Last updated on February 11, 2026
A Cozy Start
Have you ever come home craving something sweet and savory, a little like when I once tried pairing pear slices with blue cheese and ended up laughing at how perfectly odd it tasted? I know the thought of stuffing fruit can feel fiddly for a beginner, but I promise this is one of those recipes where a small step—halving and coring—goes a very long way. I often pair it with a favorite dessert when I want a simple, pretty finish; for a contrast of textures I sometimes serve it after something like my blueberry-peach cheesecake, and guests always comment on how special it looks.
A Quick Look at This Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears is built around ripe pears and tangy blue cheese, with toasted walnuts and honey rounding everything out. It’s a lift-yourself-up kind of dish—comforting, lightly sweet, and satisfying without being heavy. The recipe takes only a few pantry staples and a short oven time, so it’s perfect for busy home cooks or beginners who want an impressive dish with minimal fuss. Read on to learn how simple steps create a stunning appetizer or dessert; you might be surprised how quickly this becomes a weeknight favorite or a last-minute party star.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Below I’ve broken the ingredients into what you really need, what you might like to add, and easy swaps if you’re short on time or ingredients. This keeps the recipe flexible without losing the flavors that make it shine.
Essentials
- 4 ripe pears (choose firm-ripe varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett), halved and cored
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (adjust to taste—blue cheese can be assertive)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (toasting deepens the flavor and adds crunch)
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling after baking
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (adds a gentle acidity to balance the cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional but lovely and fragrant)
Optional add-ons
- A scattering of pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like pop of color and bright tartness
- A pinch of flaky sea salt after baking to heighten the flavors
- A few toasted pecans or sliced almonds if you prefer those nuts to walnuts
- A spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta folded into the blue cheese for a milder, creamier filling
- A few drops of good-quality olive oil over the pears before roasting for extra richness
Substitutions and shortcuts
- Blue cheese substitute: if blue is too strong for your crowd, use Gorgonzola dolce (milder) or a tangy goat cheese mixed with a tiny bit of crumbled blue for complexity.
- Walnut swap: pecans or almonds work equally well; toasted sunflower seeds are a lovely nut-free option.
- Honey swap: maple syrup is a nice alternative for a different kind of sweetness.
- Balsamic alternative: a touch of lemon juice can provide acidity if you don’t have balsamic on hand.
- Speed shortcut: buy pre-toasted nuts from the store, or toast a larger batch and keep extras for salads and snacks.
- Technique note: if you enjoy other stuffed-cheese recipes, the same stuffing idea shows up in savory dishes like my take on cheese stuffed meatballs, and the flavor play is similar—salt, sweet, creamy, crunchy.
How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Step-by-Step
I like to think of this recipe as a series of very gentle, deliberate steps. The idea is to keep it simple: highlight the pears, balance the bold blue cheese with honey and balsamic, and let the oven do the mellowing. Below I break the process down so a kitchen beginner can follow along without worry.
Step 1: Choose and prepare your pears
Look for pears that are ripe but still firm—what I call "giving with a little pressure." Overripe pears will collapse in the oven and become too mushy; underripe pears will remain hard and won’t absorb the flavors. Wipe each pear clean with a damp cloth. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice each pear lengthwise so you have four halves. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, making room for the stuffing. If your pears have a slightly bumpy stem area, trim it off so the halves sit flat in the baking dish.
Tip: If you’re unsure about ripeness, press near the stem: a slight yield is perfect.
Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, choose a baking dish that lets the pear halves sit cut side up without crowding—an 8×8-inch dish or similar will work nicely for eight halves (from 4 pears). Lightly rub a little butter or use a nonstick spray on the dish, or line it with parchment for easy cleanup. I prefer leaving the pears snug but not touching so heat circulates around each one.
Step 3: Toast the walnuts (if not already toasted)
If your walnuts aren’t pre-toasted, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they smell toasty and show a hint of color. Watch closely—nuts can burn fast. Remove them immediately to a plate to cool. Toasting brings out oils and flavor that make a big difference in the final dish.
Step 4: Make the blue cheese filling
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, cooled toasted walnuts, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Use a fork to mash and mix until the ingredients are well incorporated: you should have a chunky, spreadable mixture. Taste a bit (remember the flavor will warm and mellow in the oven) and adjust if you like—more honey for sweetness, a touch more balsamic for brightness, or a little extra blue cheese for punch.
Pro tip: If the blue cheese is very crumbly or dry, fold in a teaspoon or two of plain yogurt, mascarpone, or cream cheese to help bind the mixture.
