Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

This elegant blue cheese stuffed pear appetizer transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish that balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors beautifully. The warm, tender pears provide the perfect canvas for creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, while a drizzle of spiced honey brings everything together.

I first served these stuffed pears at a holiday gathering last year, and they disappeared faster than any other dish. Now they've become my signature appetizer whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Bosc pears: Selected for their firm texture that holds up well to baking
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the pears caramelize beautifully in the oven
• Danish blue cheese: Offers the perfect creamy texture and bold flavor
• Chopped walnuts: Provide essential crunch and nutty depth
• Fresh thyme: Brings an aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish
• Honey: Creates a luscious sweet drizzle that balances the tangy cheese
• Aleppo pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the honey
• Flaky salt: Gives a delightful textural contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for softening the pears while developing caramelization without burning them. Take this time to ensure your rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.

Prepare the pears:

Slice the pears lengthwise through the stem, creating two equal halves. Use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop out the core and seeds, creating a nice hollow for the filling. Place them in a cast iron skillet or baking dish with the cut side facing upward. Drizzle each pear half with olive oil and season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. The seasoning at this stage is subtle but important. Flip the pears so the cut side faces down.

Initial baking:

Transfer the skillet or baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake the pears for 15 minutes. This initial baking softens the fruit and begins the caramelization process on the cut surface. The pears should be starting to become tender but still hold their shape.

Add the filling:

Remove the pears from the oven and carefully flip them so the cut side faces up. In each hollow, distribute the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves. Try to get an even distribution of all three components in each pear. Return the filled pears to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This second baking will warm the cheese just enough to soften without completely melting it.

Prepare the honey drizzle:

While the filled pears are baking, combine the honey and Aleppo pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to ensure the pepper is evenly distributed throughout the honey. This sweet and mildly spicy mixture will be drizzled over the finished pears.

Serve:

Once the pears are done, carefully transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle each pear with the Aleppo pepper honey mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately while still warm.

Pin it

Blue cheese was actually what inspired this recipe in my home. I had some leftover from a cheese board and was looking for a creative way to use it. The moment I paired it with a warm pear, I knew I had discovered something special that would become a staple in my entertaining repertoire.

Selecting the Perfect Pear

Bosc pears are ideal for this recipe because of their firm flesh and ability to hold shape when baked. Look for pears that are just barely ripe—firm with a slight give when gently pressed near the stem. Completely ripe or soft pears will become too mushy during baking. If your pears are very hard, let them ripen at room temperature for 1 to 2 days before using. Anjou pears make a good substitute if Bosc aren't available, but avoid Bartlett pears which become too soft when cooked.

Cheese Variations

While Danish blue cheese offers a wonderful balance of creaminess and pungency, this recipe welcomes experimentation with other cheeses. Gorgonzola dolce provides a milder, creamier alternative for those who find blue cheese too strong. Roquefort delivers a more intense flavor profile for true blue cheese enthusiasts. For those who prefer less pungent options, try goat cheese mixed with a little honey, or even brie with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Each cheese will create a different but equally delicious experience.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed pears work beautifully in multiple settings. Serve them as an elegant starter before a main course, making sure to provide small plates and forks as they can be messy to eat by hand. For a more casual approach, present them as part of a cheese board alongside crusty bread, additional nuts, and fresh fruit. They also make a wonderful light lunch when paired with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For wine pairing, opt for something sweet enough to balance the blue cheese—a Sauternes, late harvest Riesling, or even a tawny port works beautifully.

Pin it

These blue cheese stuffed pears are a true showstopper—simple, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pear?

Yes, while Bosc pears are ideal because they hold their shape well when baked, you can substitute with Anjou or Concorde pears. Avoid using very soft varieties like Bartlett as they may become too mushy during baking.

→ What can I substitute for blue cheese?

If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, you can substitute with goat cheese, brie, or gorgonzola dolce for a milder flavor profile while still maintaining the creamy texture when melted.

→ Is there a nut-free alternative?

For a nut-free version, you can replace the walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or crispy breadcrumbs mixed with herbs to maintain the textural contrast.

→ What can I use instead of Aleppo pepper?

If Aleppo pepper isn't available, you can substitute with a mixture of sweet paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use red pepper flakes crushed finely. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

→ How do I serve these stuffed pears?

These stuffed pears can be served as an elegant appetizer, a side dish alongside roasted meats, or as part of a cheese board. They're best served warm, immediately after baking when the cheese is still slightly melted.

→ Can I prepare these pears ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears up to the first baking step in advance. Par-bake them, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, stuff them with the cheese mixture and complete the final baking step. The honey drizzle should always be added just before serving.