These Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a sophisticated yet simple dish that’s ideal as an appetizer or elegant dessert. The natural sweetness of ripe pears becomes caramelized in the oven and is perfectly balanced by the tangy, creamy bite of blue cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a gourmet treat, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Elegant and visually stunning presentation
- A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Great for entertaining or a fancy weeknight treat
- Can be served warm or at room temperature
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
- Customizable with nuts, honey, or herbs
- A creative way to use ripe pears
- No complicated steps—just roast and serve
- Feels indulgent but is quite healthy
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe but firm pears
- Blue cheese (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or your favorite variety)
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme (optional)
- Honey or balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores using a spoon or melon baller.
- Place the pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 2025 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and gently spoon crumbled blue cheese into the hollowed centers.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese softens.
- Optionally, sprinkle with fresh thyme, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze, and top with nuts.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people (1/2 pear per person if using 2 pears, or more depending on the number of pears).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- With Prosciutto: Wrap pear halves in prosciutto before roasting for a salty touch.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip cheese and add maple-glazed walnuts.
- Spicy Kick: Add a light sprinkle of chili flakes before serving.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with goat cheese or cashew cheese.
- Extra Sweet: Use a cinnamon-honey drizzle instead of balsamic glaze.
- With Wine: Roast with a splash of white wine or port for added richness.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover roasted pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 810 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect the texture of the pears and blue cheese.
FAQs
What kind of pears work best for roasting?
Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well during roasting and have a subtle sweetness.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, goat cheese, Brie, or even feta can be delicious alternatives to blue cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can roast the pears ahead of time and add the cheese just before serving. Reheat gently in the oven.
Are roasted pears with blue cheese served hot or cold?
They are best served warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the cheese and pears.
Can I use canned pears?
Fresh pears are strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch (though they’ll be softer).
Is this dish suitable for a holiday appetizer?
Absolutely—it’s elegant and festive, making it great for holidays or dinner parties.
How do I keep the pears from browning before baking?
Brush cut pears with lemon juice if you’re prepping them in advance to prevent browning.
Can I add a glaze?
Yes, honey, balsamic reduction, or even maple syrup adds a lovely finishing touch.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try serving with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Can I serve this with a salad?
Yes, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh arugula or mixed greens salad for a light and balanced meal.
Conclusion
These Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese offer an elegant yet simple way to bring gourmet flavor to your table. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll impress your guests or treat yourself to something truly special. Whether served as a starter or a refined dessert, this dish is a beautiful celebration of contrast—warm and cool, sweet and tangy, soft and crunchy.
Description
These easy roasted pears with blue cheese are a simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish. Juicy pears are roasted until tender, then topped with creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. They’re perfect for holidays or whenever you want something sweet, savory, and a little fancy—with barely any effort.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place pear halves cut side up in the dish.
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Drizzle olive oil over the pears and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Roast for 2025 minutes, or until pears are fork-tender and slightly golden.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle each pear half with blue cheese and walnuts.
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Return to oven for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese starts to melt.
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Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if using.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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Try adding a few dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
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Gorgonzola or goat cheese also work well if you’re not a fan of strong blue cheese.
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This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a glass of white wine.
