Sweet and Savory Baked Pears

These baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese transform ordinary fruit into an elegant dessert or appetizer that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly. The warm, tender pears create a wonderful canvas for the contrasting flavors and textures that make this dish truly special.

I first served these baked pears at a holiday gathering where I needed something quick yet elegant. My guests were so impressed they thought I had spent hours in the kitchen when the preparation took less than 10 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

• Pears: Choose firm but ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears for best results. The natural sweetness intensifies when baked
• Mixed berries: Fresh berries add bright pops of color and tartness that cuts through the richness
• Honey: Local wildflower honey works beautifully here providing floral notes. Drizzle generously for caramelization
• Walnuts: Toast them lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and improve texture
• Blue cheese: A creamy Gorgonzola dolce melts perfectly but any blue cheese works well. The tangy sharpness balances the sweet elements
• Cinnamon: Just a touch adds warmth and complexity without overwhelming the delicate pear flavor

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the pears:

Halve the pears lengthwise and carefully remove the core using a melon baller or small spoon. Leave the stems intact for presentation. Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between each half.

Create the flavor base:

Drizzle each pear half generously with honey allowing it to pool slightly in the center where the core was removed. Dust with cinnamon focusing most on the cut surface where it will infuse into the fruit as it bakes.

Add the toppings:

Distribute the mixed berries among the pear halves placing them in the hollow centers. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly atop each piece then finish with crumbled blue cheese making sure each pear gets both larger and smaller cheese crumbles for texture variation.

Bake to perfection:

Place the prepared pears in a preheated 375°F oven for exactly 20 minutes or until you can easily pierce the pears with a fork. The cheese should be just melted but not completely dissolved. If your pears were particularly firm you might need an additional 5 minutes.

The blue cheese is truly the secret hero of this dish. I discovered this combination at a vineyard in Oregon where they paired local pears with regional blue cheese. The contrast between creamy salty cheese and sweet juicy pears creates an almost magical flavor combination that has since become my signature entertaining recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These baked pears truly shine when served immediately after baking while still warm. For an elegant dessert presentation place each pear half on a small plate with a dollop of mascarpone or vanilla ice cream on the side. The temperature contrast between warm pear and cold cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this versatile recipe to suit your preferences or what you have available. Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts or try feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor profile. For a dairy free version simply omit the cheese and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or coconut flakes to maintain the interesting texture contrast.

Perfect Pairings

These baked pears create a stunning finale to a dinner party especially when paired with the right beverage. A small glass of Sauternes port or late harvest Riesling complements the flavors beautifully. For a nonalcoholic option try serving with a cup of chai tea which echoes the warm cinnamon notes in the dish.

The History Behind The Dish

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This combination of fruit cheese and nuts has deep roots in European culinary traditions particularly in France and Italy where cheese courses often feature these elements together. What makes this preparation special is how baking transforms the ingredients creating a unified dish that honors these classic flavor pairings while creating something entirely new.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pears work best for baking?

Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc pears are ideal for baking due to their firm texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking.

→ Can I use different nuts besides walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pine nuts to add a different texture and flavor.

→ Is there a substitute for blue cheese?

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try substituting it with feta, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a milder, creamy taste.

→ Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen berries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture during baking.

→ How should I serve baked pears?

Serve baked pears warm either on their own or as a dessert paired with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream for a lovely finish.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the pears ahead of time. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their warmth and flavor.