Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple, you’ve got to try this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. I absolutely love how the creamy, tangy blue cheese pairs with the natural sweetness of ripe pears, and that little crunch from the nuts just seals the deal. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a favorite at my dinner parties — everyone asks for the secret! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can impress your guests (or just treat yourself) with this fan-freaking-tastic dish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures, and each ingredient brings something special to the table. When shopping, look for pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape after baking. And trust me, don’t skimp on the quality of the blue cheese — it really makes a difference.

• Pears: Choose ripe but firm ones like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and sweetness.
• Blue Cheese: Crumbled is best; I go for a creamy type that isn’t overly pungent.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Toast them lightly to bring out their nutty flavor before mixing.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds an herby freshness that lifts the whole dish.
• Honey: This drizzle adds a perfect touch of natural sweetness and shine.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle spice contrast.
• Olive Oil: Used for brushing the pears to help them bake evenly and get a lovely glaze.

Variations

I love that this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is super flexible depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry. Sometimes I swap the nuts or herbs, or even tweak the cheese — it’s all about personalizing it to your taste!

• Cheese Swap: For a milder flavor, I sometimes use goat cheese or ricotta instead of blue cheese, which makes the dish creamier and less tangy.
• Nut Choice: Pecans add a bit more sweetness compared to walnuts, which are earthier — either works beautifully!
• Herbs: Besides thyme, fresh rosemary or sage can add a fragrant twist.
• Drizzle Variation: Try balsamic glaze instead of honey for a deeper, more complex sweetness.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Core Your Pears

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). I recommend lining a baking dish with parchment or lightly greasing it to keep things simple for cleanup later. Then, slice your pears in half lengthwise—this is key so you get those lovely boat-like pear halves. Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the core and seeds, creating a neat little hollow. Be careful not to scoop out too much flesh because you want a sturdy shell for stuffing. I found that a melon baller works best here for precision.

Step 2: Brush and Place Pears

Lightly brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil—this little trick helps them caramelize a bit while baking and prevents drying out. Then, place them cut-side up in your prepared baking dish. This positioning ensures the filling stays nicely nestled without spilling over during baking.

Step 3: Make the Blue Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix the crumbled blue cheese with the chopped nuts and fresh thyme leaves. Whenever I toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan before adding, it brings out an incredible depth of flavor that really elevates the whole dish. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Stuff, Bake, and Finish

Spoon the cheese mixture into each pear hollow, packing it in gently but firmly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’re aiming for the pears to be just tender—not mushy—while the cheese softens beautifully but doesn’t melt away completely. This balance is what makes the dish special! Once out of the oven, drizzle each stuffed pear with honey for that perfect sweet contrast to the tangy cheese, and grind a little black pepper over the top to add a subtle spicy kick.

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple to let the stuffed pears shine. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a pop of color and aroma. Sometimes, I scatter a few extra chopped toasted nuts on top for texture. If it’s a special occasion, a little drizzle of high-quality balsamic reduction adds a beautiful glossy finish and a tang that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve these pears is alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. They also work wonderfully next to roasted chicken or pork for an elegant autumn meal. And if you’re throwing a party, they’re a fantastic finger food to go with sparkling wine or dessert wine — the pairings will wow your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I arranged these on a wooden board with sprigs of thyme and scattered pomegranate seeds for a festive holiday look — it was a hit! You can also slice the stuffed pears into smaller wedges for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres or stuff mini pears for a modern twist. The presentation is so elegant it effortlessly elevates any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap the pears tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor actually mellows and deepens overnight, so I sometimes make them a day ahead and just warm them slightly before serving.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing this recipe because the texture of pears changes after thawing. I’d recommend making these fresh whenever you want to impress, but if you must freeze, do so before baking and thaw completely before stuffing and baking fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your blue cheese stuffed pears in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes — just until warmed through. This helps keep the pears from getting soggy while warming the cheese back up to silky perfection. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the pears a bit mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe enough if you want to add a touch of sophistication to your table without a lot of fuss. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together simply and quickly. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, holiday gathering, or just a special treat, these stuffed pears bring that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy to every bite. Give it a try—you’ll thank me later!

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