If you’re in the mood to truly wow your guests, Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are the answer. This dish transforms simple pears into a show-stopping appetizer or side, with creamy, tangy blue cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey to bring everything together. Each bite is sophisticated yet totally unfussy, delivering a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears is how just a handful of ingredients come together to create something crave-worthy. Each component here serves a delicious purpose, building layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
- Pears: Ripe but still firm pears hold their shape while baking and offer natural sweetness to balance the sharp cheese.
- Lemon juice: A quick brush of lemon juice keeps the pears from browning and adds a pop of brightness.
- Blue cheese: The star ingredient, delivering bold flavor and creamy richness—feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, this mellows out the blue cheese and helps achieve a luxuriously smooth filling.
- Walnuts: Toasted and chopped, walnuts bring toasty crunch and a nutty counterpoint to the creamy cheese.
- Honey: A generous drizzle over the top ties everything together with floral sweetness.
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): For a fragrant final touch and a hint of herbal elegance.
How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out those cores with either a melon baller or a small spoon. Brushing the cut sides with lemon juice keeps them looking bright and gorgeous, no matter how long they sit out before baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine your crumbled blue cheese, creamy softened cream cheese, and half of your toasted walnuts. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly blended but still has a bit of texture—you want occasional pockets of blue cheese for little bursts of tang.
Step 3: Fill the Pears
Arrange your pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish, then gently spoon or pack the creamy cheese mixture into each center. Don’t worry if it overflows a little—the more filling, the better!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the stuffed pears into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for soft, warm pears and melted, bubbly cheese. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine—the hardest part is waiting!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once they’re beautifully golden and melty, take the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears out of the oven. Drizzle each one with honey while they’re piping hot, then sprinkle on the remaining toasted walnuts and scatter fresh thyme leaves for that restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Garnishes
You can let the finishing touches shine here! A sprinkle of crisp, fresh thyme leaves not only adds aroma but also a lovely pop of green so the Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears absolutely glow on the plate. For extra flair, try a crack of black pepper or swap thyme for fresh chives.
Side Dishes
This dish is an appetizer star, but it rests comfortably alongside main courses, too. Serve with lightly dressed arugula salad, roasted root veggies, or crusty bread that will soak up every last drop of honey and cheese. Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears can also play a sweet-savory role on a cheese board alongside cured meats and other fruits.
Creative Ways to Present
You’re not limited to a big platter—think individually plated for a “wow” starter, or nestle them into mini cast iron skillets for rustic charm. For parties, you can even quarter each stuffed pear and arrange artfully as finger food. However you serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, their colorful layers make them naturally stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears keep well for up to two days, though they’re at their absolute best served fresh from the oven so the cheese is perfectly melty.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended, as both the pears and the cheese filling can take on a watery texture after thawing. To enjoy them at their best, prepare and bake fresh just before serving.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place pears in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just heated through. This will help preserve the creamy filling without drying out the fruit. Avoid microwaving, which can make the filling watery and unevenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try creamy gorgonzola or tangy goat cheese. Each brings its own unique flair and works beautifully with the pears and walnuts.
What pears are best for this recipe?
Bosc and Anjou pears are ideal: they hold their shape when baked, and their subtle sweetness pairs delightfully with bold cheeses. Just make sure they’re ripe but still firm so they don’t become mushy in the oven.
Can I make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead of time?
You can prep the filling and core the pears in advance, but bake and assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor. If you must make ahead, store assembled (but unbaked) pears in the fridge and bake just before guests arrive.
Are Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears gluten free?
Yes! This appetizer is naturally gluten free. If you serve alongside bread, just be sure to choose gluten free options for any guests who need them.
Can I add a meat element?
For a more savory twist, add a thin slice of prosciutto over each pear half before baking. The salty prosciutto crisps up and perfectly balances the sweet and tangy flavors of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears.
Final Thoughts
If you love the magic of blending simple ingredients into an irresistible showpiece, don’t miss the chance to serve Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears. They’re easy, elegant, and flavor-packed enough to become a tradition in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients and let your oven work its magic—you’re about to share something truly special.
PrintElegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
These elegant blue cheese stuffed pears are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or side dish. The creamy blue cheese filling pairs beautifully with the tender, sweet pears, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe pears (halved and cored)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the pears in half and remove the cores using a melon baller or small spoon. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine blue cheese, cream cheese, and half of the chopped walnuts. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half. Place pears in a baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is melted. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining walnuts. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer or elegant side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute gorgonzola or goat cheese if preferred.
- For a savory-sweet twist, add a thin slice of prosciutto over each pear before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pear
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg