Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
When it comes to effortless elegance on a plate, nothing beats Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. This dish is a beautiful marriage of sweet, tart, and savory flavors — juicy pears roasted until tender, nestled with bursts of berries, crunchy walnuts, luscious honey, and creamy blue cheese. Whether you serve it as a show-stopping appetizer or a light, sophisticated dessert, it’s the kind of recipe that gets people talking and always leaves them reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a stunning dish. Each element in Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese brings something special to the party — from color and crunch to tang and sweetness.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape while baking and offer just the right amount of bite.
- Olive oil or melted butter: A light brush keeps the pears moist and adds a hint of richness.
- Fresh mixed berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a pop of color and tartness that balances the dish.
- Chopped walnuts: For that satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with fruit and cheese.
- Crumbled blue cheese: This is the bold, creamy element that ties all the flavors together. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, goat cheese also works beautifully!
- Honey: A golden drizzle brings gentle sweetness and helps everything caramelize just right.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a sprinkle gives the dish cozy warmth and a subtle spice note.
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional): These herbs make a gorgeous garnish and add a burst of freshness at the finish.
How to Make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Halve and core your pears, making sure to scoop out enough of the center to create a cozy little pocket for the filling. This step sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Arrange and Brush
Lay your pear halves cut-side up in the prepared dish. Give each one a light brush with olive oil or melted butter — this keeps them juicy as they bake and adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
Step 3: Fill with Goodness
Nestle a few fresh berries into the hollow of each pear, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a little blue cheese. You don’t need to overstuff — just enough to fill the cavity and create a beautiful medley of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Sweeten and Spice
Drizzle honey generously over the pears, letting it cascade over the fruit and into the dish. If you like a hint of warmth, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top. This step is where everything starts to look (and smell) amazing!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The pears should be tender but still hold their shape, and the cheese should be just melted and golden in spots. Let them cool slightly before serving so all the flavors can mingle.
How to Serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh thyme or mint leaves brings a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness to your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. If you want to go the extra mile, a dusting of extra chopped walnuts or a light drizzle of honey just before serving makes them look truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
These pears are wonderfully versatile! Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for an elegant starter, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light dessert. The creamy and cool background highlights the warm, sweet-savory flavors in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try arranging the pears on a large platter with extra berries scattered around and a swirl of honey over the top. Individual ramekins work well for personal servings, or you can slice the baked pears and arrange them on crostini for a sophisticated appetizer twist. However you serve them, Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While these pears are best enjoyed soon after baking, you can freeze them if needed. Place cooled pears in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind, the berries and cheese may release a bit of moisture when thawed, so the texture might be softer.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pears in a baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore some of that lovely caramelization and brings back the magic of freshly baked Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese or even feta for a tangy twist. Each option gives the Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese its own unique personality.
What type Dessert, Appetizer
Look for pears that are ripe but still firm, such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. They’ll hold their shape during baking and offer just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the pears up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed for fresh, warm flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?
Pecans, hazelnuts, or even slivered almonds work well and add their own special flavor and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something truly special yet simple to prepare, you can’t go wrong with Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a favorite at your table, too — it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a sophisticated and delicious dessert or appetizer that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears and fresh berries with the rich tang of blue cheese and the crunch of walnuts. Enhanced by a drizzle of honey and a hint of cinnamon, this warm, oven-baked treat offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a Mediterranean-inspired meal or an elegant gathering.
Ingredients
Pears
- 3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Filling and Topping
- ¼ cup fresh mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 3 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 3 tbsp crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Prepare the pears: Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the baking dish. Lightly brush each pear with olive oil or melted butter to help them bake to a golden, luscious finish.
- Fill the pears: Spoon a few fresh mixed berries into the hollowed center of each pear half, then sprinkle chopped walnuts and crumbled blue cheese evenly over the berries to add texture and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle and season: Generously drizzle honey over the top of each pear to enhance sweetness and add a lovely glaze. If you like, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon for warmth and spice.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pears are tender yet still maintain their shape, the cheese slightly melted, and everything is beautifully warmed through.
- Serve: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves if desired and serve warm. Enjoy as is or paired with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a richer dessert experience.
Notes
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an extra treat.
- You can substitute goat cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This dish works well as an elegant appetizer or a light dessert.
- If fresh mixed berries are not available, frozen berries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For a dairy-free option, omit blue cheese and try toasted pecans instead of walnuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
