Description
Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears is a sophisticated appetizer featuring ripe but firm pears hollowed and filled with a savory mixture of crumbled blue cheese, chopped nuts, and fresh thyme. Baked to tender perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of black pepper, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, ideal for a wine accompaniment or a light salad course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pears
- 2 ripe but firm pears
Stuffing
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Additional
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the core and seeds using a spoon or melon baller, creating a hollow center in each half for the stuffing.
- Brush Pears with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil to promote even baking and an appealing appearance, then place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh thyme leaves, stirring gently to blend the flavors.
- Fill the Pears: Spoon the cheese and nut mixture into the hollowed centers of each pear half, distributing evenly between them.
- Bake the Pears: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape and the cheese has softened without completely melting.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pears from the oven and drizzle each with honey. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature to best enjoy the complex flavors.
Notes
- For additional flavor depth, lightly roast the walnuts or pecans before mixing them with the cheese.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh arugula or mixed greens if served as part of a salad course.
- Consider serving alongside sparkling or dessert wines to complement the sweet and savory contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half (approximately)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
