Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you love a perfect balance of sweet and savory, you’re going to adore this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. These baked pears are tender and juicy, while the blue cheese adds that creamy tang that’s simply irresistible. Add some crunchy walnuts and a touch of honey with a hint of spice, and you’ve got a dish that makes people’s taste buds do a happy dance. Trust me, whether you serve this as an appetizer or a fancy side, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe plays a big role — from the tender Bosc pears that hold their shape in the oven, to the tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts that add layers of texture and flavor. Shopping tip: pick pears that are ripe but firm, so they don’t get mushy during baking.

• Bosc pears: Their dense, crunchy flesh holds up beautifully to baking without turning to mush.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds just a hint of richness when drizzled on the pears before roasting.
• Blue cheese (Danish blue): Crumbled for easy stuffing, this cheese brings that sharp, creamy bite.
• Walnuts: Toast them lightly if you want extra crunch and nuttiness in every bite.
• Fresh thyme: Provides a subtle earthiness that pairs amazingly with the cheese and fruit.
• Honey: Balances the saltiness of the blue cheese with its natural sweetness.
• Aleppo pepper: Adds a mild heat and fruity depth — you can substitute with smoked paprika if unavailable.
• Flaky salt: A final sprinkle brings the flavors alive and adds a delightful crunch.

Variations

I love that this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is so flexible—play around with different cheeses or nuts to make it your own. Personal tweaks always bring an extra layer of magic!

• Cheese Variation: I’ve swapped blue cheese for goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamier flavor that my kids actually enjoy.
• Nut Substitutes: Pecans or toasted pine nuts work beautifully if walnuts aren’t your thing or if you want a different crunch.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat combo that’s unforgettable.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based blue cheese alternative and agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pears and Oven

First off, preheat your oven to 400℉. While it’s warming up, slice your Bosc pears in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the core and seeds. This hollow spot is your stuffing nook, so try not to puncture through the bottom—think of it like making little pear boats. Drizzle the pears with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Then, place them cut side down in your cast iron skillet or baking dish. This step softens the pears while keeping their shape intact.

Step 2: Bake Pears Halfway

Pop your pears into the oven for about 15 minutes. This partial baking helps the fruit become tender without losing its structure—so it doesn’t turn into mush when you add the cheese. After 15 minutes, you want them to be soft enough to yield to a fork but still holding their shape nicely.

Step 3: Stuff and Finish Baking

Take the pears out and flip them cut side up. Now comes the fun part: stuffing! Mix your crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme sprigs, then fill the pear centers generously. Put them back in the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt and get nice and gooey. That smell? It’s downright addictive.

Step 4: Sweet and Spicy Drizzle

While your pears finish baking, whisk together the honey and Aleppo pepper — this combo is a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally elevates the whole dish. Once the pears are out and looking gorgeous, drizzle the honey mixture on top, sprinkle with flaky salt, and garnish with a bit of extra thyme if you like. Serve warm, and prepare for compliments.

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and fresh thyme leaves on top for that elegant finishing touch. It adds a bit of texture and pops visually on the pear’s golden surface. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra chopped walnuts just for crunch and color. A light drizzle of extra honey never goes amiss either.

Side Dishes

These stuffed pears pair beautifully with a peppery arugula salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For heartier meals, I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. They’re also wonderful as part of a cheese board with crackers and cured meats—such a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the pears on a wooden board surrounded by fresh thyme sprigs and walnut halves. Another favorite is presenting them individually on small plates with a few extra drizzles of honey and a sprinkle of edible flowers for that wow factor. Your guests will think you spent hours on these, but really, it’s a quick and easy showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens at my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I find it’s best to keep the honey drizzle separate until you’re ready to reheat and serve to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze blue cheese stuffed pears because the texture of the baked fruit changes once thawed, getting a bit mushy. But if you want to try, freeze before adding the honey drizzle and consume within a month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop the pears into a 350℉ oven for 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese softens again. Avoid using the microwave, which tends to make the pears too watery. Add the honey and spicy drizzle right after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something elegant and bursting with flavor. When I first tried it, I was surprised how easy it was to nail a dish that looks so gourmet. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just want to treat yourself, these pears make every meal feel special. Give this recipe a go—you’ll be amazed at how often you reach for it once you know this little flavor secret.

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