These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a sophisticated and savory appetizer that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the tangy richness of blue cheese, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the perfect drizzle of honey. Whether for a holiday gathering, special dinner, or elegant cocktail hour, these pears are a beautiful and flavorful way to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & savory – The balance of sweet pears and tangy blue cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile.
Impressive & elegant – This dish looks stunning and is sure to elevate any meal.
Easy prep – Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal effort.
Perfect for entertaining – A great make-ahead appetizer for parties or holiday dinners.
Healthy & delicious – Full of nutrients from pears, walnuts, and fresh thyme.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pears:

4 ripe pears, halved and cored

For the Filling:

½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon honey (plus extra for drizzling)

For the Drizzle & Seasoning:

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnish:

Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pears:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the pears in half and carefully remove the core using a melon baller or spoon.
Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

2. Make the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and honey.
Spoon the mixture into the center of each pear half, pressing gently to pack the filling in.

3. Bake the Pears:

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

4. Serve and Garnish:

Remove the pears from the oven and drizzle with additional honey for a touch of sweetness.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a sophisticated look.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 (2 halves per serving)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving

Variations

Nut-free option – Skip the walnuts and try toasted pecans or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.
Add fruit – Top with dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Sweet & tangy twist – Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a deeper, richer flavor.
Vegan option – Use vegan blue cheese and maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based alternative.
Cheese options – Try goat cheese or cream cheese for a creamier filling with a different flavor profile.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to warm them through.
Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the pears may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pears, stuff them with the filling, and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use other types of pears?

Yes! Bartlett pears or Bosc pears are both excellent choices for this recipe.

Can I skip the walnuts?

Absolutely! You can skip the walnuts or substitute with toasted seeds (like sunflower seeds) if you prefer.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese or cream cheese would make a creamy, rich filling, although the flavor will differ slightly from blue cheese.

How do I make these pears less sweet?

If you’d prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup in the filling, or leave it out entirely.

How do I know when the pears are done?

The pears are done when they are tender to the fork and the cheese has slightly melted but not fully oozed out.

Conclusion

These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are the perfect balance of savory and sweet with a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, party, or special event, this appetizer will impress your guests with its delicious combination of blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and ripe pears. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these pears are a must-try for anyone who loves gourmet appetizers.

Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

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Print Recipe

These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delightful appetizer that combines the sweetness of pears with the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, special dinners, or elegant cocktail hours. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe will impress your guests and elevate any occasion.

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 (2 halves per serving)