Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
If you’re looking for an elegant yet simple dish to impress your friends or family, then you’ve come to the right place! Our Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe is a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The warm, roasted pears paired with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts create a delightful experience that suits any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.
This recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients while being incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, it offers that gourmet touch that makes everyone feel like they’re dining at a fine restaurant!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy these roasted pears as an appetizer, side dish, or even a decadent dessert!
- Family-Friendly: Even those who are unsure about blue cheese will love this combination—it’s that good!
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pears ahead of time and roast them just before serving.
- Elegant Presentation: These roasted pears look stunning on any table, making them a great choice for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious dish. You might already have some of these at home!
For the Roasted Pears
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (for a milder flavor, substitute with Gorgonzola)
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add Fresh Fruits: Toss in some sliced figs or peaches along with the pears for added sweetness.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a unique crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
How to Make Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want your pears to roast perfectly—softening while developing that beautiful caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Wash and slice your pears in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds using a melon baller or a small spoon. This ensures each half is ready to hold all those delicious toppings later!
Step 3: Butter the Pears
Place the pear halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each half with melted butter and drizzle them with lemon juice. The butter adds richness while the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness.
Step 4: Roast the Pears
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that lovely caramel color without overcooking!
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once your pears are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. While they’re still warm, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over each half followed by chopped walnuts. Drizzle some honey over everything—this brings all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh thyme if you like, then serve immediately while warm. You can also drizzle extra honey on top for that added sweetness. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Creating the perfect roasted pears is all about attention to detail, so here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!
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Choose the right pears: Selecting ripe but firm pears ensures they hold their shape during roasting while becoming perfectly tender. Avoid overly soft pears to prevent them from turning mushy.
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Balance flavors: Adjust the amount of blue cheese based on your taste preference. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, Gorgonzola cheese is a fantastic alternative. This helps create a harmonious balance between sweet and savory.
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Toast the walnuts: Toasting walnuts before adding them to your dish enhances their flavor and crunchiness. A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their natural oils, making them more aromatic and delicious.
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Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is an optional ingredient in this recipe, feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and spice. These spices can complement the sweetness of the pears beautifully.
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Don’t skip the drizzle: Adding extra honey just before serving can make your dish shine! It enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely sheen that makes the pears visually appealing.
How to Serve Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Serving roasted pears elegantly can transform this simple dish into a standout centerpiece for any table. Here are some inspiring ideas!
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only adds a pop of color but also infuses herby notes that complement the cheese and nuts beautifully.
- Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds provide a burst of freshness and color that contrasts wonderfully against the golden roasted pears.
Side Dishes
- Arugula salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers peppery notes that balance the sweetness of the pears.
- Quinoa pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs and vegetables makes for a hearty side that pairs well with the richness of blue cheese.
- Grilled vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add smokiness and texture, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet roasted pears.
- Baked brie: An ooey-gooey baked brie complements this dish perfectly, allowing guests to enjoy both sweet and savory flavors in one meal.
Now you’re ready to impress your friends or family with this delectable Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey recipe! Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful combination of flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare the ingredients in advance and store them, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover roasted pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy them within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a refreshing snack!
Freezing
- While it’s best to consume roasted pears fresh, you can freeze them if necessary.
- Slice the roasted pears and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing until solid.
- Transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat frozen roasted pears, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 10-15 minutes will do!
- Alternatively, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about our Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey recipe that might help you out!
Can I use different types of cheese in the Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a distinctive flavor, feel free to substitute it with Gorgonzola for a milder taste or even goat cheese for something creamier.
How do I make this Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese option. The flavors will still shine through!
What can I serve alongside Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey?
These delightful pears pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad or crusty bread. They also make an excellent addition to any cheese board!
Can I prepare Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and prepare your pears ahead of time. Just drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning before roasting when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! This Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey recipe brings together such wonderful flavors that will surely impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. I hope you have fun making it as much as I do. Remember that cooking is all about enjoying the process—so roll up your sleeves and get ready to create something delicious. Happy cooking!
Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey Recipe. This elegant yet straightforward dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted pears with the creamy richness of blue cheese and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings—this recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. With its beautiful presentation and harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, this dish is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola for a milder flavor)
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden.
- Remove from oven; while warm, sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half (85g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
