Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese: A Gourmet Delight

Are you tired of serving the same predictable desserts at your dinner parties? Looking for something that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory? Roasted pears with blue cheese transforms humble fruit into an elegant appetizer or dessert that will impress even your most discerning guests.

As a culinary enthusiast who’s been perfecting fruit-based recipes for over a decade, I’ve found that this roasted pears with blue cheese recipe consistently earns rave reviews for its sophisticated flavor profile and stunning presentation. The natural sweetness of caramelized pears paired with tangy, creamy blue cheese creates a taste experience that’s both unexpected and delightful.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating this gourmet treat—from selecting the perfect pears and cheese to variations that suit different dietary preferences. You’ll also find expert tips on preparation, cooking techniques, and beautiful serving suggestions that elevate this dish to restaurant quality.

Why This Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese Recipe Works

● Uses readily available seasonal pears that transform beautifully when roasted
● Requires just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time before the oven does the work
● Perfect for elegant dinner parties or a special weeknight treat
● Balances sweet and savory flavors in one sophisticated dish
● Can be prepared hours ahead and finished just before serving

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Best Pear Varieties for Roasting

Firm, ripe pears work best for roasting as they maintain their shape while becoming tender and sweet. Bosc pears are ideal with their firm flesh and elegant shape, but Anjou and Bartlett varieties also work wonderfully. Avoid overly ripe pears that may become mushy during the roasting process.

Blue Cheese Selection

The pungent, creamy quality of blue cheese creates the perfect contrast to sweet roasted pears. Gorgonzola dolce offers a milder flavor profile that’s perfect for beginners, while Roquefort provides a more assertive taste for blue cheese enthusiasts. Stilton’s crumbly texture and balanced flavor make it another excellent choice.

Complementary Ingredients

Walnuts or pecans add essential textural contrast, while honey or maple syrup enhances the caramelization of the pears. Fresh thyme or rosemary contributes an aromatic element that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Pear Preparation Essentials

• Carefully wash and dry pears
• Cut pears in half lengthwise
• Use a melon baller to remove the core and seeds
• Leave stems intact for presentation if possible

Roasting Ingredients

• 4 firm, ripe pears
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of sea salt

Filling Components

• 4 ounces quality blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Looking for other elegant appetizers that impress? Check out our Burrata and Oven Roasted Tomato Salad for another showstopping starter!

Step-by-Step Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Roasted Pears

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Place halved and cored pears cut-side up on the baking sheet
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, and thyme
5. Brush the mixture generously over the pears, ensuring the cut surfaces are well coated

Roasting Method for Pears with Blue Cheese

1. Place prepared pears in the preheated oven
2. Roast for 20-25 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a knife
3. If desired, baste pears halfway through with any remaining butter-honey mixture
4. Remove from oven when pears are golden and caramelized

Finishing Your Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

1. While pears are still warm, fill the cored centers with crumbled blue cheese
2. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, just until cheese begins to melt slightly
3. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with toasted walnuts and dried cranberries

Serving Roasted Pears

1. Transfer warm pears to a serving platter
2. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices
3. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a light dusting of black pepper
4. Serve immediately while still warm

Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Select pears that are ripe but still firm—they should yield slightly to pressure but not be soft
• Don’t overroast the pears; they should maintain their shape while being tender
• Allow blue cheese to come to room temperature before using for better melting
• For a golden exterior, position pears cut-side down for the last 5 minutes of roasting

Tool Recommendations

• A melon baller creates perfect cavities for the cheese filling
• A pastry brush ensures even distribution of the honey-butter mixture
• A rimmed baking sheet catches any juices that might otherwise burn

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare pears up to 8 hours ahead; store covered in refrigerator
• Bring to room temperature before roasting
• For parties, roast pears in advance and reheat briefly before adding cheese and nuts

For another elegant seasonal dish that’s sure to impress, try our Creamy Butternut Squash Soup – it pairs beautifully with these roasted pears!

Flavor Variations for Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Sweet & Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your honey mixture and drizzle with hot honey just before serving for a delightful heat that balances the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese.

Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly

Replace honey with a monk fruit sweetener and add crushed pecans mixed with a touch of cinnamon for a lower-carb version that maintains the dish’s elegant appeal.

Global Flavor Inspirations

Try a Mediterranean variation with a sprinkle of za’atar and pistachios instead of walnuts, or explore Scandinavian flavors by adding cardamom to the honey mixture and finishing with lingonberries.

Find more inspiration for elegant entertaining on our Pinterest board where we share stunning food photography and serving ideas for special occasions!

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

This versatile dish can be served as:

• An elegant starter paired with a crisp green salad dressed with champagne vinaigrette
• A sophisticated cheese course before dessert
• A light dessert accompanied by a glass of dessert wine

Perfect Pairings

• Wines: Late harvest Riesling, Sauternes, or a glass of Port
• Accompaniments: Artisanal crackers, sliced baguette, or crostini
• Contrasting textures: Honey-drizzled nuts or a small dish of fig jam

If you’re looking for a main course to follow this stunning appetizer, our Lemon Chicken Gnocchi offers bright flavors that complement the rich, roasted pears beautifully.

FAQs about Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Can I prepare roasted pears with blue cheese in advance?

Yes! You can roast the pears up to 4 hours ahead and keep them at room temperature. Add the cheese and return to the oven for a few minutes just before serving.

What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like its strong flavor?

Goat cheese, brie, or mascarpone make excellent substitutions. For something milder but still flavorful, try a creamy gouda or fontina.

How do I know when my pears are perfectly ripe for roasting?

The pear should yield slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end but still feel firm. If it’s too soft, it may collapse during roasting.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, and replace the blue cheese with your favorite cultured nut cheese or a sweetened vegan cream cheese mixed with herbs.

For another impressive plant-based option, check out our Spicy Glazed Cauliflower which makes a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

The Perfect Finishing Touch

Roasted pears with blue cheese represents the epitome of sophisticated simplicity in cooking. By transforming just a few quality ingredients, you’ve created a dish worthy of the finest restaurants but achievable in your own kitchen.

The next time you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, remember that these roasted pears offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, rustic and refined. The minimal effort required delivers maximum impact on both the plate and the palate.

Give this recipe a try and discover why the combination of warm, caramelized pears and tangy blue cheese has become a classic in gourmet cooking. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before the evening ends!

Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese: A Gourmet Delight

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• Author: lily
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6 halves 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Elegant roasted pears filled with creamy blue cheese and drizzled with honey — a sophisticated yet simple dish that balances sweetness and tang for a true gourmet experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans

Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Pinch of sea salt

Cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Brush pear halves with melted butter and drizzle lightly with honey.

3. Arrange pears cut side up in the baking dish and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.

4. Remove from oven and fill the center of each pear with crumbled blue cheese and nuts.

5. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt.

6. Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper, then serve warm.

Notes

Serve as an appetizer, salad topping, or elegant dessert with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Use gorgonzola or goat cheese for a milder flavor variation.

Pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or champagne.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Roasted
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 half pear
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: roasted pears, blue cheese appetizer, gourmet pear recipe, baked pears with cheese