Introduction:
The Baked Pears with Blue Cheese & Honey is an elegant dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the pears, combined with the creamy, tangy blue cheese, and the crunch of walnuts, is elevated by a drizzle of honey. This simple yet sophisticated dish is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in. With just a handful of ingredients, it offers gourmet flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the pears to bake evenly and develop a tender texture with a slight golden edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Place the halved and cored pears on a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle each pear with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Add a sprig of thyme on top of each pear half for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Pears
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the pears for 20-25 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly golden. The pears should be soft but not mushy, allowing the flavors to deepen as they roast.
Step 4: Add Blue Cheese & Walnuts
Remove the pears from the oven. Carefully top each pear with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts. The blue cheese will add a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the sweet pears, while the walnuts provide a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
Drizzle honey generously over the pears and return the baking dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will allow the blue cheese to melt slightly and the honey to warm, blending all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once done, remove the pears from the oven and garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves. Serve the pears warm for the best flavor, as the warmth enhances the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey.
COOKING Note:
Make sure to choose pears that are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during baking. Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears work well for this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or brie for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish makes for a beautiful appetizer or a light dessert. It pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine or a light sparkling wine. You can also serve it alongside a fresh arugula salad for a more substantial meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it ideal for any elegant gathering.
Tips:
- For extra sweetness, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking.
- If you don’t like blue cheese, substitute with a softer cheese like ricotta or cream cheese.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cooking Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Conclusion:
The Baked Pears with Blue Cheese & Honey is a standout dish that delivers a mix of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the honey-roasted pears, the creaminess of the blue cheese, and the crunch of walnuts make every bite a delight. Whether served as a starter, a side, or a dessert, this dish is sure to impress with its gourmet appeal and simple preparation.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pears ahead of time, bake them, and then warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Q: What kind of pears are best for baking?
A: Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou pears are excellent choices for baking due to their firm texture and sweet flavor.
Baked Pears with Blue Cheese & Honey
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears halved and cored
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the pears to bake evenly and develop a tender texture with a slight golden edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
- Place the halved and cored pears on a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle each pear with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Add a sprig of thyme on top of each pear half for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Pears
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the pears for 20-25 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly golden. The pears should be soft but not mushy, allowing the flavors to deepen as they roast.
Step 4: Add Blue Cheese & Walnuts
- Remove the pears from the oven. Carefully top each pear with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts. The blue cheese will add a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the sweet pears, while the walnuts provide a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
- Drizzle honey generously over the pears and return the baking dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will allow the blue cheese to melt slightly and the honey to warm, blending all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Once done, remove the pears from the oven and garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves. Serve the pears warm for the best flavor, as the warmth enhances the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey.
Notes
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