Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Honey

I absolutely love recipes that bring together simple ingredients to create something truly special. These Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Honey are a perfect example of that! The natural sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the bold, creamy blue cheese, while a drizzle of honey adds just the right amount of richness. Fresh thyme and a hint of olive oil enhance the flavors, making this dish both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a light dessert, a unique appetizer, or even a side dish for a special occasion, this recipe delivers. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort—just a handful of ingredients and a short time in the oven.

Sweet and Savory Baked Pears

Baking pears transforms their texture into something soft and buttery, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize slightly. In this recipe, that sweetness is perfectly complemented by the sharpness of blue cheese and the floral notes of honey. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds an earthy aroma, while an optional topping of chopped walnuts introduces a delightful crunch.

This dish is great for entertaining, yet simple enough to make for a cozy evening at home. Plus, it’s easily customizable! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can swap it for feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a must-try for any food lover.

Let’s get started on making this delicious baked pear recipe that will surely impress!

Ingredients for Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Honey

To create this flavorful and elegant dish, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients:

• Pears – Choose ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. These varieties hold their shape well when baked, giving you a tender yet structured bite.
• Blue Cheese – Crumbled blue cheese provides a sharp, creamy contrast to the pears’ sweetness. If you prefer a milder taste, feta or goat cheese can be used as an alternative.
• Honey – A drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the pears and balances the boldness of the blue cheese.
• Olive Oil – A light drizzle of olive oil helps bring out the pears’ natural flavor while adding a hint of richness.
• Fresh Thyme – This aromatic herb adds an earthy freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory elements.
• Salt and Pepper – A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
• Optional: Chopped Walnuts – For an added layer of crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle some chopped walnuts over the pears before serving.

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How to Make Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Honey

Making these baked pears is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a foolproof dish that looks and tastes gourmet.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Wash and dry the pears thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise, then use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core, creating a small hollow in each half.

Step 3: Arrange and Drizzle

Place the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over them, ensuring they’re lightly coated for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese

Fill each pear’s hollow with crumbled blue cheese, pressing it gently so it stays in place. If you want an extra cheesy bite, you can add a little more!

Step 5: Bake the Pears

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The pears should become tender while still holding their shape, and the blue cheese should start to melt and soften.

Step 6: Drizzle with Honey and Garnish

Once baked, remove the pears from the oven. Drizzle honey over each pear half while they’re still warm. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and chopped walnuts (if using) for added texture and depth of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

These pears taste best served warm, making them an excellent addition to a cozy dinner or special occasion. Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or a light, sophisticated dessert!

How Long to Bake Pears

The baking time for pears depends on their size, ripeness, and variety. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape. Here’s a general guideline for achieving perfectly baked pears:

• Small pears – Bake for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Medium pears – Bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Large pears – Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh. The pears should be soft but not mushy, with slightly caramelized edges and melted blue cheese.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover baked pears, don’t worry! They store well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator Storage

• Place the leftover pears in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place them in a low-temperature oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Freezing Instructions

• While freezing is possible, the texture of pears can change.
• If you do freeze them, wrap each pear half individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

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Tips for Perfect Baked Pears

Follow these expert tips to make sure your baked pears turn out flavorful, tender, and beautifully presented every time.

✔ Choose the Right Pears – Use firm pears that are ripe but not overly soft, as they will hold their shape better when baked. Bosc and Anjou pears work best!

✔ Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the pears while they bake. Overbaking can make them too soft and watery.

✔ Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or drizzle it just before serving instead of baking with it.

✔ Experiment with Toppings – Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

✔ Use a Baking Dish That Fits – Choose a dish where the pears fit snugly without crowding. This helps them cook evenly.

✔ Serve Warm for the Best Flavor – Baked pears taste best fresh from the oven when the cheese is soft and the honey is warm and glossy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Yes! If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, you can substitute it with goat cheese, feta, or ricotta. Goat cheese provides a milder, creamy flavor, while feta adds a slightly tangy touch.

2. What are the best pears for baking?

The best pears for baking are Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. These varieties hold their shape well when exposed to heat, ensuring that the pears remain tender but not mushy. Avoid overly ripe pears, as they may become too soft.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pears in advance! Follow these steps:

• Core and stuff the pears with blue cheese, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.
• When ready to serve, bake as instructed and drizzle with honey just before serving for the best flavor.

4. How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the blue cheese with dairy-free cheese or use a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully plant-based option.