Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

Rustic Baked Pears with Berries & Blue Cheese Recipe

Delectable baked pears with berries create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet fruit meets tangy cheese in this elegant dessert.

Crisp autumn nights call for warm, comforting treats that embrace seasonal ingredients.

Walnuts add delightful crunch while honey weaves golden sweetness through each bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Quick preparation means minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction.

Let this recipe become your new favorite way to celebrate fresh produce and unexpected flavor combinations.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this baked pears recipe is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat products.

  • Can I substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese?

You can replace blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

  • How do I know when the pears are perfectly baked?

The pears are ready when they’re tender but still hold their shape, which takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven. They should be soft when gently pierced with a fork.

  • Are walnuts necessary for this recipe?

While walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, you can omit them or replace them with almonds or pecans if you have a nut allergy or preference.

Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, and Blue Cheese

  • Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Whip up this elegant dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Combine antioxidant-rich berries, protein-packed walnuts, and calcium-dense blue cheese for a wholesome treat.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for dessert, appetizer, or light lunch, this recipe suits sophisticated dinner parties and casual family gatherings.
  • Foolproof Technique: Even novice cooks can achieve beautiful results with simple baking and minimal ingredients, ensuring a stress-free culinary experience.

What You’ll Use in Baked Pears with Berries and Blue Cheese

Fruit Base:
  • Pears: Soft, sweet base that becomes tender when baked, select ripe but firm pears for best texture.
  • Mixed Berries: Fresh, colorful topping that adds burst of flavor and natural sweetness, can use seasonal or frozen berries.
Cheese and Nuts:
  • Blue Cheese, Walnuts: Creamy, tangy cheese provides rich contrast to sweet pears, while nuts add crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
Sweet and Herbal Finishing:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that complements fruit's flavor, choose local or raw honey for deeper taste.
  • Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that adds subtle aromatic note and elegant garnish.
Baking Essentials:
  • Butter: Helps create golden surface on pears and adds rich flavor.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.

Pear Baking Instructions with Honey & Walnut Filling

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Pears

Slice pears in half and scoop out the seeds.

Arrange them facing up on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each pear with a layer of melted butter to create a beautiful golden exterior when baked.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pears into the preheated oven.

Let them bake for 15-20 minutes until they become tender but still maintain their elegant shape.

Gently remove from the oven and let them cool down slightly.

Step 4: Dress Up Your Pears

Top each pear half with a colorful array of toppings:
  • Mixed berries
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Liquid honey

Scatter the ingredients generously, allowing the cheese to melt from the pear’s residual warmth.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve these beauties warm or at room temperature as a stunning dessert or sophisticated appetizer.

Elegant Bake Tips for Honey-Walnut Baked Pears

  • Select pears that are firm but yield slightly when gently pressed to ensure the perfect texture and sweetness when baked.
  • Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles if blue cheese isn't to your liking or dietary preference.
  • Adjust honey drizzle based on personal taste or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a unique twist.
  • Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more robust crunch.
  • Brush pear halves with lemon juice before baking to prevent oxidation and maintain their beautiful golden-white color.

Chill Baked Pears with Berries & Blue Cheese

  • Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Warm pears gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their soft texture and prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the fruit mushy.
  • Wrap individual pear halves tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Add fresh toppings like extra nuts or a drizzle of honey when serving leftovers to refresh the flavors and restore the dish's original appeal.

What Matches Baked Pears with Blue Cheese

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the baked pears, balancing the blue cheese's sharpness and honey's sweetness.
  • Craft Cheese Board Companion: Create a delightful cheese board featuring aged gouda, soft camembert, and additional blue cheese varieties to enhance the dish's complex flavor profile.
  • Dessert Transformation: Transform the baked pears into an elegant dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cream, creating a luxurious texture contrast.
  • Nutty Crunch Enhancement: Experiment with toasted pecans or almonds as alternative nut options, adding extra depth and crunch to the already textured dish.

Baked Pears with Garnish Options

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap blue cheese with vegan cream cheese or nutritional yeast for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
  • Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose plant-based cheese or skip cheese entirely for a completely vegan-friendly dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Reduce honey quantity or substitute with stevia, and choose low-sugar berries like raspberries or blackberries to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
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Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

Baked Pears With Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Sweet “Baked Pears with Berries” blend rich flavors of honey, blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts into an elegant dessert. Delicate pears roasted to golden perfection create a sophisticated finale both elegant and intensely satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Garnish:

  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and creating a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light grease coating on the baking sheet.
  2. Transform whole pears into elegant halves, carefully removing the core to create a perfect vessel for additional ingredients, then position them cut-side upward on the prepared baking surface.
  3. Apply a delicate layer of melted butter across the pear surfaces to encourage a rich, golden caramelization during roasting.
  4. Nestle the buttered pears into the preheated oven, allowing them to gently roast for 15-20 minutes until they reach a tender consistency while maintaining their structural integrity.
  5. After removing the pears from the oven, allow them a brief moment to cool and stabilize their temperature.
  6. Artfully distribute vibrant mixed berries across each pear half, creating a colorful landscape of fruit.
  7. Crumble blue cheese over the warm pears, enabling the cheese to soften and meld with the fruit’s natural warmth.
  8. Scatter toasted walnuts generously over the pear halves, introducing a satisfying crunch and nutty dimension.
  9. Drizzle honey in an elegant swirl, adding a luxurious sweetness that complements the pears’ natural flavor profile.
  10. Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh thyme sprigs to introduce an aromatic, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
  11. Present the pears immediately, serving them while warm or at a comfortable room temperature to maximize flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, firm pears to ensure they maintain their shape during baking and don’t turn mushy.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or feta for alternative flavor profiles.
  • Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener that complements the pears’ mild taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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