Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a show-stopping dish that straddles that magical line between sweet and savory. Imagine juicy, caramelized pear halves overflowing with jewel-toned berries and walnuts, all kissed by golden honey and finished with a flourish of savory blue cheese. This recipe is as lovely for entertaining as it is for a cozy evening treat—plus, it’s quick, naturally gluten-free, and full of nourishing goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is how a handful of simple ingredients effortlessly create a dish brimming with color, rich flavor, and delightful contrasts. Every element plays its own delicious role, and together, they bring out the very best in each other.
- Ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou): Choose pears that yield just slightly to pressure; they’ll soften perfectly while keeping their shape in the oven.
- Lemon juice: A quick brush prevents browning and adds a gentle brightness against the sweetness of the pears and honey.
- Mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries): These add juicy bursts of color and tartness that brighten up every bite.
- Chopped walnuts: Their crunch and earthy flavor offer just the right balance to the creamy cheese and plump fruit.
- Honey: Lusciously sweet, honey not only sweetens the filling but also gives the pears a beautiful glossy finish.
- Cinnamon (optional): A pinch warms up the flavors—it’s especially lovely if you’re craving cozy, autumnal notes.
- Crumbled blue cheese: This is the “wow” factor! Blue cheese gives a savory, tangy kick and a sumptuous, creamy finish.
How to Make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Carefully halve the pears and, using a spoon or melon baller, remove the cores. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice—not only does this keep them looking pretty, but it also brings a gentle zing that wakes up all the flavors. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in your prepared baking dish, giving them enough room to roast evenly.
Step 2: Make the Berry-Walnut Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the berries, chopped walnuts, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling cozy. This vibrant medley becomes the heart of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese, providing juicy color, crunch, and sweetness. Spoon this filling generously into the hollowed centers of each pear half, letting the juices and nuts tumble naturally into the fruit.
Step 3: Bake the Pears
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the pears to become tender and just caramelized at the edges—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible as they roast. Don’t worry if bits of filling spill over; they’ll turn jammy and delicious as they bake.
Step 4: Finish with Blue Cheese and Extra Honey
As soon as the pears are beautifully roasted, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle each baked pear half with crumbled blue cheese, letting the residual heat melt the cheese slightly into the warm fruit. Just before serving, drizzle a little extra honey over the top for a gorgeous sheen and irresistible sweetness. And just like that, your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are ready for their grand entrance!
How to Serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Garnishes
These baked pears shine brightest with a finishing touch or two. Consider a quick scatter of extra toasted walnuts for crunch, a sprig of fresh thyme or mint, or a final drizzle of honey for extra gloss and sweetness. Even a dash of flaky sea salt on top can elevate the sweet-sharp cheese and honey flavors. Serve on a pretty plate or platter—these colors deserve to be shown off!
Side Dishes
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For an elegant starter, pair with a simple salad of peppery arugula tossed in olive oil and lemon. If you’re serving these as dessert, a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream turns the dish into something truly over the top. They also make a gorgeous addition to a brunch spread alongside granola and Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond a classic presentation, try slicing the baked pears and fanning them over warm, crusty baguette slices (like a luxe bruschetta). Or serve everything in individual ramekins for a dinner party, letting guests scoop up every last bit. Another creative twist: add the pears atop mixed greens for a show-stopping salad, letting the sweet and savory flavors mingle in every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese keep surprisingly well! Simply place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, and they’re still absolutely delicious cold or at room temperature the next day.
Freezing
While these pears are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Arrange cooled baked pears (without the blue cheese topping) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add the blue cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, place refrigerated or thawed pears in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Add the blue cheese and honey after reheating, so the cheese softens but doesn’t completely melt away. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven preserves their lovely texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Appetizer
Absolutely! While blue cheese offers a bold, tangy finish, goat cheese, feta, or even mascarpone are wonderful alternatives if you’d prefer a milder, creamy flavor. Adjust according to your taste, and your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese will still be delicious.
Is this dish suitable for vegans or lactose intolerant guests?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the cheese or choosing a plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey if needed. The main flavors—pears, berries, and nuts—shine on their own, making it a great fit for a wide range of diets.
Can I prepare Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese in advance?
Yes, you can bake the pears and prepare the filling up to a day ahead. Store the baked pears separately from the cheese, and reheat before assembling with fresh cheese and a drizzle of honey just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
What types of pears work best in this recipe?
Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou are ideal for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. They hold their shape beautifully during baking, resulting in a tender yet structured base for the flavorful filling.
Is it possible to substitute other nuts or berries?
Definitely! Pecans or almonds make excellent swaps for walnuts, and you can use whatever mixed berries are fresh or available—try strawberries, currants, or even pomegranate seeds for new twists on this classic combination.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese before, now is absolutely the time! This dish feels like a little celebration on a plate—elegant, colorful, and bursting with a medley of flavors. I hope you gather your favorite people and give it a try soon; every bite just might convert you into a baked fruit enthusiast for life!
Print
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Baked Pears featuring a medley of fresh berries, crunchy walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of blue cheese. A delightful dessert or appetizer that captures the essence of fall flavors.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 3 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Berry Mixture:
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Topping:
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or greasing.
- Prepare Pears: Brush pear halves with lemon juice and place them cut-side up in the dish.
- Make Berry Mixture: Combine berries, walnuts, honey, and cinnamon. Fill each pear with the mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Add Blue Cheese: Top each pear with blue cheese and a drizzle of honey before serving.
Notes
- For a savory twist, add a pinch of sea salt and serve with arugula.
- Substitute goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Best served warm but also delicious chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
