Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is an elegant sweet-and-savory dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, light dessert, or holiday side. Juicy pears are roasted until tender, then filled with tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh herbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice pears in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create a small cavity.
- Brush cut sides with olive oil or melted butter.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon if using.
Step 2: Bake
- Arrange pears cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: Add Filling
- Remove pears from the oven.
- Fill each pear with:
- Cranberries
- Walnuts
- Blue cheese
Step 4: Finish Baking
- Return to oven for 5–10 minutes until the cheese softens and pears become tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle with honey.
- Sprinkle with thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Potassium: 290mg
- Calcium: 120mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Recipe Notes
- Bosc pears hold their shape best during baking.
- Dried cranberries provide a sweeter flavor, while fresh cranberries add more tartness.
- Toast the walnuts before using for extra crunch and flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer taste.
- Serve with arugula for a beautiful appetizer.
Variations
1. Goat Cheese Version
Replace blue cheese with creamy goat cheese.
2. Brie Version
Use Brie instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
3. Vegan Version
Replace blue cheese with vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
4. Extra Crunch
Add chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds.
5. Gourmet Version
Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday appetizer
- Thanksgiving side dish
- Christmas dinner starter
- Cheese board addition
- Light lunch with salad
- Elegant dessert
- Brunch platter
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the pears become soft after thawing.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains:
- Tree nuts (walnuts)
- Milk (blue cheese)
It is naturally:
- Gluten-free (check cheese and honey labels if needed)
- Vegetarian
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Which pears are best for baking?
A: Bosc and Anjou pears are ideal because they stay firm during baking.
Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Yes. Fresh cranberries add a tart flavor, while dried cranberries are sweeter.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the pears, refrigerate, then reheat and drizzle with honey just before serving.
Q4: What can I substitute for blue cheese?
A: Goat cheese, Brie, feta, or cream cheese all work well.
Q5: Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
A: Yes. Pecans, almonds, or pistachios are excellent alternatives.
Q6: How do I keep pears from turning brown?
A: Brush the cut sides lightly with lemon juice before baking if preparing ahead.
Q7: Can I make this without nuts?
A: Yes. Omit the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Q8: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes. It provides fiber from pears, healthy fats from walnuts, antioxidants from cranberries, and calcium and protein from blue cheese.
Q9: Can I serve it cold?
A: Yes, though it tastes best warm when the cheese is soft and creamy.
Q10: What pairs well with baked pears?
A: Roasted chicken, turkey, grilled pork, mixed greens, or a charcuterie board pair beautifully with this dish.
