Name: Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large Bosc pears; 2 1/2 oz Danish blue cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped; 3 sprigs fresh thyme, removed from the stem; 1–2 tsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper, for garnish; 1–2 tbsps honey; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 29 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple, you’re going to love this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. I first made it for a cozy dinner party, and it was an instant hit—even with people who usually shy away from blue cheese. The combination of sweet, juicy pears with creamy, tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts is just magical. Plus, the little hint of honey and thyme really brings it all together, making it perfect as an appetizer or a light dessert. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of the pears contrasts beautifully with the sharp, creamy blue cheese, creating a harmonious bite every time.
Textural Contrast: Crunchy walnuts add a satisfying bite to the soft, roasted pears and melty cheese.
Easy yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients and simple prep deliver a classy dish without stress or fuss.
Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, fitting seamlessly into many occasions.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, blue cheese stuffed pears appetizer, elegant pear appetizer with blue cheese, sweet and savory pear snack, pear and blue cheese appetizer - The image shows four halved baked pears on a white plate with brown speckles. Each pear half is topped with crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and small green herbs, likely thyme. Red pepper flakes and black pepper are sprinkled on both the pears and the plate, adding specks of red and black. The pears have a light golden-brown edge where they were baked, and their soft texture is visible. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with some walnut pieces scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in delivering the classic sweet-savory combo that makes this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe so unforgettable. I always suggest hunting for ripe Bosc pears—they hold up perfectly when baked and have that subtle floral sweetness that won’t overpower the blue cheese.

Bosc pears: Their firm texture means they roast beautifully without turning to mush, plus their naturally sweet flavor pairs perfectly with blue cheese.
Blue cheese (Danish or your favorite): Crumbled for easy stuffing, it brings that tangy creaminess that complements the pears’ sweetness.
Walnuts: Chopped for a crunchy texture contrast and a nutty flavor that adds depth.
Fresh thyme: Aromatic, fresh herbs add an earthy fragrance that elevates the dish.
Honey: A luscious drizzle to enhance the natural sweetness and balance the cheese.
Aleppo pepper: Adds a gentle heat and fruity background note without overpowering.
Olive oil: Just enough to lightly coat the pears before roasting, enhancing their caramelization.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to bring all the flavors forward.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to experiment with this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving it to. It’s a fantastic base, so feel free to add your personal twist—whether that’s swapping nuts, adding extra herbs, or trying a different cheese variety.

Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans or toasted hazelnuts to introduce a different crunch and flavor profile; I highly recommend experimenting to find your favorite combination.
Dietary substitute: For a dairy-free version, try a cashew-based “blue cheese” spread or an herbed vegan soft cheese—it’s surprisingly delicious.
Seasonal Flair: In fall, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming note that pairs beautifully with roasted pears.
Spice it up: Instead of Aleppo pepper, a light dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a smoky heat that wakes up the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pears with Love

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉—this temperature lets the pears soften and caramelize just right. Cut the Bosc pears in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the core and seeds so you have a neat cavity for stuffing later. I find a small spoon or melon baller works perfectly here. Place the pears cut side up in a skillet or baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. Here’s a trick I swear by: turn the pears cut side down for the first part of roasting. It helps lock in moisture while letting the skin take on a lovely golden hue. Bake for 15 minutes until they’re tender but still hold their shape.

Step 2: Time to Stuff and Bake Again

Take the pears out and turn them back cut side up. Now the fun part: spoon in crumbled blue cheese, sprinkle chopped walnuts, and scatter fresh thyme leaves over the top. Pop them back in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the cheese to melt just enough to get creamy but not completely lose its beautiful texture. Meanwhile, whisk together honey with Aleppo pepper for a drizzle that will tie the flavors together perfectly—balancing heat, sweet, and savory.

Step 3: Finish with the Perfect Drizzle

Once the cheese is melty and the pears look beautifully glazed, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with your honey and Aleppo pepper mixture, and if you have extra thyme, toss a few sprigs on top for that fresh herbal aroma. Serve immediately while warm and the flavors are vibrant—this makes a gorgeous presentation that everyone will comment on.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pick the right pear: I learned the hard way—avoid overly ripe pears that turn mushy when baked; Bosc pears are just right because they hold their shape.
Don’t overstuff the cheese: A little goes a long way—too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the pear and make the dish too heavy.
Use fresh thyme: Dried herbs don’t give the same fresh pop of flavor; adding sprigs before baking infuses wonderful aroma.
Serve warm and fresh: This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the pears still warm—don’t let it sit too long!

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add some extra chopped walnuts on top for crunch and a light drizzle of honey right before serving—it adds that glossy finish and subtle sweetness that rounds out each bite. Fresh thyme sprigs make the plate look so pretty and invite you to breathe in that herbaceous scent before diving in.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with peppery arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. You can also serve it alongside roasted chicken or pork for a sophisticated dinner. On a lighter note, some crusty bread on the side is perfect to soak up any leftover melted cheese and honey—you’ll thank me for that tip!

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party or special dinner, I like arranging the pears on a wooden board sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and microgreens. It gives an extra color pop and festive feel. You can also cut the pears into smaller bite-sized wedges before stuffing, turning this into a perfect finger food for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can happen if you’re feeding a crowd), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating gently in the oven to maintain the texture of the pears and keep the cheese from drying out.

Freezing

I don’t personally freeze this dish since the texture of pears can get mushy after thawing. But if you want to prep components ahead, stash walnuts and honey mixture separately for freshness, then assemble just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes to warm through without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make the pears watery and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pears in this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe?

Absolutely! However, for best results, choose pears that are firm and not overly ripe, like Bosc or Anjou pears. Softer pears tend to become mushy during baking and won’t hold the cheese filling well.
What if I don’t like blue cheese—can I substitute it?

Definitely! You can try creamy goat cheese for a milder tang or feta for a salty punch. The key is to use a cheese that melts nicely and balances the pears’ sweetness.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Replace blue cheese with a plant-based cheese option, such as cashew-based cream cheese or a savory vegan cheese. Also, make sure your honey substitute (like maple syrup or agave nectar) fits your dietary needs.
Can I prepare Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the pears and stuffing ingredients ahead and keep them refrigerated separately, then assemble and bake shortly before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.
What sides go well with this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe?

Arugula salad, roasted meats like chicken or pork, or crusty bread are my go-to sides. The peppery greens cut through the richness, and bread is perfect for mopping up leftover flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. Sharing it with friends always sparks compliments and second helpings, which never gets old. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—there’s just something about that sweet-and-savory dance on your palate that keeps me coming back. Plus, it’s easy enough that you can whip it up without stress yet impressive enough to bring a smile around any table. Enjoy every bite!