Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears: A Simple Delight (Print Version)

Discover elegant blue cheese stuffed pears. This easy appetizer combines sweet fruit with tangy cheese, perfect for any gathering. Learn my simple recipe!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: European
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet & Creamy Core

01 - 2 Bosc pears, firm but ripe, halved and cored
02 - 4 oz blue cheese (like Gorgonzola or Roquefort), crumbled
03 - 2 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
05 - 2 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
06 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish

→ Seasonings & Spices

07 - Pinch of black pepper (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those pears ready. Wash them gently under cool water. Then, carefully cut each Bosc pear in half lengthwise, right down the middle. Now, the slightly tricky part: use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the core and those tiny seeds. You want to create a nice little hollow for our cheesy filling, but be careful not to scoop too much or go through the bottom! I once got a bit overzealous and ended up with holes, oops. Just a gentle hand, and you'll be fine.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine your creamy blue cheese (Gorgonzola is my pick!) with the softened cream cheese. Grab a fork or a small spatula and mash them together until they're nicely combined and smooth. This is where you can really get a feel for the texture; it should be creamy but still hold its shape. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of black pepper here, just for an extra little zing. Don't overmix, though; we still want that distinct blue cheese character to shine through in our blue cheese stuffed pears.
03 - Now for the fun part! Take a spoonful of that gorgeous blue cheese mixture and carefully mound it into the hollow of each pear half. You want a generous amount, but not so much that it's tumbling out. I like to make a little dome shape. It's messy, but so satisfying! This is where you really start to see your elegant blue cheese stuffed pears come to life. The contrast of the pale pear and the creamy, speckled filling is just beautiful.
04 - Once your pears are stuffed, it’s time for the finishing touches before baking. Sprinkle those toasted walnuts generously over the blue cheese filling. The crunch is vital, trust me! Then, scatter a few fresh thyme leaves on top of each pear. The aroma of the thyme as it bakes with the cheese and pear is just heavenly. I always take a moment to just breathe it in. It's these small details that make these blue cheese stuffed pears truly special.
05 - Arrange your stuffed pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – seriously, parchment paper is a lifesaver for easy cleanup! Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for the pears to be tender but not mushy, and the cheese filling to be warmed through and slightly bubbly. Keep an eye on them; ovens can be quirky! I once walked away for 'just a minute' and almost burned the walnuts. Learn from my chaos!
06 - Once they're out of the oven, let your beautiful blue cheese stuffed pears cool for just a minute or two. They'll be hot! Then, take your honey and drizzle it generously over each warm pear. The honey will melt slightly and coat the cheese and walnuts, creating this incredible sweet glaze. Garnish with a few more fresh thyme sprigs if you're feeling fancy. The result should look and smell absolutely divine, a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overbake the pears! They should be tender-crisp, not soft.
02 - Toasting your walnuts beforehand is non-negotiable for that perfect crunch.
03 - Using softened cream cheese prevents lumps in your blue cheese mixture.
04 - A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese mixture adds a surprising kick.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - parchment paper
03 - small spoon or melon baller
04 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 8g