Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese make a delightful warm dessert or elegant appetizer. This dish combines sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a lovely blend of textures that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Slice pears in half and remove cores with a spoon to create small hollows. Brush each half with melted butter and drizzle lightly with honey.
3. Step 3: Place pears cut-side up in the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
4. Step 4: Remove from oven and spoon berries and walnuts into the center of each pear. Crumble blue cheese on top and drizzle again with honey.
5. Step 5: Return to oven for 5 minutes, just until cheese softens and melts slightly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with thyme leaves if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use Bosc pears for a firmer texture that holds up well during baking.
• Swap blue cheese with goat cheese for a milder, creamy flavor.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before baking to enhance the sweetness.
• Toast walnuts lightly to bring out their nuttiness and add crunch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for added indulgence.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to soften the cheese and warm the pears. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Bartlett or Anjou pears as alternatives, but Bosc pears are preferred because they hold their shape well when baked.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the pears with berries, walnuts, and cheese up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep the pears tender and the cheese melty.

Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese offer a sophisticated combination of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors. Soft, caramelized pears are complemented by fresh mixed berries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, all enhanced by a touch of honey and warm cinnamon. This elegant dessert is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pears and Base

• 3 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Toppings

• ½ cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare pears: Slice each pear in half and carefully remove the cores using a spoon to create small hollows for filling later. Brush each pear half generously with melted butter, then drizzle lightly with honey to enhance the natural sweetness.
3. Bake pears: Arrange the pears cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle each with cinnamon evenly, then bake in the oven for about 20–25 minutes until the pears become tender and develop a caramelized golden color.
4. Add toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the fresh mixed berries and toasted walnuts into the hollow centers of each pear half. Then, crumble the blue cheese evenly on top and drizzle with a little more honey to balance the flavors.
5. Finish baking: Return the pears to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This short bake will soften and slightly melt the blue cheese, blending all the flavors beautifully.
6. Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the contrast of creamy cheese and juicy pears with crunchy walnuts and berries.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold shape during baking.
• Lightly toast the walnuts to bring out their flavor and crunch.
• Blue cheese can be substituted with gorgonzola or a milder cheese if preferred.
• Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal aroma but can be omitted or replaced with rosemary for variation.
• This dessert pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked pears, pear dessert, honey pears, blue cheese dessert, berry and walnut pear, baked fruit dessert, easy pear recipe