If you’re looking for a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are an absolute showstopper. This recipe pairs buttery-sweet pears with tangy blue cheese, crunchy nuts, a touch of honey, and fresh herbs. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. The best part? It comes together quickly and with minimal fuss, letting the natural ingredients shine for a true taste of elegance at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears lies in how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a dish that feels truly exceptional. Each component plays a starring role, adding a unique taste, color, or satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm Bosc or Anjou pears for their sweet flavor and ability to hold up nicely in the oven.
- Blue cheese: Go for a creamy, crumbly blue cheese that will melt beautifully and lend a sharp, sophisticated bite.
- Walnuts or pecans: Either nut adds a rich, toasty crunch—just make sure they’re chopped for easy stuffing.
- Honey: A light drizzle brings everything together with its gentle sweetness and golden shine.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): A tangy finish for added depth and a gourmet touch. Highly recommended for color and flavor contrast!
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Herbs add a gorgeous pop of green and a fragrant, earthy nuance that elevates the whole dish.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A final grind over the top wakes up every flavor and adds just the right hint of spice.
How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully slice each pear in half lengthwise, then use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the core from each half, creating a little well to hold the filling. This step ensures your beautiful pears stay intact and can cradle all that deliciousness.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Stir until everything is evenly mixed—the goal is to make sure every bit gets a pop of flavor and texture. This stuffing is where the magic happens and brings the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears to life.
Step 3: Stuff and Arrange
Spoon the cheese and nut mixture evenly into the well of each pear half, pressing lightly so it stays put. Nestle the filled pears, cut-side up, into your prepared baking dish. If some filling tumbles out, just tuck it back in or sprinkle it over the tops.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Give the pears a generous drizzle of honey right over the filling—it will caramelize in the oven, adding a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden-brown. The aroma will make you swoon!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Pull the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears out of the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Finish them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if using, and a few cracks of black pepper. They’re wonderful served warm and just as lovely at room temperature—no wonder they’re always a hit!
How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
Add a lovely flourish to your serving platter with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs, a scattering of chopped nuts, or an extra drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. A few leaves of baby arugula or a twist of orange zest also look beautiful atop Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These pears are right at home alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, crusty baguette slices, or even a platter of cured meats for a more robust spread. They also shine beside roasted vegetables or a light soup, balancing the flavors on your table perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears on individual plates makes each guest feel special, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a laid-back gathering. Try slicing the stuffed pears before plating for shareable appetizer “boats,” or pair them with wine flights as part of an elegant tasting menu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (although they tend to disappear fast), simply cover the pears tightly and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to two days, making them a fabulous make-ahead option for parties or quiet lunches alike.
Freezing
While the delicate texture of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears means they aren’t ideal for the freezer, you can freeze the cheese and nut filling separately. Assemble fresh with pears when you’re ready to enjoy—this keeps everything at its best.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pears in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pears mushy and the cheese less appealing. These taste amazing at room temperature too, so don’t stress if you’re serving buffet-style!
FAQs
Can I make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pears up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Just bring them to room temperature and bake right before serving for the freshest results.
What kind of blue cheese works best?
Choose a creamy, mellow blue cheese such as gorgonzola or Danish blue for a balanced flavor, but if you love a bold taste, go for Roquefort or Stilton. The type Appetizer.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts or pecans?
Of course! Toasted almonds or pistachios work beautifully. Just remember to chop them so they blend seamlessly with the other filling ingredients and tuck neatly into the pears.
How do I keep my pears from browning before baking?
If you’re prepping ahead, squeeze a little lemon juice over the cut sides of the pears. This keeps their pretty color intact until you’re ready to bake and serve.
Is there a good substitute for blue cheese?
Yes! For a milder version, try creamy goat cheese or Brie. Both bring a lovely richness and melt well, offering a gentle alternative while preserving the integrity of the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears—they look sophisticated, taste divine, and come together with surprising ease. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, give this recipe a try and enjoy every sweet, savory, crunchy bite. Happy cooking!
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Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Try these elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears for a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Sweet, tender pears filled with creamy blue cheese, crunchy nuts, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection. A sophisticated appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
Filling:
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped rosemary
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pears: Slice the pears in half, core them, and create a well for the filling.
- Make the filling: Mix blue cheese, nuts, and herbs in a bowl. Fill each pear half with the mixture.
- Bake: Arrange the pears in the baking dish, drizzle with honey, and bake for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Finish and serve: Cool slightly, drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with pepper, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a milder taste, try goat cheese or Brie instead of blue cheese.
- Pair with white wine or serve on a bed of arugula for a delightful appetizer or side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
