30-Minute Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

There’s something magical about the way sweet, juicy pears and tangy blue cheese come together in this Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that stops people mid-conversation at dinner parties—everyone leans in for a closer look, then takes a bite and sighs. I first made these for a last-minute gathering with friends, raiding my fridge for ingredients, and now they’re my go-to when I want something effortless but stunning. The honey caramelizes just enough in the oven, the walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and that creamy blue cheese? Pure heaven. Sweet, salty, and just a little peppery—it’s all about balance here. Plus, it’s one of those rare appetizers that feels fancy but takes barely any effort. Trust me, once you see how quickly these disappear, you’ll be making them all season.

Ingredients for Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these show-stopping stuffed pears:

• 4 firm Bartlett or Anjou pears (the sturdier varieties hold up best when baked)
• 100g high-quality blue cheese (I love a good Roquefort or Gorgonzola for this)
• 2 tbsp honey (local wildflower honey adds lovely floral notes)
• 50g walnuts, roughly chopped (for that perfect crunch)
• 1 tbsp good olive oil (for finishing)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (trust me, freshly cracked makes a difference)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Firm pears are non-negotiable—soft ones turn mushy in the oven! If you’re not a blue cheese fan, creamy goat cheese works beautifully. For a vegan version, try cashew cheese with nutritional yeast. Honey can be swapped with maple syrup, and walnuts with pecans if you prefer. Just don’t skip that final olive oil drizzle—it ties everything together.

How to Make Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

This recipe comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed at how such simple steps create something so impressive. Just follow these steps, and those pears will be the star of your table in no time!

Prepping the Pears

First, grab your firmest pears – I like to give them a gentle squeeze to check. Slice them in half lengthwise, then comes the fun part: removing the cores. A melon baller works perfectly here, but a small spoon does the trick too. Just scoop carefully – you want to create a nice little well for the cheese without breaking through the bottom. Leave about a 1/4-inch border all around to keep your pear halves sturdy. I sometimes rub the cut sides with lemon juice if I’m prepping ahead, but honestly, you’ll be baking them so soon it’s not usually needed.

Baking & Serving

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the rack in the middle position – this ensures even cooking. Now the fun part: stuff those pear halves generously with blue cheese. Don’t be shy! Drizzle honey over each one, letting it pool a little in the cheese. Sprinkle those chopped walnuts on top – they’ll toast beautifully in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted and the pear edges start caramelizing – you’ll see them turn golden brown. When they come out, that final drizzle of olive oil and crack of black pepper makes everything sing. Serve them warm when the cheese is at its ooey-gooey best!

Why You’ll Love This Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

This dish has become my secret weapon for good reason:

• Showstopper presentation: The golden pears with melted blue cheese look restaurant-worthy but take zero fancy skills
• 15 minutes of active prep: Just stuff, drizzle, and bake – perfect for last-minute guests
• Endlessly customizable: Adjust honey for sweetness or add extra pepper for kick
• Works warm or at room temp: No stress about serving timing

Expert Tips for Perfect Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Here are my hard-won tricks from making these dozens of times: chill your blue cheese for 10 minutes before stuffing – it holds its shape better! Test pear ripeness by checking near the stem – it should give slightly but still feel firm. And pro tip: bake on parchment paper for zero sticking drama. The walnuts? Toast them first for extra crunch if you’ve got time. Oh, and always make extras – these disappear faster than you’d think!

Variations on Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! For meat lovers, tuck thin slices of prosciutto under the cheese—the salty crispness is divine. Vegetarians can swap in creamy goat cheese or even brie. Nut allergies? Try toasted pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts. Feeling fancy? A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes these over the top. The possibilities are endless!

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

These elegant stuffed pears shine alongside a crisp green salad with bitter greens—the perfect contrast to their sweetness. For wine, try a slightly sweet Riesling or sparkling Prosecco to balance the blue cheese’s bold flavor. At brunch, they’re divine with a charcuterie board and crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of melted goodness!

Storing and Reheating

These stuffed pears are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a 150°C (300°F) oven just until warmed through—this keeps the pears from turning mushy and the cheese beautifully gooey again. Pro tip: add fresh walnuts after reheating for maximum crunch!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind these are estimates – exact values vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Per serving (2 pear halves): 220 calories
• 18g sugar • 12g fat (4g saturated) • 26g carbs
• 4g fiber • 5g protein • 180mg sodium

Common Questions About Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

What’s the best pear variety for stuffing?
I always reach for firm Bartlett or Anjou pears—they hold their shape beautifully when baked. Avoid super-ripe Comice pears as they’ll turn mushy. Give them a gentle squeeze near the stem; it should yield slightly but still feel substantial.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the pear halves and stuff them with cheese up to 4 hours before baking—just cover tightly and refrigerate. Add the honey and walnuts right before they go in the oven so everything stays crisp.

What’s a good vegan alternative?
My favorite swap is cashew cheese blended with nutritional yeast for that tangy kick. For the honey, use maple syrup, and top with toasted pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts. The result is surprisingly similar to the original—just as elegant but plant-based!

Print