When the holidays roll around, I love pulling out recipes that look elegant but take almost no effort — and this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears dish does exactly that. The creamy tang of blue cheese, the crunch of walnuts, the sweetness of roasted pears, and a drizzle of warm spiced honey come together like pure magic.
It’s the kind of appetizer that feels luxurious yet comforting, a little rustic but utterly impressive on any festive table. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or a wine-and-cheese night with friends, these baked pears will have everyone swooning before the first bite.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Ingredients
- 3 large Bosc pears halved and cored
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil for roasting
- to taste salt and black pepper for seasoning
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled (Danish blue, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort)
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons honey for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
- Slice pears in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to remove the cores, creating a small cavity for the filling.
- Arrange the pears cut-side up in the prepared dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Flip the pears cut-side down and bake for 15 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Remove from the oven and carefully flip the pears cut-side up. Fill each cavity with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of thyme leaves.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 more minutes, until the cheese softens and starts to melt.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes) until smooth and fragrant.
- Transfer the pears to a serving platter, drizzle with the warm spiced honey, and garnish with extra thyme leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
There’s something special about the balance of flavors in this recipe — sweet, salty, creamy, and spicy all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
- Elegant yet effortless: The recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, but looks like something out of a fine-dining menu.
- Perfect for the holidays: Warm pears drizzled with honey and spiced with Aleppo pepper bring a cozy glow to any winter gathering.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor contrast: The sharp blue cheese melts into the juicy pears, while walnuts add just enough crunch.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can roast the pears a few hours early and warm them up right before serving — no stress during party time.
Pair them with a glass of white wine or champagne, or place them beside a charcuterie board for a stunning centerpiece appetizer.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so special — and a few easy swaps to fit your taste.
- Bosc Pears: Firm and slightly crisp, they hold their shape beautifully while baking. Bartlett or Anjou pears also work, but Bosc gives the best texture for stuffing.
- Blue Cheese: Danish blue cheese is mild and creamy, perfect for balancing the pear’s sweetness. For a bolder flavor, try Roquefort or Gorgonzola. Goat cheese or feta can be used for a milder option.
- Walnuts: Add toasty crunch. Pecans or hazelnuts are great alternatives for a sweeter twist.
- Fresh Thyme: Earthy and aromatic — rosemary or sage also work beautifully during the holidays.
- Honey: Adds warmth and sweetness that ties everything together. Maple syrup or agave can be used if preferred.
- Aleppo Pepper: Mildly spicy with a hint of fruitiness. Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika make good substitutes.
- Olive Oil, Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning and roasting the pears.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lightly oil a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
2. Prepare the Pears
Slice 3 large Bosc pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, leaving enough space for the filling.
3. Season and Roast (First Bake)
Place the pear halves cut-side up on the prepared dish. Drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Flip them cut-side down so the flesh touches the pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until the pears begin to soften.
4. Stuff with Cheese & Nuts
Carefully turn the pears cut-side up. Fill each cavity with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of thyme leaves.
5. Second Bake
Return the pears to the oven for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese softens and starts to melt slightly.
6. Make the Spiced Honey
In a small bowl, combine 1–2 tablespoons honey with ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes). Stir until smooth and fragrant.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the pears to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the warm spiced honey and garnish with extra thyme.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~190 per serving
Variations & Pairing Ideas
Prosciutto-Wrapped
Cranberry Topping
Maple Walnut Style
Dessert Version
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco complements the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the pears beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
- Serve Cold: They also taste delicious chilled — great on salads or cheese boards.
Can I prepare Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears ahead of time?
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
What’s the best pear variety for baking?
Can I serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears cold?
Holiday Inspiration & Serving Ideas
These Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are right at home beside your festive favorites. Serve them as a starter before your main Christmas roast or alongside your Thanksgiving spread. They also pair perfectly with:
- Italian Cheese Loaf – a savory no-bake antipasto loaf.
- Pistachio Cream Cookies – melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats.
- Pumpkin Pie Twists – flaky, cinnamon-sweet pastry spirals.
- Pumpkin Earthquake Cake – a gooey fall classic.
- Pumpkin Bars or Pumpkin Muffins – cozy crowd-pleasers for breakfast or dessert.
For more holiday magic, explore:
Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
And don’t forget to follow our cozy kitchen creations on
Pinterest and Facebook for more festive inspiration.