Baked Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey Recipe

Introduction

These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are a simple yet elegant dessert or appetizer. The combination of sweet, juicy pears, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. For another delicious fruit and chocolate pairing, try the Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake Recipe. This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

These warm, caramelized baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will delight your taste buds.

• 3 Bartlett pears
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed (plus extra for garnish)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat Oven and Prepare Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, wash 4 firm, ripe pears. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the cores.

Step 2 — Arrange Pears for Baking

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. This helps them steam slightly and cook evenly. For easier cleanup, you can line the dish with parchment paper.

Step 3 — Add Honey and Spices

Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of honey evenly over the pear halves. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle them with a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract. This creates a lovely caramelized glaze as they bake.

Step 4 — Bake Until Tender

Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They are done when easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The edges may begin to caramelize, and the honey will be bubbly.

Step 5 — Prepare Topping Ingredients

While the pears bake, toast ½ cup of walnut pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop coarsely. Also, have ½ cup of fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) and ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese ready.

Step 6 — Assemble and Serve

Remove the baked pears from the oven. While still warm, top each pear half with berries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. The warmth will slightly soften the cheese and meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 7 — Final Presentation

Drizzle any remaining honey syrup from the baking dish over the assembled pears. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor contrast between the sweet fruit, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	12g
Fiber	7g
Sodium	115mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Goat cheese instead of blue cheese — Offers a milder flavor with less sodium while maintaining creamy texture.
• Almonds instead of walnuts — Provides a lower-carb option with similar crunch and nutty flavor.
• Maple syrup instead of honey — Delivers a rich sweetness with a lower glycemic index alternative.
• Mixed seeds instead of walnuts — Creates a nut-free, protein-rich topping with added fiber.
• Coconut yogurt instead of blue cheese — Makes the dish dairy-free while adding probiotic benefits.
• Fresh mint instead of walnuts — Adds refreshing flavor without the calories or carbs from nuts.
• Pecans instead of walnuts — Provides a slightly sweeter, lower-carb nut alternative.
• Ricotta instead of blue cheese — Offers a lighter, lower-sodium cheese option with mild creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as an elegant dessert after a holiday meal or dinner party
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sweet dessert wine to complement the blue cheese
• Transform into a sophisticated brunch dish by serving alongside yogurt or oatmeal
• Create individual portions in ramekins for beautiful plating and easy serving
• Add fresh mint leaves as garnish for a pop of color and refreshing contrast
• Drizzle with extra honey just before serving for enhanced presentation and flavor
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert variation

These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese work beautifully as both a sweet and savory option, making them versatile for various dining occasions from casual gatherings to formal events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly ripe pears that turn mushy. Fix: Choose firm, slightly underripe pears like Bosc or Anjou for better structure.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between them for even caramelization.
• Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice toss. Fix: Lightly coat pear halves in lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Bake at 375°F (190°C) to gently cook pears without burning the honey.
• Mistake: Adding berries too early. Fix: Scatter berries in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to keep them intact and vibrant.
• Mistake: Using warm walnuts straight from the oven. Fix: Toast walnuts separately and let them cool to maintain their crunch.
• Mistake: Drizzling honey before baking. Fix: Add most honey after baking to preserve its floral notes and avoid bitterness.
• Mistake: Chilling the blue cheese. Fix: Serve blue cheese at room temperature for optimal creaminess and flavor melding.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the final dish. Fix: Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and black pepper to elevate all components.
• Mistake: Serving immediately from the oven. Fix: Let baked pears rest 5 minutes so flavors marry and the dish is eatably warm.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool baked pears completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled pears in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed baked pears in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10–15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For best quality, add fresh berries, walnuts, and blue cheese just before serving, as these ingredients do not freeze or reheat well.

Conclusion

This elegant Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a simple yet sophisticated dessert. Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments! For another sweet treat, check out our Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pears up to a day in advance. Assemble the ingredients in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best warm, melded flavors and textures.

What type of pears work best for this recipe?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well during baking. Their sturdy texture ensures they become tender without turning mushy, making them ideal for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

Can I substitute the blue cheese if I don’t like it?

Absolutely. For a similar savory contrast, try crumbled goat cheese or feta. Both pair wonderfully with the sweet honey and berries, offering a delicious variation on the classic Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.