Elegant Baked Pears with Honey & Blue Cheese (Print version)
Tender baked pears finished with honey, berries, toasted walnuts, and blue cheese for an easy sweet-savory dessert.
# Ingredients:
For the pears
01 -
4 ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, halved and cored
02 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
03 -
2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
04 -
3 tablespoons honey, divided
05 -
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus small sprigs for garnish
06 -
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
07 -
Pinch of fine salt
For finishing
08 -
1/3 cup (40 g) crumbled blue cheese or mild gorgonzola
09 -
1/3 cup (35 g) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
10 -
1/2 cup (75 g) mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries
11 -
Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish large enough to hold the pear halves in one layer.
02 -
Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the cores. Rub the cut sides with lemon juice, then arrange them cut-side up in the dish.
03 -
Stir the melted butter with 2 tablespoons honey, thyme, cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt. Brush over the pears and bake for 20-25 minutes, until tender but still holding their shape.
04 -
While the pears bake, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly and chop roughly.
05 -
Spoon a little pan juice over each pear. Top with blue cheese, berries, and toasted walnuts. Return to the oven for 2 minutes if you want the cheese just softened.
06 -
Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of honey. Add a small pinch of flaky salt, black pepper, and thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use ripe but firm pears so they soften without collapsing.
02 -
Serve warm as dessert, appetizer, or a cheese-course plate.
03 -
The toppings are best added right before serving.