Okay, so I have to tell you about this super fancy little snack we made last weekend—blue cheese stuffed pears. I know it sounds kinda fancy, but it’s actually so easy. And honestly, it wowed everyone at the table!
These pears are soft and sweet, and that blue cheese just melts in your mouth. Then we add a drizzle of honey, and boom—it’s like magic. If you’re trying to impress someone (or just treat yourself), this is it.
Trust me, you don’t need to be a chef for this one. Just a few ingredients and a few minutes. You’re gonna feel like you made something from a restaurant menu!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reader Favorite: Many readers have called this dish a “showstopper,” with comments like, “So delicious, the flavors are out of this world!” The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy makes this a favorite.
- Sophisticated Yet Simple: This recipe looks like it belongs in a five-star restaurant, but it’s easy to make in your own kitchen.
- Versatile: Serve these pears as an appetizer, salad, or a side dish with your main course.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or gatherings with minimal effort.
- Quick and Easy: You can prepare these stuffed pears in just about 30 minutes, which makes them a great option for last-minute guests or weeknight dinners.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these delicious stuffed pears, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Don’t worry, these are all things that you likely already have in your kitchen!
- Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing and coring the pears.
- Spoon or Melon Baller: To scoop out the center of the pears to create a cavity for the blue cheese filling.
- Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan: To bake the stuffed pears.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For mixing the blue cheese and other ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: For drizzling honey and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are firm but ripe. Bartlett or Anjou pears work well.
- Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese is the star of this recipe. It’s tangy, creamy, and adds depth of flavor.
- Toasted Walnuts: Toast the walnuts before adding them for extra flavor and crunch. They pair perfectly with the richness of the blue cheese.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey balances out the tanginess of the blue cheese and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a slight tang and richness that enhances the sweetness of the pears and the creaminess of the blue cheese.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives a nice, subtle kick to the dish.
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs (For Garnish): Fresh thyme is a beautiful finishing touch that adds both color and herbal fragrance.
Variations for Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
While this recipe is already delicious as it is, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste:
- Substitute Walnuts for Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts or need to accommodate guests with nut allergies, feel free to use toasted pecans or almonds instead.
- Try Different Cheeses: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, goat cheese or brie can make a wonderful substitute for the creamy filling.
- Add Dried Fruit: Try adding chopped dried cranberries or figs into the filling for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Infuse the Honey: Warm the honey slightly and infuse it with herbs like rosemary or lavender for a unique twist.
- Use Different Vinegar: Swap the balsamic vinegar for a fruity vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pears
Start by washing the pears thoroughly. Slice them in half vertically and carefully scoop out the seeds and core. You can use a melon baller or a small spoon to create a hollow center, leaving a little border around the edge. The goal is to create a cavity large enough to hold the filling but still leave the pear sturdy enough to hold up while baking.
2. Toast the Walnuts
To bring out the full flavor of the walnuts, you’ll want to toast them. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add the walnuts. Stir them frequently for about 3-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, chop the walnuts into smaller pieces. Set them aside.
3. Prepare the Blue Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese with the toasted walnuts. If you’d like, you can add a spoonful of honey to this mixture for added sweetness. Stir the ingredients together until they’re well combined.
4. Stuff the Pear Halves
Now, spoon the blue cheese and walnut mixture into the hollowed-out center of each pear half. Don’t be shy—fill them generously, making sure each pear has plenty of the creamy filling. The more blue cheese, the better!
5. Drizzle with Honey and Balsamic Vinegar
Place the stuffed pears on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little bit of honey over each pear, letting it pool into the filling and on the outside of the pear. Follow that up with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. Lastly, sprinkle a touch of ground black pepper over the top of each pear to add some depth to the flavor.
6. Bake the Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese starts to melt. The pears should be soft when pierced with a fork but not mushy. You’ll know they’re done when the blue cheese is slightly golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the pears are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two. Then, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy blue cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy walnuts!
How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
These pears are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are a few ways you can serve them:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the stuffed pears on a platter as a starter for your dinner guests. The combination of flavors will set the stage for a wonderful meal to come.
- As a Salad: Serve the stuffed pears on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens. Add some candied pecans and a light vinaigrette to create a balanced and elegant salad.
- As a Side Dish: These pears would be perfect alongside a main dish like grilled steak, roast chicken, or a hearty salad.
- As a Snack: These pears are so delicious that you can even enjoy them as a midday snack or a light lunch option.
Storing Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
If you’re planning to make these pears in advance or have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly to maintain their delicious flavor and texture:
Storing Uncooked Stuffed Pears
- Refrigeration: If you’ve already stuffed your pears but aren’t quite ready to cook them, you can store them in the fridge. Place them on a baking sheet or plate, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. This makes them great for preparing ahead of time for a dinner party or gathering.
