Description
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a sophisticated appetizer featuring ripe yet firm pears filled with a savory mixture of crumbled blue cheese, chopped nuts, and fresh thyme. Lightly baked until tender, these pears are finished with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of black pepper, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for entertaining or elevating a simple snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears
- 2 ripe but firm pears
Stuffing
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- 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 with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, carefully remove the core and seeds to create a small hollow in the center of each half, perfect for stuffing.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the cut side of each pear half with olive oil to help them roast beautifully and prevent drying out.
- Make the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese with chopped walnuts or pecans and fresh thyme leaves. Stir gently to mix the flavors well.
- Stuff the Pears: Spoon the cheese and nut mixture evenly into the hollowed centers of each pear half, pressing slightly to ensure the filling stays in place.
- Bake the Pears: Place the stuffed pears cut side up in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese softens but does not fully melt.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle each stuffed pear with honey, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe enough to be tender when baked but firm enough to hold their shape.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans with your preferred nuts for different textures and flavors.
- For a milder taste, use a mild blue cheese or reduce the quantity slightly.
- The honey drizzle adds a lovely sweetness that balances the sharpness of the blue cheese; adjust the amount to your preference.
- Serve these as an appetizer or as part of a cheese platter for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blue cheese, stuffed pears, baked pears, appetizer, elegant snack, nuts, thyme, honey
