Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

$- 2 ripe pear halves (Bartlett or Bosc work well) - 100g blue cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Balsamic glaze for drizzling - Salt and pepper to taste - Mixed greens for serving For this easy and tasty appetizer, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with two ripe pear halves. I suggest using Bartlett or Bosc pears for their sweet, juicy flavor. Next, grab your cheeses. You will need 100 grams of blue cheese, crumbled. This cheese gives a strong, rich taste. Mix it with two tablespoons of softened cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a nice, creamy texture. Then, add some sweetness with one tablespoon of honey. This balances the tangy cheese. You can also include one tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh thyme leaves bring in a herbal note. Use one teaspoon for a fresh taste. If you want to enhance flavors, add salt and pepper to taste. For an extra touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze. This adds a sweet, tart contrast. Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful look and added freshness. These ingredients create a delightful blend in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. Preparing the pears Next, cut the pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the core. This creates a nice space for the filling. Make sure you don’t cut too deep; you want to keep the shape of the pear. Mixing cheese, honey, nuts, and herbs In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and cream cheese. Add the honey, chopped nuts, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it is well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. Filling the pears Generously fill each pear half with the cheese mixture. Make sure to pack it in, so every bite is cheesy and delicious. Baking time and serving suggestions Place the stuffed pears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes. You want the pears to be tender, and the cheese should be slightly melted. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the pears on a bed of mixed greens. For extra flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top if you like. Choose ripe pears that are soft but not mushy. Bartlett and Bosc are my favorites. They have a sweet taste that pairs well with blue cheese. Look for pears that are slightly fragrant. This means they are ripe and ready to eat. Avoid pears that have blemishes or dark spots. The best pears will hold their shape while baking. You can change the filling to match your taste. Try goat cheese or feta for a different flavor. Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for sweetness. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth to the dish. For texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They add a nice crunch. Always taste the mixture before stuffing. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your preference. Bake the stuffed pears at 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the pears soften while the cheese melts. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes. Check for tenderness by poking with a fork. If they are still firm, bake a few more minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes them easier to handle when serving. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pear: Use ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears for the best flavor and texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy. Mixing Cheese: Blend the blue cheese with cream cheese for a creamier texture and milder flavor, making it more palatable for those who may not enjoy strong blue cheese. Add a Crunch: Incorporating walnuts or pecans not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish for an extra layer of sweetness and acidity that complements the pears beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap blue cheese for other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a creamy texture. Feta cheese gives a nice salty bite. Both are great choices. Each cheese brings its own flavor. Experiment to find your favorite. Want to add more flavor? Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or figs. They add sweetness and chewiness. You can also sprinkle in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm twist to the dish. Don't be afraid to get creative! When serving, think about pairing. A nice white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works well. It balances the richness of the cheese. You can also serve with crusty bread or crackers. They add texture and make it more filling. Enjoy your tasty bites with good company! To store leftover blue cheese stuffed pears, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes until warm. This helps keep their tasty flavor and nice texture. You can freeze stuffed pears, but they may change texture. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pear tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven as mentioned above. The ingredients for blue cheese stuffed pears have different lifespans. Here’s a quick guide: - Pears: Ripe pears last about 3-5 days in the fridge. - Blue cheese: This cheese stays fresh for about 1-2 weeks after opening. - Cream cheese: It lasts about 1-2 weeks once opened. - Honey: Honey can last for years if stored properly. - Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans last about 1 month in the fridge. - Fresh thyme: This herb stays fresh for about 1 week in the fridge. Keeping these guidelines in mind helps you enjoy your delicious appetizer fresh and safe! Yes, blue cheese stuffed pears can be served cold. They taste great warm or at room temperature. If you want to serve them cold, let them cool after baking. Then, place them in the fridge for an hour. This makes a nice, refreshing bite. You can drizzle balsamic glaze on top when ready to serve. The best way to slice pears is to cut them in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. After slicing, scoop out a bit of the core. This creates space for the filling. Make sure to leave some flesh around the edge so the pears stay sturdy. This helps hold the filling well. You can make blue cheese stuffed pears ahead in several steps. First, prepare the filling and stuff the pears. Place the stuffed pears on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake them, remove the wrap. Preheat your oven and bake as directed. If they are cold, they may need a few extra minutes to heat through. In this post, we explored how to make blue cheese stuffed pears. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions. I shared tips on selecting the right pears and enhancing flavors. We also covered storage options, so you can enjoy your treats later. Blue cheese stuffed pears are delicious and easy to make. Whether for a cozy night or a dinner party, they impress every time. Try these tips to create a dish that stands out. Happy cooking!$

Delicious pears filled with a creamy blue cheese mixture, perfect as an appetizer or light dessert.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 halves ripe pear (Bartlett or Bosc)
100 g blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste salt and pepper
for serving mixed greens
for drizzling balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the core to create space for the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled blue cheese, cream cheese, honey, chopped nuts, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Generously fill each pear half with the cheese mixture.
Place the stuffed pears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is slightly melted.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.

Notes

Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice touch.

Keyword appetizer, blue cheese, pears, stuffed