Description
These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delightful appetizer or light dessert that combine the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the creamy tanginess of blue cheese, enhanced by a touch of honey and crunchy toasted nuts. Baked to tender perfection and garnished with fresh thyme and black pepper, they offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
Filling
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed pears.
- Prepare Pears: Place the pear halves cut-side up into a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced to cook uniformly.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled blue cheese and 2 tablespoons of honey until combined to create a sweet and tangy filling.
- Stuff Pears: Spoon the blue cheese and honey mixture into the center cavity of each pear half, filling them generously.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts or pecans evenly over the top of each filled pear to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pears for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they become tender and the cheese begins to melt slightly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven, drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness, and garnish with freshly ground black pepper and fresh thyme leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta for a milder flavor.
- To toast nuts, dry roast them in a pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
