Description
A sophisticated and flavorful appetizer, these blue cheese stuffed pears combine the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the bold, creamy tang of blue cheese. Finished with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey, they strike a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory—ideal for dinner parties, wine pairings, or a refined snack.
Ingredients
For the pears:
2 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the filling:
3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
Black pepper to taste
For garnish:
Extra chopped walnuts
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Honey for drizzling
Instructions
1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly brushing with olive oil.
2 Brush the cut side of the pear halves with lemon juice to prevent browning. Lightly coat them with olive oil and place them cut side up in the baking dish.
3 In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese, cream cheese, honey, chopped walnuts, and black pepper until well combined.
4 Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half, dividing it evenly.
5 Bake the pears in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape and the cheese is slightly golden on top.
6 Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with additional honey and sprinkle with more walnuts and thyme if using before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, choose ripe but slightly firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. The combination of blue cheese and cream cheese ensures a creamy filling that’s not too overpowering. Feel free to toast the walnuts beforehand for added depth of flavor. This appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or champagne.