Step 5: Stuff the pear halves
Spoon the cheese mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half, pressing gently so it nests into the cavity. I use a small spoon or even a piping bag for a neat finish. Don’t overfill; a heaping tablespoon or so per half is usually perfect. When each pear is filled, drizzle a little extra honey over the top—this helps caramelize the surface and balances the blue cheese’s sharpness.
Tip: If you want a prettier presentation, press a few extra chopped walnuts on top of each stuffed pear before baking.
Step 6: Bake until tender
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Time will vary slightly depending on your pear variety and how ripe they are. The pears are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The cheese will soften and begin to brown slightly at the edges, and the honey may bubble a little.
Oven note: If you have a convection setting, you might check at 12–15 minutes because things brown faster. If the tops are getting too dark but the pears aren’t tender yet, cover lightly with foil for the remaining time.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool for 3–5 minutes. Finish each pear with a sprig of fresh thyme for aroma and color, and if you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and highlight the blue cheese. I usually drizzle one last whisper of honey just before serving—it makes them glisten and taste even sweeter.
Serving tip: Serve warm or at room temperature. If you plan to serve these later, you can warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–8 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have pitfalls that can turn a cozy dish into a frustration. I’ve learned these from trial and error and want to save you the trouble. Start by reading through these common mistakes so you know what to watch for.
Mistake 1: Using overripe or underripe pears
Overripe pears will become mush and lose structure in the oven; underripe pears won’t soften enough, leaving a gritty texture. Aim for pears that give slightly when pressed near the stem—ripe but still firm.
Mistake 2: Overpowering the filling with too much blue cheese
Blue cheese varies widely in strength. Adding the full 1/2 cup to very pungent blue can overwhelm the pear. Taste the cheese first and adjust: use a milder blue or mix with a soft cheese if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Mistake 3: Skipping the toast on nuts
Untoasted walnuts taste flat compared to toasted ones. Toasting unlocks oils and deepens the flavor; it only takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference in texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
These stuffed pears are versatile. Whether you want an elegant appetizer or a gentle, cozy dessert, a few pairing ideas make serving effortless and satisfying.
Start with one short paragraph recommending serving contexts and temperature.
As an appetizer with greens
Serve warm halves on a bed of peppery arugula dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. The peppery greens and bright dressing frame the pears and create a balanced first course.
As a dessert with a scoop of ice cream
For a comforting dessert, place a warm pear half alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone. The contrast of warm fruit and cold cream is simple and indulgent.
On a cheese board
Add these pears to a cheese board for gatherings—arrange them with crackers, mild cheeses, fresh fruit, and a jar of extra honey. They add a centerpiece of flavor and look beautiful surrounded by small bites.
Conclusion
I hope you feel ready to try Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears—the recipe is easier than it looks, wonderfully customizable, and perfect for anyone learning to make simple, tasty dishes. If you want another take or extra inspiration, I found a lovely variation at Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears – holisticfoodie.com that complements the approach here and offers more serving ideas.
FAQs About Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Q1: Can I make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead of time?
A1: Yes. You can prepare the pears and the filling separately up to a day ahead. Store the cored pear halves in an airtight container in the fridge (a squeeze of lemon can slow browning) and keep the filling chilled. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q2: How should I store leftovers of Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears?
A2: Cool pears completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, or serve cold as a quick snack. Note that texture will soften the longer they sit.
Q3: Are Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears suitable for a vegetarian diet?
A3: Yes—this recipe is vegetarian-friendly when you use vegetarian-friendly blue cheese (some blue cheeses use animal rennet). Check cheese labels if strict vegetarian adherence is important to you.
Q4: What are good wine or drink pairings with Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears?
A4: If you enjoy pairing drinks with food, try a slightly sweet white like Riesling or a dry sparkling cider—both complement the saltiness of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the pear. (If you prefer nonalcoholic options, ginger ale or herbal iced tea with a splash of lemon are lovely.)
Q5: How can I make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears nut-free?
A5: Replace the walnuts with toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also omit the crunch entirely and fold a little extra honey or a touch of crushed, toasted oats into the cheese for texture instead.
I’m excited for you to try this recipe—let me know how it turns out and any twists you discover along the way. Enjoy the cozy warmth and the tiny, delightful contrasts of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.
Print
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and visually stunning dish, these stuffed pears combine the sweetness of ripe pears with tangy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey, perfect as an appetizer or a dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix blue cheese, toasted walnuts, honey, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff the pear halves with the cheese mixture and drizzle with honey.
- Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until pears are tender.
- Garnish with thyme and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serve warm as an appetizer on a bed of arugula or as a dessert with ice cream. Can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: stuffed pears, blue cheese, appetizer, vegetarian, quick recipes
