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
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the pears.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare honey drizzle: While the pears finish baking, mix honey with Aleppo pepper in a small bowl to create a spicy-sweet drizzle.
- 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
