It was one of those early autumn afternoons in Washington, D.C., when the air had just the right crispness and the markets were full of pears in every shade of gold and green. I’d been working long hours in the restaurant, but I couldn’t resist stopping by the produce stand. A basket of perfectly ripe pears caught my eye, and I remembered a dish from my travels through France — sweet fruit paired with tangy blue cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey.
Now, it’s become one of my favorite appetizers when I’m hosting. The recipe feels indulgent but comes together in minutes, making it perfect for when you want something that looks like you fussed without actually fussing.
What Are Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears?
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are halved or quartered pears filled with a creamy blue cheese mixture, often paired with nuts and drizzled with honey or balsamic glaze. They balance the fruit’s natural sweetness with the cheese’s salty, tangy bite, creating an appetizer or salad topping that feels both rustic and sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Ready in under 15 minutes.
- A stunning, colorful presentation for gatherings.
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy.
- Works as an appetizer, salad topper, or cheese board addition.
Tips for Making the Best Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape when halved.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for the most flavor.
- Balance textures with crunchy nuts or seeds.
- Serve at room temperature to bring out the cheese’s creaminess.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Small spoon or melon baller
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter
How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pears – Slice pears in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out seeds and make a small well for the filling.
- Make the filling – In a bowl, mash blue cheese with cream cheese until smooth. Stir in nuts.
- Fill the pears – Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each pear half.
- Finish and serve – Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and sprinkle with thyme leaves if using. Serve immediately.
You Must Know
- Pears oxidize quickly; prepare close to serving time or brush with lemon juice.
- Toasting nuts brings out more flavor.
- A little drizzle of honey ties all the flavors together.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Use gorgonzola for a milder flavor or Roquefort for more intensity.
- Try roasted pears for a warm variation.
- Add microgreens for a fresh, restaurant-style presentation.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Best served fresh — refrigerating can make pears watery.
- If you must store, cover tightly and chill for up to 4 hours.
- Do not freeze, as pears lose their texture.
Helpful Notes
- Works beautifully as part of a holiday cheese board.
- For a savory twist, add black pepper and omit honey.
- Use smaller pears for individual bite-sized servings.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten suggests adding a few drops of port wine reduction for extra depth.
- Jamie Oliver pairs blue cheese pears with rocket (arugula) for a fresh salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overripe pears – They’ll turn mushy and won’t hold the filling.
- Too much blue cheese – Balance is key; it’s strong.
- Skipping the sweet element – Honey or glaze balances the tang.
FAQs
Does blue cheese go with pears?
Yes, their sweet-tangy contrast is a classic pairing in salads, appetizers, and cheese boards.
What fruit pairs best with blue cheese?
Pears, apples, figs, grapes, and dried apricots are all excellent matches.
What kind of cheese goes best with pears?
Beyond blue cheese, try brie, camembert, manchego, or aged cheddar.
What flavors complement blue cheese?
Honey, walnuts, balsamic reduction, fresh herbs, caramelized onions, and roasted beets all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are one of those rare recipes that feel fancy but take almost no effort. They’re a conversation starter at the table, a celebration of seasonal fruit, and proof that a few well-chosen ingredients can create magic.
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are an elegant 15-minute appetizer that pairs sweet, juicy pears with creamy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. Perfect for gatherings or as part of a cheese board.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pears: Slice pears in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out seeds and make a small well for the filling.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mash blue cheese with cream cheese until smooth. Stir in toasted nuts.
- Stuff the pears: Spoon the cheese mixture into each pear half.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and sprinkle with thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
To prevent browning, brush pear halves lightly with lemon juice before filling. Use gorgonzola for a milder flavor or Roquefort for a stronger taste. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be made up to 4 hours ahead if refrigerated and covered.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pear half
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: blue cheese stuffed pears, pear appetizer, blue cheese recipe, fruit and cheese pairing, holiday appetizer
