Meet your next showstopping appetizer: Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. This dish is the ultimate blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all in one delicious bite. Juicy baked pears provide a beautiful base for a decadent blue cheese and toasted nut stuffing, all finished with a drizzle of golden honey and a scatter of fresh thyme. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears will make you feel like a chef in your own kitchen—with hardly any effort at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: every ingredient adds a layer of flavor or texture that really makes Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears sing. Start with perfectly ripe pears, bold blue cheese, and a handful of fresh extras to create something both refined and crowd-pleasing.
- Ripe Pears: Choose Bosc or Bartlett for their sturdy textures and natural sweetness—they hold up beautifully when baked.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: The creamy, tangy kick is what makes these pears pop; choose a bold, well-aged blue for the most flavor.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts or Pecans: Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor and brings an irresistible crunch to each bite.
- Honey: A gentle drizzle before baking adds a lovely warmth and accentuates the pears’ natural sugars.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: This herb offers an unexpected depth and fresh aroma that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: A brush of citrus prevents browning and adds a bright, zesty lift to the whole dish.
How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Halve the pears lengthwise, then use a melon baller or spoon to gently scoop out the cores, creating a nice little hollow for that delicious filling. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice—not only does this keep the pears looking pretty, it adds a subtle flavor boost.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and the chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. This stuffing comes together in seconds but delivers huge flavor—make sure the nuts are well-distributed for the perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Fill the Pears
Place the pear halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Carefully spoon the blue cheese and nut mixture into each cavity, pressing it in just enough to fill the space. Don’t be shy—pile it high and let a little spill over for extra indulgence!
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Drizzle each stuffed pear half with honey, then pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pears are just fork-tender and the blue cheese has started to melt and bubble tantalizingly.
Step 5: Finish with Thyme and Serve
As soon as the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears come out of the oven, sprinkle them while still warm with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately for an unforgettable appetizer or elegant side, enjoyed while the cheese is velvety and the pears are perfectly soft.
How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
Give each pear half a final flourish with a little extra drizzle of honey and an extra pinch of fresh thyme. If you’re feeling especially fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of cracked black pepper brings out the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded appetizer plate, arrange the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with fresh arugula, warm crusty bread, or crisp endive leaves. The savory richness of the pears pairs beautifully with a salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette or alongside a charcuterie board for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties on a wood board or elegant platter, nestled among microgreens or edible flowers. For a cocktail party, cut the baked pears into smaller wedges and skewer them for easy, mess-free nibbling. Don’t hesitate to play up their colors and textures with complementary garnishes—after all, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are meant to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. The pears will keep for up to two days, though their texture is best on the first day while they’re fresh and tender.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, as pears tend to become watery and mushy after thawing, and blue cheese can lose its signature texture. Enjoy them freshly made for the best flavor and presentation.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, gently reheat the pears in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fruit soggy—using the oven helps keep the texture just right and the cheese lusciously melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like blue cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a lovely substitute for a milder, tangier flavor, or try Gorgonzola for a slightly less pungent twist. Make sure the cheese you choose melts well and complements the sweetness of the pears.
Do I have to bake the pears, or can I serve them raw?
You can serve the stuffed pears raw for a crisp, refreshing bite, but baking gives Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears their signature softness and melds the flavors together beautifully. If serving raw, be sure to use very ripe pears and load them with extra honey for balance.
What type Appetizer
Bosc and Bartlett pears are both excellent choices thanks to their firm texture and natural sweetness. They hold up well during baking and offer just the right amount of juiciness without falling apart.
How do I toast the nuts?
Simply add chopped walnuts or pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Toasting is a quick step but adds loads of flavor to the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears.
Can I prepare Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears in advance?
You can prep and stuff the pears a few hours ahead, cover, and chill them until ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply bake as directed for warm, melty deliciousness that’s ready in minutes.
Final Thoughts
Truly, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a little celebration on a plate. They look gourmet yet come together in a snap, and every bite is pure delight. I couldn’t recommend them more for your next gathering or special meal at home—give them a try, and let these flavors wow you and your guests!
Print
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 halves (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. Juicy pears filled with creamy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and a hint of honey, topped with fresh thyme for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 4 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett)
Blue Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare pears: Cut pears in half lengthwise, remove cores, and brush with lemon juice.
- Make filling: Mix blue cheese and nuts. Stuff pear halves and drizzle with honey.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until tender and cheese is melted.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with thyme and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- For a savory twist, add black pepper or wrap in prosciutto before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
