Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears offer a sophisticated appetizer or dessert that balances the sweetness of ripe pears with the bold tang of blue cheese, crunchy nuts, and aromatic thyme. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper, this dish is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pears
Filling
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Other
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the center of each half to hold the filling.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the cut surfaces of the pears with olive oil, which will help them roast beautifully and add subtle flavor. Place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh thyme leaves to create a flavorful filling.
- Fill the pears: Spoon the cheese and nut mixture into the hollow centers of each pear half, dividing it evenly among all pieces.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake the pears for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the blue cheese softens without completely melting, maintaining its texture.
- Add finishing touches: Remove the pears from the oven, drizzle each with honey to add a touch of sweetness, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to enhance the contrasting flavors.
- Serve: These stuffed pears are best served warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or a light dessert.
Notes
- Choose firm but ripe pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese based on your taste for stronger or milder flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace blue cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and honey with maple syrup.
- Serve with a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: blue cheese stuffed pears, baked pears recipe, elegant appetizer, easy pear recipe, blue cheese appetizer