Blue Cheese Stuffed Baked Pears Recipe

Introduction

Blue cheese stuffed pears make a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfect for an elegant appetizer or a unique snack. This simple baked dish highlights the creamy richness of blue cheese paired with the natural sweetness of ripe pears.

Ingredients

• 3 large Bosc pears
• 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 oz blue cheese (Danish blue cheese, crumbled)
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, removed from the stem
• 1-2 tbsps honey
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
• Flaky salt, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃).
2. Step 2: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and carefully remove the core and seeds. Place the halves cut side up in a cast iron skillet or a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Then, turn the pears cut side down.
3. Step 3: Bake the pears in the oven for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the pears from the oven and turn them cut side up. Stuff each pear half with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves. Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese softens and slightly melts.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the honey with Aleppo pepper to create a sweet and spicy drizzle.
6. Step 6: Once baked, transfer the pears to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle with the honey-Aleppo mixture and garnish with flaky salt and extra thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm Bosc pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Try substituting walnuts with pecans or toasted pine nuts for different textures.
• For added depth, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze before serving.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce the Aleppo pepper or omit it entirely.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300℉) or in a microwave for short intervals to avoid melting the cheese too much. This dish is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor, but the distinct tang of blue cheese is key to this recipe’s signature taste.

Are there alternatives to Aleppo pepper if I don’t have it?

If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, use a mild chili powder or smoked paprika for a similar mild heat and smoky flavor.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Baked Pears Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears recipe features ripe Bosc pears baked to perfection with a savory filling of Danish blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme. Finished with a drizzle of honey spiced with Aleppo pepper and a sprinkle of flaky salt, this dish beautifully balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a sophisticated appetizer or a delightful addition to any cheese board.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (half a pear per serving) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Modern American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pears and Seasoning

• 3 large Bosc pears
• 1–2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• flaky salt, for garnish
• salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

• 2 1/2 oz Danish blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem

Honey Drizzle

• 1–2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) to prepare for baking the pears.
2. Prepare the pears: Slice each Bosc pear in half lengthwise, then carefully remove the core and seeds. Place the halves cut side up in a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Then, carefully turn the pears cut side down for initial baking.
3. Bake the pears initially: Place the skillet with pears in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This softens the pears and begins the cooking process.
4. Stuff the pears: Remove the pears from the oven and turn them cut side up. Evenly distribute the crumbled Danish blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves into the cavities of the pears.
5. Return to oven: Bake the stuffed pears again for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has slightly melted and the flavors meld together.
6. Prepare honey drizzle: While the pears cook, combine the honey and Aleppo pepper in a small bowl, stirring to blend the sweet and mildly spicy flavor.
7. Serve the pears: Once baking is complete, transfer the pears to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the Aleppo-spiced honey over the pears and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and extra thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or toasted almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Aleppo pepper adds mild heat and fruity notes, but you can adjust the amount or replace it with crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Using a cast iron skillet helps evenly distribute heat during baking, but any oven-safe baking dish will work.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a sparkling beverage.
• For a vegetarian diet, confirm the blue cheese used is made without animal rennet.

Keywords: blue cheese stuffed pears, baked pears, appetizer recipe, walnut stuffed pears, honey drizzled pears, savory pear recipe