Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Juicy ripe pears meet bold blue cheese toasted walnuts fragrant honey and thyme in this easy yet stunning appetizer that always wins applause at gatherings These blue cheese stuffed pears turn a humble fruit into a crowd pleasing showstopper and bring cool elegance to any table

After trying dozens of party appetizers over the years this one surprised me with just how quickly it disappears My friends declared it the fanciest dish they had tasted at my last book club

Ingredients

• Ripe pears: Pick firm pears to hold their shape through baking Avoid very soft ones as they will fall apart
• Blue cheese: Crumbled for good coverage and maximum creamy flavor Look for a nice creamy blue like Danish or Roquefort for a mellow tang
• Toasted walnuts: These bring crunch and a toasty aroma Buy raw nuts and toast gently on the stove for best freshness
• Honey: Adds rich floral sweetness to balance the bold cheese Choose a local wildflower or acacia honey if you can
• Balsamic vinegar: Sharpens the flavors and cuts through the richness Use a thick syrupy one if possible
• Ground black pepper: For subtle heat and complexity Choose freshly ground for maximum aroma
• Fresh thyme: A bright herbal garnish Pick sprigs that are perky and green

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Heat your oven to one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Get out a sturdy baking sheet for easy assembly

Core the Pears:

Halve the pears lengthwise and use a melon baller or spoon to gently scoop out the core and seeds Place pear halves cut side up on the baking sheet making sure they balance flat

Mix the Filling:

Combine blue cheese crumbles toasted walnuts and honey in a small mixing bowl Stir gently to evenly coat the nuts and cheese with honey Do not overmix or the cheese may break down too much

Stuff the Pears:

Spoon generous portions of cheese filling into the hollowed center of each pear half Press with the back of the spoon for a snug fit so the filling does not spill out during baking

Season and Bake:

Drizzle each stuffed pear with balsamic vinegar and give a light dusting of ground black pepper Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until pears are softened but not falling apart and the cheese is bubbly

Finish and Serve:

Carefully remove from oven and drizzle each pear with a little extra honey for a glossy finish Top with fresh thyme sprigs Let them cool just a minute or two and serve warm to enjoy the runny cheese

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My favorite blue cheese for this dish has always been a soft creamy Roquefort The tangy flavor with juicy warm pears reminds me of holidays at my aunt’s house when she put fresh thyme from her garden on top and it perfumed the whole table

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days Store cooled pears in a single layer in an airtight container Gently reheat in a low oven uncovered to restore the texture and meltiness

Ingredient Substitutions

If blue cheese is too strong for anyone use goat cheese or feta for a milder profile Toasted pecans or almonds also work in place of walnuts For a vegan version try a plant based blue cheese and maple syrup instead of honey

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pears as an elegant starter at fall or winter dinner parties or slice into smaller pieces for a holiday buffet They look beautiful on dark plates and pair especially well alongside a glass of chilled dessert wine or bubbly

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A Touch of Culinary Tradition

Pears and blue cheese have united in European kitchens for centuries often paired with honey and nuts to showcase the best of autumn harvest This dish channels the elegance of French and Italian antipasti with just a few fresh ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which type of pear works best?

Use ripe yet firm pears such as Bosc or Anjou to ensure they hold their shape while baking and offer a sweet, juicy base for the filling.

→ Can another cheese be substituted for blue cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or gorgonzola can be used for a milder or even creamier filling. Adjust to your taste preferences.

→ Is it okay to prepare these in advance?

The pears can be stuffed ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving to keep textures and flavors fresh.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Try filling the pears with a plant-based cheese alternative and replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option.

→ Should these be served warm or cold?

They are most flavorful served warm right out of the oven, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature for convenience.