Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

$- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored - 100g blue cheese, crumbled - 50g walnuts, chopped - 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: a handful of mixed greens for garnish Gather these fresh ingredients. Choose pears that are ripe but firm. The blue cheese adds richness. Walnuts bring a nice crunch. Honey gives a touch of sweetness. Fresh rosemary adds a lovely herb taste. Using lemon juice brightens the dish. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The optional mixed greens make a great garnish. They add color and freshness. With these ingredients, you will create a delightful treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the pears by halving and coring them. Start by getting your oven nice and hot. This helps the pears cook evenly. While the oven heats, take your ripe pears. Cut them in half and remove the core. This step is important so you have space for the filling. - Combine blue cheese, walnuts, honey, rosemary, and lemon juice in a bowl. In a medium bowl, mix the blue cheese with chopped walnuts. Add the honey, fresh rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir this mixture well. It should look creamy and inviting. Taste the filling to see if it needs a pinch of salt or pepper. - Fill each pear half with the cheese mixture and arrange in a baking dish. Now, take a spoon or small knife. Fill each pear half generously with your creamy mixture. Press gently to keep the filling in place. Once filled, place the pears cut side up in a baking dish. This helps them bake evenly. - Drizzle honey over the pears and bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle a little extra honey over the tops of each pear. This adds a sweet touch and helps with browning. Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the pears to be tender but still hold their shape. The cheese should be warm and slightly bubbly. After baking, let the pears cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory flavors. For this dish, you want pears that are ripe yet firm. Bartlett and Anjou pears work best. They have a juicy texture and sweet flavor. Look for pears that yield slightly when you press them. If they feel hard, they need more time to ripen. - Best Types: Bartlett, Anjou - Ripeness Tip: Slightly soft at the stem Blue cheese adds rich flavor to your pears. Consider varieties like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Danish blue. Each type brings its unique taste. Roquefort has a strong, sharp flavor, while Gorgonzola is milder and creamier. Pair blue cheese with walnuts for a crunchy contrast. - Varieties: Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Danish blue - Flavor Profiles: Sharp, creamy, nutty Balancing the sweet and savory flavors is key. If you prefer more sweetness, add extra honey. Start with one tablespoon more, then taste. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away. This dish shines with the right mix of flavors. - Sweetness Tip: Add honey to taste - Balance Flavor: Start small, taste, adjust Pro Tips Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking while still becoming tender. Experiment with Cheeses: While blue cheese adds a distinct flavor, you can try goat cheese or feta for a different taste profile. Enhance the Flavor: Adding a touch of balsamic vinegar to the honey can elevate the dish with a tangy sweetness that complements the pears. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or additional rosemary on top just before serving adds a beautiful aroma and enhances presentation. {{image_4}} If you want to change up the nuts, try using pecans or almonds. Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor. Almonds give a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. Just chop them up like you would the walnuts. This small change creates a new taste while still keeping that great texture. You can swap rosemary for other herbs too. Thyme gives a lovely earthy note. Sage adds a warm, savory flavor. Both will blend well with the blue cheese. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This way, your pears will still shine with flavor. For a savory twist, think about adding bacon or prosciutto. These meats add a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet pears. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it on top just before serving. Prosciutto can be draped over the stuffed pears for a fancy touch. This extra layer of flavor makes every bite exciting. To keep your stuffed pears fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you notice any change in color or smell, it's best to toss them. Reheat your stuffed pears in the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pears on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. The goal is to warm them without making them mushy. Enjoy them warm for the best taste. Yes, you can freeze stuffed pears! Start by placing the cooled pears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 2 hours until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can! If blue cheese is not your favorite, consider using goat cheese or feta. These cheeses offer a creamy texture and unique flavor. Goat cheese has a tangy taste that pairs well with pears. Feta brings a salty kick that contrasts with the sweetness of the fruit. You can also try cream cheese for a milder option. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to fit the cheese you choose. To tell if the pears are done, look for a few key signs. First, they should be tender but still hold their shape. A fork should slide in easily but not fall apart. The cheese should be warm and slightly bubbly on top. You can also check for a golden hue on the cheese, which indicates it is perfectly baked. If all these signs are there, your pears are ready to enjoy! Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can prepare the stuffed pears ahead of time. Just fill the pears and store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. They will stay fresh for about a day. When you are ready, simply bake them as directed. This makes a quick and easy dish for busy days. Enjoy the tasty rewards of your prep! Stuffed pears combine sweet and savory flavors for a great dish. We explored the key ingredients, like fresh pears and blue cheese. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them perfectly. With tips for selecting ingredients and variations for customization, you have plenty of options. This recipe is easy to store and reheat. You can even freeze them for later! Enjoy these tasty stuffed pears at your next meal or gathering. They are sure to impress your family and friends.$

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Delicious pears filled with a creamy blue cheese mixture, topped with walnuts and honey.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces ripe pears, halved and cored
100 grams blue cheese, crumbled
50 grams walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
a handful mixed greens for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it is hot and ready to perfectly bake the pears.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, honey, finely chopped rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as desired.
Take each pear half and, using a spoon or a small knife, fill them generously with the blue cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling.
Arrange the stuffed pear halves in a baking dish, ensuring they are cut side up for optimal baking. Drizzle a little extra honey over the tops of each pear for an indulgent touch.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The pears should become tender yet maintain their shape, while the cheese becomes warm and slightly bubbly.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow the pears to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavors.

Notes

Serve on a bed of mixed greens for an elegant presentation.

Keyword appetizer, blue cheese, pears, stuffed