Description
These Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese offer a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Tender baked pears are topped with fresh mixed berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, then lightly drizzled with honey for a sophisticated dish perfect as a side, appetizer, or light dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pears evenly.
- Prepare Pears: Arrange the pear halves in a baking dish with the cut side facing up. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Bake Pears: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the pears for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape, ensuring a soft yet firm texture.
- Make Topping: While the pears bake, combine the mixed berries, chopped walnuts, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a small bowl. Stir gently to evenly blend the flavors without bruising the berries.
- Top Pears: Remove the pears from the oven and spoon the berry-walnut mixture onto each pear half carefully, adding a fresh fruity crunch.
- Add Blue Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the topped pears, allowing the cheese to melt slightly with residual heat for a creamy contrast.
- Final Bake: Return the pear dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese softens and the topping develops a slight golden color for enhanced taste and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness, and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm as a sophisticated side, appetizer, or light dessert.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape after baking.
- The type of blue cheese can be adjusted based on preference; milder varieties will reduce sharpness.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary adds aromatic complexity but is optional.
- Use fresh mixed berries for the best flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings easily.
