Baked Pears and Cheese with Blueberries Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Baked Pears with Blueberries & Cheese make a wonderfully simple yet elegant dessert. Warm, tender pears pair beautifully with creamy cheese and juicy berries for a treat that feels special without much effort. If you enjoy fruit-forward desserts, you might also like the Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe or the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

These Baked Pears with Berries combine warm, tender fruit with creamy mozzarella and sweet honey for a simple yet elegant dessert.

• 2 pears, cut in half
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, cut in cubes
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or other fresh berries)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Baked Pears with Berries recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pears

Wash 4 firm but ripe pears, such as Bosc or Anjou. Slice each pear in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to remove the core and seeds, creating a small well in each half. For even baking, slice a thin piece off the rounded bottom of each pear half so they sit flat.

Step 2 — Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. This prevents them from tipping over during baking. Lightly brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.

Step 3 — Add Sweetener and Spices

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup evenly over the pears. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes. For a richer flavor, you can also add a small pat of butter to each pear half.

Step 4 — Add Liquid to the Dish

Pour ¼ cup of water, apple juice, or white wine into the bottom of the baking dish around the pears. This creates steam during baking, keeping the Baked Pears with Berries moist and preventing them from drying out.

Step 5 — Bake Until Tender

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pears uncovered for 25–35 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The exact time will depend on the size and ripeness of your pears.

Step 6 — Add the Berries

Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully scatter 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) around and over the pears. The residual heat will gently warm the berries without making them mushy.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the Baked Pears with Berries rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices from the fruit and the syrup in the pan to thicken slightly. Serve warm, spooning the berry-infused pan sauce over the top.

Step 8 — Optional Garnishes

For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. A fresh mint leaf also adds a lovely color contrast.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	1g
Fiber	9g
Sodium	5mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt instead of ice cream — Adds protein while keeping the creamy texture with less sugar
• Coconut sugar instead of brown sugar — Lower glycemic index with subtle caramel notes
• Mixed nuts instead of granola topping — Provides healthy fats and protein for a lower-carb option
• Coconut oil instead of butter — Dairy-free alternative that still creates a rich, caramelized coating
• Fresh mint instead of cinnamon — Bright, refreshing flavor without affecting blood sugar
• Lemon juice instead of vanilla extract — Adds zesty brightness while keeping the recipe low-sodium
• Chia seeds mixed with berries — Creates a naturally thickened berry sauce without added sweeteners
• Almond flour crumble instead of oat topping — Gluten-free option with nutty flavor and extra protein

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm Baked Pears with Berries with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures
• Serve as an elegant dessert at dinner parties, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar
• Transform into a sophisticated brunch option by serving alongside ricotta-stuffed French toast or oatmeal
• Create individual portions in ramekins for easy serving and a charming presentation
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup just before serving to enhance the natural sweetness of the Baked Pears with Berries
• Accompany with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a dessert wine for an adult dinner party finale

These Baked Pears with Berries can be adapted for various occasions from casual family desserts to formal entertaining, making this versatile recipe a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly ripe pears that turn mushy. Fix: Choose firm, just-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou to hold their shape during baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice wash, leading to browning. Fix: Lightly brush pear halves with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain a bright appearance.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, which steams instead of bakes. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between for proper caramelization and roasting.
• Mistake: Adding berries at the start, causing them to disintegrate. Fix: Scatter fresh berries in the last 10 minutes of baking to keep them intact and juicy.
• Mistake: Underseasoning, resulting in flat flavor. Fix: Enhance taste with a pinch of salt and warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom alongside sweeteners.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, burning the edges. Fix: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for even tenderness without charring the fruit or berries.
• Mistake: Neglecting to baste with pan juices, drying out the pears. Fix: Spoon the syrupy juices over the pears halfway through for a moist, glossy finish.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without resting, making the dish too hot and watery. Fix: Let Baked Pears with Berries sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
• Mistake: Using frozen berries without thawing, which releases excess moisture. Fix: Thaw and pat dry frozen berries before adding to avoid a soupy texture in your baked dessert.
• Mistake: Forgetting to check for doneness with a fork, leading to undercooked pears. Fix: Test for tenderness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily but not feel mushy.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store baked pears with berries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking to ensure food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Always check for off odors or mold before consuming stored baked pears with berries, and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.

Conclusion

This warm, elegant dessert of baked pears with berries and cheese is surprisingly simple to prepare. We hope you enjoy making it! Share your results in the comments or try our Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Muffins Recipe for another treat. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for Baked Pears with Berries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries without thawing them. They will release juice as they bake, creating a delicious sauce. This makes Baked Pears with Berries a convenient dessert year-round.

What type of pear is best for baking?

Firm pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape best during baking. They soften nicely without becoming mushy, providing the perfect texture for Baked Pears with Berries.

How should I store leftover Baked Pears with Berries?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or gently reheat them in the microwave or oven.