Description

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a sophisticated appetizer featuring ripe pears filled with a savory mixture of blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and honey. Baked to perfection and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and extra honey, this dish combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a smooth, creamy texture. Ideal for entertaining or a special starter, these baked pears offer a delightful blend of taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Pears

4 ripe pears, halved and cored

Filling

½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon honey (plus extra for drizzling)

Toppings and Garnish

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed pears.
Prepare pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and carefully remove the core using a melon baller or a small spoon, creating a hollow space for the filling.
Arrange pears: Place the pear halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up, ensuring they are stable and ready for stuffing.
Make filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, toasted chopped walnuts, and 1 tablespoon of honey, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors.
Stuff pears: Spoon the cheese and walnut mixture into the hollowed center of each pear half, pressing gently to pack the filling evenly.
Add toppings: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the stuffed pears and sprinkle with ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
Bake pears: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the blue cheese filling is slightly melted and golden.
Finish and garnish: Remove the pears from the oven, drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness, and garnish each serving with fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant touch.
Serve: Serve the warm stuffed pears immediately as a delicious appetizer or light dessert.

Notes

Choose ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
To toast walnuts, bake them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, substitute with milder cheeses like Gorgonzola dolce or cream cheese blended with a little feta.
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.