Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey Recipe. This delightful combination of sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey makes for a luscious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family, these roasted pears are always a hit!
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll impress your loved ones with gourmet flavors that feel decadent yet comforting. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests or busy nights.
- Impressive Flavors: The sweet and savory combination is sure to wow your taste buds—sweet pears meet creamy blue cheese for an unforgettable taste.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients from the pears and walnuts, this dish is not only delicious but also good for you!
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer or dessert; it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep the pears ahead of time and roast them just before serving for added convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delightful roasted pears, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that might already be in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need!
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 many great things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
- Change the Cheese: Swap out blue cheese for goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon to elevate the aroma.
- Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds can add an equally delightful crunch.
- Sweeten It Up: For those with a sweeter tooth, consider adding maple syrup alongside honey for extra sweetness.
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 ensures that our pears roast perfectly—caramelizing on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Wash and slice your pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the core gently. This step is essential as it creates space for all the delicious fillings you’ll add later.
Step 3: Add Butter and Honey
Place the pear halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them generously with melted butter and drizzle honey over each half. The butter helps achieve that golden brown color while honey adds sweetness.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts onto each pear half. The combination will melt beautifully during roasting, creating an irresistible topping that enhances each bite.
Step 5: Roast Away!
Pop those beauties in the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized. Keep an eye on them—they should be bubbling slightly when done!
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, drizzle additional honey over the tops if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme for added flair. These roasted pears are best served warm; enjoy them straight away while they’re still gooey!
And there you have it—a gorgeous dish that’s easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor! I hope you enjoy these Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey as much as I do!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Creating the perfect roasted pears is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks! Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.
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Choose ripe but firm pears: Selecting pears that are ripe yet still firm will help them hold their shape during roasting, resulting in a beautiful presentation and perfect texture.
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Toast the walnuts: Toasting enhances the flavor of walnuts, making them nuttier and crunchier. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat will do the trick!
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Experiment with cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try substituting Gorgonzola or even feta for a different flavor profile. Each cheese adds its unique character to the dish.
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Add spices wisely: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the dish. Start with a small amount, as these flavors can be quite potent.
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Drizzle generously with honey: Adding an extra drizzle of honey just before serving not only enhances sweetness but also gives your dish a mouthwatering glossy finish!
How to Serve Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe
Presenting roasted pears beautifully makes all the difference! Here are some creative ideas on how to serve this elegant dish.
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme not only add color but also bring an aromatic element that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
- Microgreens: These delicate greens provide a fresh crunch and elevate the visual appeal of your dish without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the roasted pears, providing freshness with each bite.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain pairs wonderfully with the flavors in the recipe. Toss in some dried cranberries or apricots for added sweetness and texture.
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu: For those looking for protein options, grilled chicken or marinated tofu can serve as hearty complements to this fruity dish.
- Crostini or Baguette: Serve alongside slices of toasted baguette or crostini for an inviting touch that allows guests to scoop up every last bit of those delicious roasted pears!
With these serving suggestions, your Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey will not only taste amazing but look stunning on any table! Enjoy this delightful culinary creation at dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors even on busy weeknights. Here’s how to manage leftovers or make it in advance for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover roasted pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days.
- If you want to maintain their texture, avoid adding the walnuts and honey until ready to serve.
Freezing
- For best results, it’s not recommended to freeze the roasted pears as they can become mushy once thawed.
- However, if you must, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, place the pears in a baking dish and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds but check frequently to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you may have about this delicious recipe!
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with Gorgonzola for milder taste or even goat cheese for a creamy alternative.
How do I make Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe vegan-friendly?
To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute blue cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying!
What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?
If you prefer or have allergies, feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. Both options will complement the sweetness of the pears beautifully.
Can I add more spices to the Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey Recipe?
Certainly! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that pairs beautifully with the pears.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try making these Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey! This recipe is a wonderful way to bring seasonal flavors into your kitchen while impressing your family and friends. Enjoy every bite as the sweet pears meld beautifully with tangy cheese and crunchy walnuts. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
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 warmth and comfort of our Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey Recipe. This elegant dish combines sweet, tender pears with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled with honey for a delightful flavor experience. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light dessert, these roasted pears are quick to prepare—ideal for impressing guests or enjoying on a cozy weeknight. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a gourmet treat that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 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; scoop out the core.
- Place the pear halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey.
- Sprinkle blue cheese and walnuts over each pear half.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Drizzle additional honey before serving and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
