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

Honey-Drizzled Baked Pears with Berries & Blue Cheese Recipe

Nestled between sweet and savory, these baked pears with berries create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Ripe pears absorb the golden warmth of honey while nestling alongside juicy berries.

Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture that complements the creamy blue cheese crumbles.

Each ingredient whispers a story of seasonal comfort and culinary creativity.

Subtle notes of caramelization emerge as the fruit bakes to tender perfection.

Unexpected combinations make this dish a delightful surprise for anyone seeking a unique appetizer or dessert.

Let your taste buds embark on this delectable adventure that promises to delight and inspire.

Ingredients for Baked Pears with Berries & Cheese

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Pears: Ripe pears with a sweet flavor that serve as the delicious base of this baked dessert.
  • Blue Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds a rich, savory contrast to the sweet pears.
For the Sweet and Nutty Toppings:
  • Mixed Berries, Honey: Berries provide a burst of fruity flavor while honey adds natural sweetness and shine.
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that bring a delightful texture and nutty depth to the dish.
For the Preparation and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, glossy finish on the pears and adds richness.
  • Fresh Thyme: Optional herb that provides an earthy, aromatic garnish to complement the other flavors.

How to Prepare Baked Pears with Berries & Nuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Pears into Delightful Halves

Slice pears in half and scoop out the core. Gently brush each pear half with melted butter, creating a golden promise of deliciousness.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pear halves into the preheated oven. Let them bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender but still holding their elegant shape.

Carefully remove and let them rest for a moment.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Explosion

Top each pear half with these delectable ingredients:
  • Fresh mixed berries
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Liquid golden honey

Sprinkle and drizzle with abandon, allowing the warm pears to gently melt the cheese.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

If you’re feeling fancy, crown your creation with a few fresh thyme sprigs. Serve these beauties warm or at room temperature, ready to delight your taste buds with a symphony of flavors.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Baked Pears with Cheese

  • Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking and don't turn mushy.
  • Experiment with different types of blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for varied flavor profiles.
  • Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture.
  • Adjust honey amount based on personal sweetness preference or use maple syrup as an alternative sweetener.
  • Serve immediately after adding toppings to enjoy the warm pears and melted cheese at their best quality.

Variations to Try with Baked Pears

  • Vegan Berry Bliss: Replace blue cheese with cashew cream cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
  • Almond Crunch Remix: Swap walnuts with toasted almonds and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Goat Cheese Elegance: Substitute blue cheese with creamy goat cheese and add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a tangy finish.
  • Gluten-Free Fruit Fusion: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with a dollop of coconut yogurt for added richness.

Pairing Suggestions for Baked Pears and Nuts

  • Pair with Dessert Wine: Sip a sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the pears' richness and balance the blue cheese's tangy flavor.
  • Match with Sparkling Aperitif: Choose a crisp prosecco or champagne to cut through the dessert's creamy texture and enhance the honey's sweetness.
  • Serve with Aged Port: Select a smooth, rich port wine that echoes the nutty walnut notes and harmonizes with the blue cheese's bold character.
  • Complement with Herbal Tea: Brew a chamomile or lavender tea to provide a delicate, soothing contrast to the dessert's complex flavors.

Storage Tips for Baked Pears

Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover carefully to prevent berries from crushing and cheese from drying out.

Warm pears at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp up toppings.

Heat individual pear halves for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Let refrigerated pears sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften cheese and restore natural flavors.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pears for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears. Choose ripe but firm pears that will hold their shape during baking.

  • Is blue cheese optional in this recipe?

Blue cheese adds a tangy flavor, but you can substitute with goat cheese or skip it entirely if you don’t enjoy strong cheeses.

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

The pears are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork but still maintain their shape and have a slight golden color.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears in advance and reheat them briefly before adding toppings. Best served warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Gourmet Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

  • Craft a Gourmet Dessert: Elevate your dessert game with this sophisticated yet simple recipe that combines elegant flavors and textures in one stunning dish.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Impress dinner guests with a restaurant-quality dessert that looks complex but requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time.
  • Flexible Serving Options: Enjoy this versatile recipe warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for casual gatherings or more formal dinner parties without strict timing constraints.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Pack your dessert with wholesome ingredients like fresh berries, protein-rich walnuts, and calcium-rich blue cheese, transforming a sweet treat into a more balanced indulgence.
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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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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Warm, golden Baked Pears with Berries dance with tangy blue cheese, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts in this elegant dessert. Sophisticated flavors mingle perfectly, inviting you to savor each delightful, complex bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 pears, ripe
  • 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts

Dairy & Cheese:

  • 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter, melted

Sweetener & Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C), creating an even cooking environment. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light grease coating.
  2. Transform pears by halving and removing their cores, positioning them cut-side upward on the prepared baking surface. Apply a delicate layer of melted butter across each pear half to encourage a golden, caramelized exterior.
  3. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the pears to roast for 15-20 minutes. Monitor their transformation, ensuring they remain structurally intact while becoming tender and fragrant.
  4. Remove pears from the oven and let them rest momentarily, maintaining their residual warmth. Cascade mixed berries across each pear half, creating a vibrant fruity landscape.
  5. Generously scatter crumbled blue cheese over the berries, leveraging the pears’ lingering heat to create a subtle melting effect. Distribute chopped walnuts for a robust, crunchy texture.
  6. Conclude the preparation by drizzling honey across the pear landscape, introducing a golden, sweet glaze. Optionally, garnish with delicate thyme sprigs to enhance the aromatic profile.
  7. Present the baked pears immediately while warm, or allow them to cool to room temperature for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Notes

  • Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold 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 create a crunchier texture.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level, using local or raw honey for more depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 273 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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