Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese make for a delightful and elegant dessert or snack. Sweet, tender baked pears are complemented by the tartness of mixed berries, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the rich creaminess of blue cheese, all brought together with a drizzle of honey and a hint of cinnamon. Finished with fresh thyme, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy treat at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pear Preparation
- 3 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Filling and Toppings
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries)
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the pears evenly.
- Prepare Pears: Halve the pears and carefully remove the cores. Trim the bottoms so each pear half can sit flat on the baking dish without tipping.
- Butter Pears: Brush each pear half generously with melted butter, coating the cut sides to promote browning and richness during baking.
- Arrange and Fill: Place the pears cut side up in a baking dish. Fill each pear cavity with a mixture of the mixed berries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Add Honey and Cinnamon: Drizzle each filled pear with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon to add sweetness and warmth to the dish.
- Bake Pears: Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pears with fresh thyme leaves if using, and spoon some of the pan juices over the top before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can use a mix of your favorite berries or whatever is in season for the freshest taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and omit blue cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Ensure the pears are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape after baking.
- To toast walnuts, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
