Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is gorgeous on the plate, let me introduce you to Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. Imagine juicy, just-ripe pears filled with a creamy, tangy blue cheese and nutty filling, all finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. This handy recipe balances sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy—all in one delicious bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a weeknight feel extra special, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears deliver flavor and elegance every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, you’ll bring out the best flavors and textures in every bite. Here’s how each one plays a role in creating this beautifully balanced dish.

  • Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work best) for a structure that holds up in the oven and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with cheese.
  • Blue cheese: The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese provides a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center and contrasts beautifully with the pears.
  • Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans: Toasted nuts add rich crunch and a hint of earthiness that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Honey: A spoonful of honey ties everything together with subtle floral sweetness, balancing out the sharp cheese.
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional): Thyme adds an aromatic freshness and a pop of green, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Just a light sprinkling takes these pears from sweet to sophisticated, highlighting all the savory notes.

How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Pears

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking dish with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a snap. Next, halve your pears lengthwise and carefully scoop out the cores using a spoon or melon baller, creating just enough space for all that tasty filling. Arrange the prepared pear halves, cut-side up, in your lined dish.

Step 2: Make the Irresistible Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled blue cheese, toasted chopped walnuts or pecans, honey, and fresh thyme leaves (if you’re using them). This mixture should be creamy and slightly chunky, so every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to taste and add a bit more honey or nuts if you want!

Step 3: Stuff the Pears

Spoon this luscious blue cheese mixture right into the centers of your pears. Fill them generously, letting the filling mound up a little—you want every slice to be decadently creamy. Finish each stuffed pear with a little fresh black pepper to dial up the flavor even more.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The pears should become just tender (but not mushy!) and the cheese will be bubbling and irresistible. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure they don’t overcook. The aroma alone is worth it!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle your Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears with a bit more honey while they’re still warm from the oven. Serve right away for maximum creaminess or let them cool to room temperature—they’re enchanting either way.

How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a finishing sprinkle of fresh thyme and an extra drizzle of golden honey for both beauty and flavor. For even more visual interest, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a scattering of microgreens can make each plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve your Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears on a simple bed of arugula to add peppery freshness and a sophisticated presentation. They make a fabulous starter for a steak dinner or a chic addition to a vegetarian holiday spread. Try pairing with crackers or a crisp baguette if you want a little crunch on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange the pears on a slate or wooden board with extra cheese, nuts, and fruit for an elevated cheese board, or serve them atop salad greens with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze for an appetizer-salad fusion. They even shine as a savory-sweet dessert with a glass of dessert wine—talk about versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for up to two days, though the pears may soften slightly after sitting.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe—the texture of pears tends to change in the freezer, often becoming mushy when thawed. For the best flavor and appearance, enjoy your stuffed pears fresh or within a couple days of making them.

Reheating

To warm up leftover Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible; it can make the pears soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like blue cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese is the heart of this recipe, creamy goat cheese or tangy feta make delicious alternatives. Try adding a touch more honey to balance the tang if you switch cheeses.

What’s the best type Appetizer

Bosc and Anjou pears are both sturdy enough to hold their shape when baked and have just the right amount of sweetness. Bartlett pears can also work in a pinch, but be sure they’re firm and not overly ripe.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the pears and filling up to a few hours in advance, then bake them just before serving. If you want them at room temperature, you can bake ahead and let them cool—but garnish and drizzle with honey right before serving to keep everything fresh.

What wine pairs best with Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling brut will complement the sweet and savory notes beautifully. For a bolder choice, a light dessert wine or even a dry rosé can be lovely with these flavors.

Are Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your blue cheese and any nuts you use haven’t been processed with gluten ingredients if you’re making these for someone with celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so charming and festive about Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears—they’re a little bit fancy, completely irresistible, and always spark conversation at the table. I can’t recommend them enough for your next gathering or quiet celebration at home. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!

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Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

4.7 from 14 reviews

These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make for a perfect appetizer or light dessert. The creamy blue cheese filling pairs beautifully with the tender baked pears, creating a sophisticated dish that is sure to impress your guests.

  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pears:

  • 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored

Blue Cheese Filling:

  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Pears: Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the dish.
  3. Make Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese, nuts, honey, and thyme if using. Fill each pear half with the mixture.
  4. Bake: Sprinkle with black pepper and bake for 12–15 minutes until pears are tender and cheese is melted.
  5. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle with additional honey before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For added elegance, serve the stuffed pears on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  • This recipe pairs well with wine and is perfect for entertaining.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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