Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Featured in: Small bites and starters

Enjoy the blend of ripe pears stuffed with rich blue cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of golden honey. Balsamic vinegar adds depth, while fresh thyme brings an aromatic touch. Baked until the pears are tender and the cheese bubbles, this dish is a delightful savory-sweet treat perfect for entertaining or as an elegant starter. Serve warm to highlight the contrast of flavors and textures, or chill for a refreshing twist. Simple steps, gourmet results—let these flavors elevate your occasion.

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Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:37:26 GMT
A plate of stuffed pears with blue cheese and walnuts. Pin it
A plate of stuffed pears with blue cheese and walnuts. | myhomemaderecipe.com

HomeMade Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears make any gathering feel instantly special. Their creamy blue cheese paired with sweet roasted pears and a touch of honey will win over guests from the very first bite.

The first time I made these pears was for a small dinner party on a chilly autumn night. Now it is my go-to appetizer whenever I want to wow friends with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

  • Ripe pears: Choose pears that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are still firm so they hold their shape when baked
  • Blue cheese: Brings a bold creamy bite Opt for a high quality wedge from the cheese counter for smooth texture and crumbly finish
  • Chopped walnuts: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness Try to get fresh walnuts and toast them yourself for best flavor
  • Honey: Adds a touch of floral sweetness Local honey brings extra complexity
  • Balsamic vinegar: The acidity balances the rich cheese and sweet pear Aged balsamic has deeper notes
  • Ground black pepper: For light warmth and to round out flavors Freshly cracked is ideal
  • Fresh thyme sprigs: The herbal layer looks pretty and adds gentle fragrance

Instructions

Prepare the Pears:
Carefully slice the pears in half and use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the cores For the best texture and appearance leave the stems on if possible to create a natural handle for serving Place each half cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet
Make the Filling:
In a small mixing bowl combine the blue cheese crumbles toasted walnuts and a tablespoon of honey Using a fork mix until the walnuts are evenly coated and the cheese sticks together so it will pack neatly into the pears
Stuff the Pears:
Spoon the cheese and nut mixture into the center cavity of each pear half Press gently so the filling holds its shape but do not overpack Each pear should be mounded but tidy
Season and Bake:
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the stuffed pears paying attention to each one so they all get a boost of tang Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over each half Give the pears enough space on the baking sheet so heat can reach each piece Bake at 375 F for twenty to twenty five minutes until the pears are tender but not mushy and the cheese is bubbling
Serve and Garnish:
Once baked remove the pears from the oven and let them stand for a minute so the fillings settle Drizzle each pear with extra honey for shine and sweetness Add a fresh thyme sprig to each one for a burst of green and sophisticated aroma Serve warm as an appetizer or even as a fancy side
A plate of two pears with a blue cheese topping, garnished with walnuts. Pin it
A plate of two pears with a blue cheese topping, garnished with walnuts. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Blue cheese is my favorite part of this recipe because of the way it caramelizes in the oven mixing into the nuts and honey. My sister still talks about the first time she tried these at my table happy memories are built around these pears.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a low oven until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as the cheese might turn rubbery and the pears can get soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer milder cheese swap the blue for creamy goat cheese or a mix of mascarpone and feta. Pecans can stand in for walnuts and maple syrup makes a lovely alternative to honey if you like deeper sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pears as an appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas They are also great on a cheese board with crackers and cured meat or as a surprising addition to a brunch spread. For dessert try them cold with a drizzle of extra honey.

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed fruit has appeared in European kitchens for centuries often filled with nuts and cheese for celebratory meals. Blue cheese pairs particularly well with pears in both French and Italian culinary traditions turning this simple idea into a timeless dish.

A plate of pumpkin with a blue cheese topping, garnished with a sprig of rosemary. Pin it
A plate of pumpkin with a blue cheese topping, garnished with a sprig of rosemary. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Try these Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears once and you will see why they earn fans every time. They make any meal feel a little more festive and linger in memory long after the last bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pears work best?

Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bartlett or Anjou, to hold their shape during baking.

→ Can other cheeses be substituted?

Yes, try goat cheese or gorgonzola for a milder or tangier flavor variation.

→ Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?

Toasting enhances the nuts' flavor and adds crunch, but you may use them raw if preferred.

→ How do I serve these pears?

Serve warm for a soft, melty center or chilled for a firmer, refreshing appetizer.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead?

Yes, you can core and fill the pears ahead; bake just before serving for optimal texture.

→ What pairs well with this dish?

Pair with crisp white wine or serve alongside a green salad for balance.

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Juicy pears filled with blue cheese, toasted walnuts, honey, and thyme for a sophisticated flavor pairing.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Susan


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: European

Yield: 8 Servings (8 stuffed pear halves)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Pears

01 4 ripe pears, halved and cored

→ Cheese Filling

02 120 grams blue cheese, crumbled
03 30 grams chopped walnuts, toasted
04 15 millilitres honey, plus extra for drizzling

→ Seasoning and Garnish

05 15 millilitres balsamic vinegar
06 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Heat the oven to 190°C. Prepare a baking sheet for assembly.

Step 02

Slice pears in half and carefully remove cores with a melon baller or spoon. Arrange pear halves cut side up on the baking sheet.

Step 03

Combine crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and honey in a small bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Spoon the cheese filling into the centre of each pear half, pressing gently to pack the mixture.

Step 05

Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the stuffed pears and sprinkle with ground black pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 06

Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra honey, and garnish each pear with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm for optimal flavour.

Notes

  1. For best texture, select pears that are ripe yet firm. To enhance richness, include a few crumbles of goat cheese in the filling. Can be served warm or chilled as an elegant appetiser.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Melon baller or spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and tree nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 4 g