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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer or snack that’s seriously impressive but surprisingly easy, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. The blend of juicy, tender pears with creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey is nothing short of magic. I absolutely love how this recipe comes together so quickly yet feels elegant enough for guests or a cozy night in.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly Elegant: Requires just a handful of ingredients but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweetness of pears pairs beautifully with sharp blue cheese and crunchy walnuts.
  • Super Versatile: Great as an appetizer, side, or even a light dessert with a drizzle of honey.
  • Kid-Friendly Adaptations: Easy to customize for picky eaters or those who aren’t big fans of blue cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right pears and quality blue cheese really take this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe to the next level. I like using Bosc pears because they hold their shape beautifully when baked — no mushy bits here! Plus, the other ingredients complement each other with crunchy, sweet, savory, and herbal notes.

  • Bosc pears: Firm but ripe pears work best so they soften without falling apart.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps with roasting the pears.
  • Blue cheese: Danish blue cheese is my favorite for its creamy texture and balanced tang.
  • Walnuts: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Fresh thyme: Earthy and fresh, thyme pairs beautifully with blue cheese.
  • Honey: A drizzle of sweetness to mellow the cheese’s tang.
  • Aleppo pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
  • Flaky salt: Finishing touch to enhance all the flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it really opens the door to playful creativity. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on your tastes or dietary needs. You’ll find that small tweaks can make it feel completely fresh each time.

  • Cheese alternatives: If blue cheese is too bold for you, try creamy goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor; my family loves this substitution.
  • Nut swaps: Pecans or toasted almonds add a nice twist and still deliver that great crunch.
  • Herbs: Rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a different herbal note — both are delicious and fragrant.
  • Spices: Experiment with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy vibe.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Pears

First things first — you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400℉ so it’s ready to go when the pears are prepped. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and gently scoop out the core and seeds with a small spoon or melon baller. Don’t peel them — the skin helps the pears keep their shape during baking. Place them cut side down in a cast iron skillet or baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle a light pinch of salt and pepper. Roasting for 15 minutes softens the pears just enough to become silky but still sturdy for stuffing.

Step 2: Stuff the Pears and Finish Baking

Carefully turn the roasted pears cut side up, then stuff them generously with crumbled Danish blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves. Pop them back in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes just until the cheese begins to melt but doesn’t run all over. This step is where the flavors marry into that heavenly combo—you’ll start to smell hints of thyme and sweet walnut toastiness filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Drizzle with Honey and Season

While the pears finish baking, mix honey with Aleppo pepper in a small bowl — this spicy-sweet drizzle adds a perfect finishing touch. Once out of the oven, transfer the stuffed pears to a serving platter, drizzle them liberally with your honey mixture, and sprinkle flaky salt on top for texture and pop. Extra thyme sprigs are optional but add a lovely fresh look if you’re serving guests.

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Pro Tips for Making Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

  • Pick Pears Carefully: Bosc pears are my go-to because they hold their shape well — avoid overly ripe fruit that turns mushy when baked.
  • Don’t Overstuff: Too much cheese can overwhelm the pear and leak out — a moderate amount keeps each bite balanced.
  • Toast Your Nuts: Toasting walnuts before chopping amps up their flavor and adds richness to the filling.
  • Use Flaky Salt For Finish: It adds crunch and an extra layer of saltiness you just can’t get from table salt.

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I tend to keep it simple with flaky salt and a few thyme sprigs to keep things fresh-looking and aromatic. Sometimes I add a few crushed walnuts on top if I want extra texture or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a burst of juiciness — it’s a game changer!

Side Dishes

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or alongside roasted chicken for a fancy dinner at home. If you’re serving at a party, sliced baguette or crackers make great companions to scoop up the soft cheese and pear combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged the stuffed pears on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and fresh thyme sprigs scattered around—your guests will think you bought it at a fancy restaurant! You can also serve individual halves on small plates drizzled with extra honey and Aleppo pepper for a classy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—lucky you!—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pears will get softer over time, so I recommend eating them sooner rather than later for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this dish because I find the texture of pears gets a little watery after thawing, and blue cheese tends to change consistency. If you want to freeze though, wrap each pear half tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month, then reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffed pears in a warm oven (around 300℉) for about 10 minutes just to warm through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pears soggy and the cheese tough. This way, you keep as much texture and flavor as possible.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pears in this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Bosc pears are ideal because of their firmness and sweet, spicy flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like Anjou or Bartlett. Just make sure the pears are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

  2. What can I substitute for blue cheese?

    If you find blue cheese too intense, try goat cheese or a mild feta as alternatives. Both offer a creamy texture and tangy flavors that complement the pears, though the overall flavor profile will be milder and less pungent.

  3. Can I prepare these pears in advance?

    You can prepare the pears and core them ahead of time, but I recommend doing the stuffing and final baking just before serving for the best texture and melted cheese experience.

  4. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! Swap the blue cheese for a vegan cheese alternative with a tangy flavor, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Toasted nuts and fresh herbs will still shine, making a delicious plant-based version.

  5. What does Aleppo pepper add to this recipe?

    Aleppo pepper brings a gentle fruity heat that enhances the sweet and savory contrast of the pears and cheese without being too spicy. If you don’t have Aleppo pepper, a mild chili powder or smoked paprika can be used as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that I go back to whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s a beautiful mix of flavors and textures and always gets rave reviews from guests and family alike. I hope you’ll try it soon—you might find it becoming a go-to for your gatherings or a special treat just for yourself!

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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a sophisticated and savory appetizer combining the sweetness of baked Bosc pears with the tangy creaminess of blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of fresh thyme. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a touch of Aleppo pepper, this dish perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and salty flavors, ideal for entertaining or a special snack.


Ingredients

Pears and Seasonings

  • 3 large Bosc pears
  • 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Flaky salt, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

  • 2 1/2 oz Danish blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem

Honey Drizzle

  • 1-2 tbsps honey
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the pears.
  2. Prepare the pears: Slice each Bosc pear in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the core and seeds from each half. Place the pears cut side down in a cast iron skillet or a suitable baking dish. Drizzle olive oil evenly over them, then lightly season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake the pears partially: Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the oven and bake the pears cut side down for 15 minutes. This softens the pears and develops their flavor.
  4. Add stuffing and continue baking: Remove the pears from the oven, flip them cut side up, and stuff each half with a mixture of crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves. Return the pears to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese has softened and slightly melted.
  5. Prepare honey drizzle: While the pears finish baking, mix honey with Aleppo pepper in a small bowl to create a spicy-sweet drizzle.
  6. Serve and garnish: Once baked, transfer the pears to a platter or individual plates. Drizzle the honey-Aleppo mixture over the stuffed pears, sprinkle flaky salt to taste, and garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Bosc pears are ideal for baking because they hold shape and have a firm texture; Bartlett pears may become too mushy.
  • You can adjust the amount of blue cheese to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
  • Aleppo pepper adds a mild, fruity heat but can be substituted with smoked paprika or chili flakes if unavailable.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete appetizer.
  • For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or replace with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pear half
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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