuff Pears: Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half, filling them generously but neatly.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed pears for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are just tender and the cheese has softened but is not completely melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven and drizzle each with honey. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, roast the walnuts or pecans briefly before mixing them with the cheese.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or ricotta.
- This dish pairs well with arugula or mixed greens when served as part of a salad course.
- Works wonderfully as a wine pairing, especially with sparkling or dessert wines.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pear stuffed
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
