Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to prepare, these Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese are the answer. Think of it as a cozy, slightly sweet, and savory dessert—or maybe even a show-stopping appetizer. The tender, warm pears are paired with the juiciness of fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, crunchy walnuts, and the creamy tang of blue cheese. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. This recipe is a unique twist on traditional desserts, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight indulgence. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!

Why You’ll Love Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

This recipe has so much going for it—you’re going to fall in love with it! Here’s why:

Sweet & Savory Perfection

The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors in this dish is pure magic. The pears bring sweetness, the berries add a juicy freshness, the walnuts give crunch, and the blue cheese brings a creamy, tangy bite. It’s a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed.

Easy to Make

This recipe requires just a few ingredients and is incredibly straightforward to prepare. The hardest part? Waiting for the pears to bake! It’s a low-maintenance dessert (or appetizer) that looks fancy enough to impress anyone.

Versatile

While these baked pears make a perfect dessert, they also work as a fabulous appetizer or a unique side dish for a holiday meal. You can adjust the ingredients depending on what you have on hand, making it adaptable for any occasion.

Healthy-ish Indulgence

Packed with fiber, antioxidants from the berries, healthy fats from the walnuts, and the nutritional punch of pears, this dish feels indulgent while still offering some good-for-you benefits. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a treat but isn’t too heavy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these perfectly balanced baked pears:

• Pears: The star of the show! Choose ripe pears that are firm but tender enough to bake, such as Bartlett or Bosc. Their natural sweetness shines through when baked.
• Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries (or a mix!) work beautifully here. They bring a juicy burst of flavor that complements the pears perfectly.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that enhances the other flavors in the dish.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the pears and add a rich, nutty flavor.
• Blue Cheese: The creamy, tangy bite of blue cheese creates an unexpected but delightful contrast with the sweetness of the fruit. You can adjust the amount based on how much you love blue cheese.
• Butter: A small pat of butter helps to caramelize the pears as they bake, making them even more tender and flavorful.

(Note: Exact measurements will be provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps that will turn these simple ingredients into a spectacular dish!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pears will cook evenly and develop that golden, caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Cut the pears in half and remove the core and seeds. You can use a melon baller or a spoon to scoop out the center. Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. For extra flavor, add a small pat of butter in the hollow of each pear half.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Top each pear half with a handful of fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. Then, crumble some blue cheese on top of each pear. Don’t be afraid to go a little generous with the cheese—the creamy tang pairs so well with the sweetness of the pears and berries.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pears for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden. The pears should be soft when pierced with a fork, and the blue cheese should have melted beautifully over the top.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with a few extra fresh berries or a drizzle of honey if you like. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

These baked pears are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve them on their own for a light, sophisticated dessert. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• As an Appetizer: These pears can also make a stunning appetizer. Serve them before a main meal as a way to set the tone for the rest of the evening.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: Top with a sprinkle of granola or serve alongside a warm cup of coffee for a sweet, filling start to the day.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prep the pears in advance, topping them with the berries, honey, and walnuts, and then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
• Use Different Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts on hand, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even pistachios. They’ll all add their own unique flavor and crunch to the dish.
• Try Different Cheeses: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta, or even feta. The tangy, creamy element is still essential, but it’s easy to personalize.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
A1: Fresh pears are recommended for this recipe as they bake beautifully and hold their shape. However, you can use canned pears in a pinch—just be sure to drain them well before baking.

Q2: Can I make these pears ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the pears up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them until they’re golden and tender.

Q3: What can I substitute for blue cheese?
A3: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try goat cheese, feta, or ricotta for a creamier texture and a milder flavor.

Q4: Can I add more fruit to this dish?
A4: Absolutely! You can add other fruits like sliced apples, figs, or even a few dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added variety.

Q5: What if I don’t have walnuts?
A5: You can swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them up for a nice crunch.

Q6: Can I serve these pears cold?
A6: While they are best served warm, you can refrigerate the baked pears and enjoy them cold as well. They make for a nice cold dessert or snack.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: I wouldn’t recommend freezing these baked pears as they may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!

Q9: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A9: Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Just keep in mind that each sweetener will bring a slightly different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make these pears without walnuts?
A10: Of course! You can omit the walnuts if you prefer, or substitute them with another nut or even granola for some crunch.

Conclusion

These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert or as an appetizer, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Easy to make and full of wonderful textures, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this delightful treat!

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