Description
These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a delicious and elegant appetizer to serve to guests. Tender baked pears are filled with tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, then drizzled with a spicy honey and garnished with fresh thyme.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large Bosc pears (or other firm, ripe pears)
- 1–2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 ounces Danish blue cheese, crumbled (or other blue cheese)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from the stem
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, see notes)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Pears: Wash the pears. Slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the core and seeds from each pear half, creating a small cavity.
- First Bake: Place the pear halves, cut side up, in a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Turn the pears over so they are cut side down.
- Bake (Cut Side Down): Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Filling and Stuff: While the pears are baking, prepare the filling ingredients (crumble cheese, chop walnuts, remove thyme leaves). In a small bowl, mix the honey with the Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes).
- Stuff Pears: Carefully remove the pears from the oven. Flip them over so they are cut side up. Fill the cavity of each pear half with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Second Bake: Place the stuffed pears back in the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and softened, and the pears are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pears are done cooking, carefully transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the spicy honey mixture over the warm pears. Garnish with flaky sea salt and extra fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pears: Bosc pears are recommended as they hold their shape well during baking. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.
- Blue Cheese: Danish blue cheese is suggested, but Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton would also work well. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts beforehand enhances their flavor.
- Aleppo Pepper: Aleppo pepper adds a mild heat and fruity flavor. If you can’t find it, substitute with a smaller amount (a pinch) of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sweetness/Spice: Adjust the amount of honey and Aleppo pepper to your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as an elegant appetizer or a light dessert.
- Storage: These are best enjoyed shortly after making.