Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears: Savory Bites for Any Gathering (Print Version)

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are an elegant, easy appetizer perfect for guests or a quiet evening. Sweet pears meet tangy blue cheese in a delightful bite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: European
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - Bosc or Anjou Pears (2-3 medium)
02 - Creamy Blue Cheese (4 oz, crumbled)

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - Walnut Halves (1/4 cup)
04 - Honey (2 tbsp)
05 - Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, chopped)

→ Essentials

06 - Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp)
07 - Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grab those pears. Give them a good wash, slice them in half lengthwise, and with a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the core. You want to create a little well for the filling, but don't go too deep or you'll poke through! I once got a bit overzealous and had blue cheese leaking everywhere. Trust me, it’s not a pretty sight.
02 - While the oven is heating, spread your walnut halves on a small baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, keeping a super close eye on them. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash! You’ll smell that lovely nutty aroma when they're ready. Let them cool a bit, then give them a rough chop. This step, honestly, makes such a difference in flavor, don't skip it!
03 - In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped toasted walnuts, honey, and fresh thyme. Give it a good mix with a fork until everything is nicely incorporated. This is where you can really smell all those incredible aromas coming together – the sharp cheese, sweet honey, earthy walnuts. I sometimes add a tiny pinch more thyme here, just because I love it!
04 - Now for the fun part! Gently spoon the blue cheese mixture into the hollowed-out pear halves, mounding it slightly. Don't be shy, really get that filling in there! Place the stuffed pears cut-side up on a baking sheet. Melt that tablespoon of butter and brush it lightly over the pear flesh. A little salt and pepper now, and they're almost ready for their oven spa day.
05 - Slide those beautiful Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork, and the blue cheese filling is bubbly and lightly golden. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them. You want tender, not mushy, pears!
06 - Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears cool for just a few minutes – that cheese will be super hot! Serve them warm, maybe with an extra drizzle of honey if you're feeling fancy, or a tiny sprig of fresh thyme for garnish. The smell of the warm pears and melting cheese is just divine, a real treat for the senses!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overbake the pears, or they'll get mushy; aim for tender but firm.
02 - For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
03 - A good quality blue cheese truly elevates this dish, so pick one you enjoy.
04 - These are fantastic with a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling cider.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - small bowl
03 - small spoon or melon baller

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 8g