Creamy Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts (Print Version)
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are an elegant appetizer. Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts create a perfect bite. Simple to make for any gathering.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: European Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Pear & Cheese Foundation
01 -
4 firm-ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou)
02 -
4 oz (115g) blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort), crumbled
→ Flavor & Texture Boosters
03 -
1/4 cup (25g) walnuts, chopped
04 -
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
→ Sweet & Savory Drizzle
05 -
2 tbsp honey
06 -
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Now, take your pears and wash 'em up. Slice each one in half lengthwise, right down the middle, stem and all. Then, with a small spoon or a melon baller (my secret weapon!), gently scoop out the core and a little bit of the flesh to create a nice cavity. Be careful here, you don't want to go too deep or make the walls too thin, or they'll fall apart, trust me, I've had many pear casualties!
02 -
In a small bowl, crumble your beautiful blue cheese. Add in your chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Give it a good mix. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can almost smell the deliciousness already. I usually give it a taste here, just to make sure the cheese-to-walnut ratio is spot on for my liking. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of black pepper if I'm feeling extra spicy, but it's totally optional!
03 -
Now for the fun part! Take your blue cheese mixture and carefully spoon it into the hollowed-out pear halves. Mound it up slightly, but don't overstuff them, or the filling will spill out during baking. I once got a little ambitious, and my oven looked like a cheese explosion. Place the stuffed pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – seriously, parchment paper is your best friend for easy cleanup!
04 -
Slide those beauties into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for the pears to be tender but still holding their shape, and the blue cheese filling should be nice and melty, maybe even a little golden on top. The smell in your kitchen right now? Divine! This is where the house starts to feel warm and inviting, a real treat for the senses.
05 -
Once your pears are out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two. Then, grab your honey and balsamic glaze. Drizzle both generously over each pear half. This step adds that crucial balance of sweet and tangy, making every bite absolutely heavenly. Don't be shy with the drizzle; it makes them look so fancy!
06 -
For a final flourish, sprinkle a few more fresh thyme leaves over your gorgeous <span style="font-weight:bold;">Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears</span>. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter. They look so elegant, honestly, like something from a fancy restaurant. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear! This dish is a true showstopper, and it always makes me smile to see everyone enjoying something I made with so much love.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't use overly ripe pears; they'll turn to mush in the oven. Firm-ripe is the goal!
02 -
Leftovers keep 2-3 days in the fridge; reheat gently in a toaster oven for best results, microwave makes them soggy!
03 -
Pecans or toasted almonds work great if walnuts aren't your favorite, or try goat cheese for a milder tang.
04 -
Serve warm with a crisp arugula salad and a dry sparkling wine for an elegant appetizer experience.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
parchment paper
03 -
small mixing bowl
04 -
small spoon or melon baller
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 6g