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Turn ordinary pears and cheese into a showstopper starter. Stuffed pears oozing with blue cheese hit the sweet spot between fruity and bold. Juicy pears plus tangy blue cheese make every bite feel a bit fancy but never fussy. Your friends will love the combo of fresh and rich flavors.
I whipped these up on a whim for a big holiday get-together when I needed something simple yet cool-looking. Everyone raved, so now whenever I want a quick but fancy way to kick off dinner, these are my go-to pick.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Fresh thyme tosses in herby flavor that ties everything together
- Balsamic vinegar brings a sharp kick that keeps the dish from tasting heavy
- Honey use a honey you love because its flavor really pops here
- Walnuts toast them first—trust me, it wakes up their nuttiness
- Blue cheese pick any kind you like, from gentle Gorgonzola to strong Roquefort
- Ripe pears make sure they’re just soft enough to let the knife in but still holding their shape
Simple Steps
- Garnish and serve
- Once they come out of the oven, splash on a bit more honey so they glisten and lay some fresh thyme for scent and looks
- Season and bake
- After filling the pears, top with a hint of balsamic and cracked pepper then bake at 190°C for around 20–25 minutes till the pears soften and cheese starts to bubble
- Fill the pears
- Scoop in big heaps of blue cheese filling into each pear—it should stay put but don’t squash it down or it’ll get too dense
- Create the filling
- Mix blue cheese crumbles, toasted walnuts, and honey in a bowl. Blend until chunky but not totally smooth so you keep some crunch
- Prepare the pears
- Slice pears in half from top to bottom and carefully scoop out the core using a spoon or melon baller, making a good-sized pocket but keeping them sturdy
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First time I shared these, a friend who hated blue cheese gave in after one try. The warm cheese goes silky and mild, and the sweetness from the pears brings it all together. It’s that combo that turns skeptics into fans, every single time.
Choosing the Best Pears
Picking the right pears really matters here. I like Anjou or Bosc because they stay together after a trip in the oven. Go for ones that press in just a bit when you touch the neck but don’t feel mushy. If yours aren’t soft enough, let them sit out a day or two. The best ones feel firm but with a tiny give.
Prep Ahead Options
This dish is great if you like to plan. Get everything ready up to just before baking, cover it, and stash in the fridge for up to a full day. When you’re ready for guests, bake as usual for fresh flavor with zero fuss. They’re still awesome at room temp (think party platters), and if you somehow end up with extras, just warm them gently in a 150°C oven for about 10 minutes.
Cheese Twists
You don’t have to stick with blue cheese if it’s not your thing. Try creamy goat cheese plus some honey for a milder take, or shredded aged cheddar with a dollop of apple butter for a whole new vibe. If it’s holiday time, brie mixed with dried cranberries makes it feel extra festive.
How to Serve
These look fancy as part of a well-thought-out spread. Add to a peppery arugula salad (just lemon and oil) for a quick meal. For parties, put them on a board with some grapes and nuts—super pretty. They love bubbly or even a sweet dessert wine. For something more filling, follow with simple roast chicken and roast veggies.
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Common Queries
- → Can I pick a different cheese for the filling?
Definitely! Goat cheese or brie would work well if you’d like something milder but still creamy and flavorful.
- → What should I look for when buying pears for this dish?
Go for pears that feel firm but ripe—they need to hold their shape in the oven while still getting soft enough to eat.
- → Is it okay to serve this cold instead?
Totally! These filled pears are just as tasty fresh from the oven as they are chilled for a cool option.
- → What toppings can I use to add more flavor?
Crushed pecans, extra thyme springs, or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils would all bring extra texture and color to the dish.
- → Can I prep this meal in advance?
Yes, you can put the pears together ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before you’re ready to dig in for the best taste and texture.