- Tip: When ready to cook, just follow the baking instructions. If they’ve been sitting in the fridge for a while, you might need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through and tender.
Storing Cooked Pears
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover stuffed pears, let them cool to room temperature before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warm throughout.
- Freezing: While pears don’t freeze perfectly due to their texture, if you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the cooked pears. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.
Nutrition of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
If you’re curious about the nutritional content of these stuffed pears, here’s a basic overview (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Potassium | 210mg |
These stuffed pears are a great combination of nutritious and indulgent. The pears themselves provide fiber, while the walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. The blue cheese brings in a bit of richness, but it’s balanced by the natural sweetness of the pears and honey.
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Course: Uncategorized4
servings10
minutes20
minutes200
kcalIngredients
2 ripe pears, halved and cored
4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Ground black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Pears: Slice pears in half vertically and remove the core.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Chop them once toasted.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts. Optionally add 1 tbsp honey to the mixture.
- Stuff the Pears: Spoon the blue cheese and walnut mixture into each pear half.
- Drizzle with Honey & Balsamic: Drizzle a bit of honey and balsamic vinegar over the pears and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake: Place the stuffed pears on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Conclusion
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are the epitome of a gourmet yet simple dish that will impress your guests and elevate any meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture—creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and the sweetness of pears—while the honey and balsamic vinegar drizzle give it a sophisticated edge. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the pears and prepare the recipe up to 12 hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for dinner parties or gatherings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if blue cheese isn’t to your liking, you can use goat cheese, brie, or even cream cheese. These will provide a similar creamy texture but with different flavor profiles. If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese would be a great choice.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
You can easily swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios. If you’re avoiding nuts, you could use a combination of breadcrumbs and herbs to add texture to the filling.
What other fruits can I stuff with blue cheese?
If pears aren’t your favorite or if you want to switch things up, apples or figs can work wonderfully as substitutes. Both have the sweetness that pairs well with blue cheese, and apples hold their shape well when baked, much like pears.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this particular recipe relies on cheese for its richness, you could try using a dairy-free cheese alternative or cashew cheese to create a vegan version. Just be sure to check the label for a good substitute that will melt and behave similarly to blue cheese.Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the pears and prepare the recipe up to 12 hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for dinner parties or gatherings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if blue cheese isn’t to your liking, you can use goat cheese, brie, or even cream cheese. These will provide a similar creamy texture but with different flavor profiles. If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese would be a great choice.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
You can easily swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios. If you’re avoiding nuts, you could use a combination of breadcrumbs and herbs to add texture to the filling.
What other fruits can I stuff with blue cheese?
If pears aren’t your favorite or if you want to switch things up, apples or figs can work wonderfully as substitutes. Both have the sweetness that pairs well with blue cheese, and apples hold their shape well when baked, much like pears.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this particular recipe relies on cheese for its richness, you could try using a dairy-free cheese alternative or cashew cheese to create a vegan version. Just be sure to check the label for a good substitute that will melt and behave similarly to blue cheese.Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the pears and prepare the recipe up to 12 hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for dinner parties or gatherings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if blue cheese isn’t to your liking, you can use goat cheese, brie, or even cream cheese. These will provide a similar creamy texture but with different flavor profiles. If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese would be a great choice.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
You can easily swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios. If you’re avoiding nuts, you could use a combination of breadcrumbs and herbs to add texture to the filling.
What other fruits can I stuff with blue cheese?
If pears aren’t your favorite or if you want to switch things up, apples or figs can work wonderfully as substitutes. Both have the sweetness that pairs well with blue cheese, and apples hold their shape well when baked, much like pears.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this particular recipe relies on cheese for its richness, you could try using a dairy-free cheese alternative or cashew cheese to create a vegan version. Just be sure to check the label for a good substitute that will melt and behave similarly to blue cheese.Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the pears and prepare the recipe up to 12 hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for dinner parties or gatherings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if blue cheese isn’t to your liking, you can use goat cheese, brie, or even cream cheese. These will provide a similar creamy texture but with different flavor profiles. If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese would be a great choice.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
You can easily swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios. If you’re avoiding nuts, you could use a combination of breadcrumbs and herbs to add texture to the filling.
What other fruits can I stuff with blue cheese?
If pears aren’t your favorite or if you want to switch things up, apples or figs can work wonderfully as substitutes. Both have the sweetness that pairs well with blue cheese, and apples hold their shape well when baked, much like pears.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this particular recipe relies on cheese for its richness, you could try using a dairy-free cheese alternative or cashew cheese to create a vegan version. Just be sure to check the label for a good substitute that will melt and behave similarly to blue cheese.