Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Sweet pears filled with tangy blue cheese and toasted walnuts are topped with honey and herbs for a starter or appetizer that always feels special at the table. These elegant blue cheese stuffed pears need only a handful of ingredients and create a wonderful mix of flavors and textures.

I discovered this recipe when hosting my first holiday dinner and it was the first dish to disappear. My family asks for it every autumn and I love how it brings the group together.

Ingredients

• Ripe pears: Choose firm but slightly yielding pears like Comice or Bosc for best flavor and texture
• Blue cheese: Opt for a creamy and strong variety such as Roquefort or Danish blue for maximum flavor
• Toasted walnuts: Give crunchy richness and a nutty flavor, toast lightly for extra aroma and avoid burnt pieces
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps balance the sharpness of the cheese, local wildflower honey brings extra dimension
• Balsamic vinegar: Brings bright acidity, choose a thick aged one if possible
• Ground black pepper: Rounds out the flavor with warmth, use freshly cracked for best effect
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Provide a herbal aroma and pretty finishing touch, look for vibrant green leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Pears:

Slice each pear in half lengthwise then scoop out the core and seeds with a melon baller or teaspoon. Try to create a small well for the filling without going all the way through the fruit and arrange the pears cut side up on a lined baking sheet.

Make the Cheese Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the crumbled blue cheese, toasted and roughly chopped walnuts, and honey. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.

Stuff the Pears:

Use a spoon to fill each pear cavity with a generous amount of the cheese and walnut mixture. Press gently so the filling stays put but do not overfill to avoid spillage when baking.

Season and Bake:

Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the filled pears. Sprinkle with ground black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for around twenty to twenty five minutes until the pears are soft but not mushy and the cheese is bubbling.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the pears from the oven. Drizzle with a touch more honey while still warm. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve right away for best flavor.

Save it

My favorite ingredient here is the blue cheese. The way it melts into the pears makes each bite creamy and full of flavor. The first time I made these was for a family reunion and we all gathered around the table laughing and reaching for seconds.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the texture and prevent drying out. If you need to make ahead, assemble the pears up to the point of baking then refrigerate; once baked, add garnishes fresh right before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, try soft goat cheese or gorgonzola. For a nut free option, use pumpkin seeds or omit entirely. Maple syrup can replace honey in a pinch, and fresh rosemary works as a garnish if thyme is not available.

Serving suggestions

Serve the pears as a stunning starter at dinner parties or alongside a cheese board for added elegance. I often nestle them into a bed of mixed greens with extra toasted walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic for a lovely salad course.

Cultural and historical context

Serving cheese and fruit together dates back to classic French and Italian cuisine, where pears are often paired with blue cheese for a refined finish. This dish brings old world charm to modern tables and I like to imagine it as part of a rustic country feast.

Save it

These stuffed pears are perfect for holidays or any time you want an easy yet impressive appetizer. The flavors will make your guests want the recipe.

FAQ sur la recette

→ Can I substitute another cheese for blue cheese?

Yes, try gorgonzola or goat cheese for a milder flavor, or feta for a crumbly texture.

→ Should I peel the pears before baking?

No, keeping the peel helps the pears hold their shape and adds texture after baking.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the pears in advance and bake them just before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish nut-free?

Omit the walnuts and try seeds or extra cheese for a nut-free version without sacrificing texture.

→ Which type of pear works best?

Use ripe yet firm varieties such as Bosc or Anjou, as they hold up well during baking.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate in an airtight container and gently reheat before serving to maintain texture.