Description
This elegant and flavorful recipe features baked pears topped with a vibrant mixture of fresh berries, crunchy walnuts, sweet honey, and tangy blue cheese. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer, side dish, or light dessert, the baked pears are tender yet hold their shape, complemented by melted blue cheese and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pear Base
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears.
- Prepare Pears: Arrange the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Bake Pears: Place the pears in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they become tender but still retain their structural shape without becoming mushy.
- Mix Topping: While the pears bake, combine the fresh mixed berries, chopped walnuts, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a small bowl. Stir gently to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Add Topping to Pears: Remove the baked pears from the oven and carefully spoon the berry and walnut mixture on top of each pear half, layering the flavors.
- Add Blue Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over each pear half, allowing it to soften and start melting from the residual heat.
- Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the blue cheese melts slightly and the topping takes on a light golden hue.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from the oven, drizzle the pears with extra honey for added sweetness, and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pears warm, ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or a light and elegant dessert.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Use a combination of berries for a more complex flavor and visual appeal.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or feta for milder alternatives.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a fresh aromatic note but are optional.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheeses melted texture and warm pears.
