Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears bring together everything you adore about elegant appetizers: sweet, juicy fruit, tangy and creamy cheese, a bit of crunch, and that gorgeous drizzle of honey and balsamic. This dish is a showstopper that dazzles with stunning colors and bold flavors, yet comes together in minutes without turning on your oven. If you’re looking to wow guests or simply treat yourself to a bite-sized burst of sweet, salty, and savory, Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a must-try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears is just how approachable the recipe is. Each ingredient brings a unique punch: sweetness, sharpness, crunch, or aroma, all combining for a sophisticated flavor experience you’ll love sharing.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm Bosc or Anjou pears so they hold their shape and provide perfect sweetness against the tangy cheese.
- Blue Cheese: Creamy, crumbly blue cheese offers an irresistible boldness and melts beautifully if you opt for the warm version.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add nutty crunch and balance out the smoothness of the cheese and pears.
- Honey: The drizzle of honey lends a natural, fragrant sweetness that complements both the pears and the cheese.
- Balsamic Glaze: Just a little goes a long way—this deepens the flavor with tang and a touch of richness.
- Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme leaves brings freshness and a pop of color for an herbaceous finish.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper wakes up the whole bite with a hint of gentle heat.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Start by washing your pears and patting them dry. Slice each pear in half lengthwise—no need to peel them! Use a melon baller or a small spoon to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a little well in each half for the filling. Try to keep the pears intact and make the wells just deep enough for the blue cheese walnut mixture.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese with the toasted, chopped walnuts. Toss them together so every nut gets a little cheese coating. This duo forms the heart of Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, offering creamy richness alongside a pleasant crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Pears
Arrange your prepared pear halves, cut side up, on a serving platter. Gently spoon the blue cheese and walnut mixture into the hollowed wells, mounding it slightly for dramatic effect. Don’t worry if some filling spills over; it only makes the presentation more inviting!
Step 4: Add Sweet and Savory Finishing Touches
Drizzle each stuffed pear with honey, aiming for a little on both the fruit and the filling. Add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top for that gorgeous color and extra flavor depth. Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves and a tiny pinch of black pepper across the platter.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears right away at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge until your guests arrive. If you crave that melty cheese effect, go ahead and bake them at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes—just until everything is warmed and the cheese softens.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
For a final flourish, don’t hold back with creative garnishes. A few extra thyme leaves, a scattered sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or even thin shavings of additional blue cheese can turn this platter into a true centerpiece. For a more festive twist, edible flowers or microgreens add a pop of color and elevate the look even further.
Side Dishes
Because Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears mingle savory and sweet, they’re perfect paired with earthy salads, roasted vegetables, or a crusty artisan baguette. For a wine night, serve them alongside a charcuterie board—think prosciutto, almonds, olives, and grapes—to create a spread that’s guaranteed to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the prepared pears into wedges for passable, party-ready bites, or stack them elegantly atop a bed of arugula for an instant salad upgrade. Want individual servings? Arrange one stuffed pear half on each guest’s plate with extra drizzle and a few walnut crumbles. The possibilities with Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, simply cover them tightly and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. Just be sure to keep them in a single layer to avoid any squishing or loss of that beautiful presentation.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, as pears tend to lose their incredible texture after thawing and the cheese can become grainy. For best results, enjoy them fresh or chilled from the fridge, and make just as much as you’ll eat within a couple of days.
Reheating
To rewarm (especially if you baked them the first time), place the stuffed pears in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just until they’re lightly warmed through. Take care not to overbake, as you want the pears to remain tender and the cheese creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute another cheese for blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese provides a bold and tangy flavor, goat cheese or crumbled feta both work beautifully for those who prefer a milder taste. Just be sure to use a cheese with plenty of character to balance the sweetness of the pears.
Do I need to peel the pears?
No peeling required! The pear skins help the halves hold together and add visual appeal. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and pat dry before slicing.
How can I toast the walnuts quickly?
Simply spread the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, shaking the pan often, for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Can Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears be made in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pears a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Wait to add the honey, balsamic glaze, and herbs until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Opt for a plant-based blue-style cheese, maple syrup instead of honey, and simply confirm your balsamic glaze is vegan. The results are every bit as stunning and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing an indulgent snack for yourself, Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are my go-to for effortless elegance and vibrant flavor. Don’t be surprised when your guests ask for the recipe—these are simply too good not to share. Give them a try and discover a new classic that turns any moment into a celebration!
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 10 minutes if baked)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. Ripe pears are filled with a mixture of creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the Pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores using a melon baller or spoon to create a small well in each half.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts. Spoon the mixture into the center of each pear half.
- Drizzle with Honey and Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle honey evenly over the filled pears, then add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- These make a great appetizer or elegant side.
- For a warm version, bake the filled pears at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until softened and melty.
- You can substitute goat cheese or feta if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
