Description

Delightful Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This elegant appetizer features ripe pears filled with a creamy blend of blue cheese and toasted walnuts, baked to tender perfection, and finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme. Served warm or at room temperature over a bed of arugula or mixed greens, this dish is an ideal starter for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pears

3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored

Filling

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Additional Flavorings

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Black pepper to taste

Serving

Arugula or mixed greens (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for the pears.
Prepare Pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and remove the cores with a spoon or melon baller, creating a small well in each half for the filling.
Assemble Filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and toasted chopped walnuts, mixing gently to blend the flavors.
Fill Pears: Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the baking dish and spoon the blue cheese and walnut mixture into each well, filling them evenly.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the pears for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese has slightly melted.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven, drizzle honey over each half, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature over a bed of arugula or mixed greens, if desired.

Notes

Add a splash of balsamic glaze before serving to enhance the flavor.
This recipe works great as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated side dish.
Use firm pears to ensure the halves hold their shape during baking.
To toast walnuts, bake them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.