If you are looking for a sophisticated yet simple appetizer to impress your guests, the Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful combination brings together the creamy boldness of blue cheese, the natural sweetness of ripe pears, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and a drizzle of golden honey. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a beautiful dish that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe, the ingredient list may be short, but each component plays a vital role in creating a symphony of tastes and textures that harmonize perfectly.
- 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou recommended): Choose pears that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch for a tender, juicy base.
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled: The star ingredient, delivering a sharp, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds an earthy crunch and a subtle bitterness that complements the blue cheese.
- 2 tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that rounds out the flavors with a floral note.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the dish and prevent the pears from browning.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, enhancing the overall depth of the filling.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens for serving (optional): Offers a peppery or fresh backdrop that balances the richness of the pears.
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Starting off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pears will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to luscious perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Wash your pears thoroughly, then slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out the core carefully to create a hollow cavity perfect for stuffing without breaking the flesh.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that the sweet and savory ingredients meld beautifully.
Step 4: Stuff the Pears
Fill each pear half generously with the blue cheese mixture, pressing it down slightly. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and that the stuffing stays put while baking.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your stuffed pears cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This keeps things tidy and ensures the bottoms don’t stick during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Pop the pears into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pears are tender to the touch and the cheese is melted and bubbling ever so slightly.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pears to cool for a few minutes so the flavors settle and they become easier to handle without falling apart.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh arugula or mixed greens as a bed for the stuffed pears is a lovely touch. The slight pepperiness of arugula offsets the richness, while a gentle drizzle of extra honey on top adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve these stuffed pears alongside a crisp green salad or a light soup. Their richness pairs beautifully with refreshing flavors and adds sophistication to any dinner party menu.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pears on individual wooden boards or rustic plates to highlight their natural beauty. Sprinkle extra crushed walnuts or a handful of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and texture that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They remain delicious but are best enjoyed fresh to preserve the contrasting textures.
Freezing
Freezing stuffed pears is not recommended as pears tend to become watery and lose their texture during freezing and reheating, which will lessen the quality of this delightful Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stuffed pears in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the pears from becoming soggy and to maintain the beautifully melted cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese provides that signature sharpness, you can try goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamy alternative that still pairs wonderfully with pears and walnuts.
What is the best type of pear to use for this recipe?
Bartlett and Anjou pears are ideal as they become soft when baked but hold their shape nicely, making them perfect for stuffing and baking without falling apart.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Since it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, it’s a delicious vegetarian-friendly appetizer or snack option.
Can I prepare the pears ahead of time?
You can prep the pears and the filling in advance and stuff them just before baking to keep the pears fresh and prevent browning.
What wine pairs well with Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly sweet Riesling complements the tangy cheese and sweet pears beautifully, creating a balanced tasting experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simple elegance of the Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Give it a try, and you just might find it becoming your new favorite appetizer to share again and again.
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with Walnuts and Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 stuffed pear halves (serves 2-4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears combine the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy creaminess of blue cheese, enhanced by crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Baked to perfection, this elegant appetizer or light dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou recommended)
Filling
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pears evenly.
- Prepare Pears: Wash the pears thoroughly. Slice each pear in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the core from each half to create a cavity for the filling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Stuff Pears: Carefully fill each pear half with the blue cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling securely within the cavity.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed pears cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears become tender and the cheese filling is slightly melted and warm.
- Cool: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to make handling easier and to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the warm, stuffed pears on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens if desired for a fresh, peppery contrast to the sweet and tangy filling.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, substitute blue cheese with a milder soft cheese like goat cheese.
- Walnuts can be toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Adjust honey amount to taste based on desired sweetness.
