Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese Recipe

Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is one of those rare dishes that manages to feel both comforting and elegant at the same time. Imagine ripe, juicy pears gently roasted until yielding, their natural sugars intensifying with a golden glaze of melted butter. Piled high with a jewel-bright tumble of berries, a scatter of toasted walnuts for crunch, and a glorious hit of creamy blue cheese, all rounded out with a sweet drizzle of honey. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly easy dessert (or brunch treat!) that never fails to wow guests or simply make an ordinary day feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is that the ingredient list is short, but each component brings something wonderful to the table. Pick high-quality ingredients, and let them shine in this crave-worthy combination of sweet, tart, earthy, and creamy.

• Ripe pears: Choose pears that are just soft to the touch; they’ll hold their shape in the oven while turning meltingly sweet.
• Melted butter: Brushing the pears before baking gives them a golden, luscious finish.
• Mixed fresh berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add juicy bursts of color and tartness to balance the sweetness.
• Walnuts: Roughly chopped for a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft pears and creamy cheese.
• Crumbled blue cheese: Don’t be shy—this is what makes the dish sing with savory, tangy notes.
• Honey: Just a drizzle brings the flavors together and adds that lovely sticky finish.
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): For garnish, thyme adds a subtle herbal hint and makes the dish look extra special.

How to Make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a few moments to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of oil. This simple prep step ensures the pears won’t stick and makes for easy clean-up later.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Halve and core the pears, then lay them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet. A quick brush with melted butter transforms them as they bake—think of it as a tiny act of magic that coaxes even more flavor from each pear half.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender

Slide the tray into the oven and let the pears bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to become fork-tender but still hold their shape. Baking time can vary slightly depending on the ripeness of your pears, so keep an eye out!

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Once the pears have cooled for a minute or two, it’s time for the fun part. Scatter those beautiful mixed berries over the top and nestle crumbles of blue cheese onto each pear half. Sprinkle over chopped walnuts and, finally, drizzle with honey. The residual warmth softens the cheese and melds everything together into a dreamy, gooey delight.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you like, add a few fresh thyme sprigs to each plate for a pop of green and a subtle herbal aroma. Serve your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese while still warm for ultimate comfort, though they’re beautiful at room temperature too!

How to Serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching presentation, finish your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese with delicate thyme sprigs or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A twist of orange zest can give an unexpected fresh kick that pairs beautifully with the honey and blue cheese.

Side Dishes

Serve these pears as part of a brunch spread alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone turns it into a more decadent finale. They’re also at home as a cheese course with a glass of dessert wine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating each pear half on a swish of Greek yogurt for a modern touch, or arrange them family-style on a rustic wooden board with extra berries and walnuts scattered around. For parties, serve mini versions using smaller Seckel pears—adorable and just as delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture will soften slightly over time.

Freezing

While fresh is best for this dish, you can freeze the baked pears (without toppings) for up to a month. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Defrost in the fridge and add the berries, cheese, nuts, and honey just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pears in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. Add the toppings after reheating so everything tastes fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pears?

Absolutely! Any firm, sweet pear (like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett) works beautifully for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. Just make sure they’re ripe but not mushy so they’ll hold up during baking.

Is there a substitute for blue cheese?

If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to use goat cheese, feta, or even ricotta salata for a milder touch. Each cheese brings its own unique personality to the dish.

What other nuts could I use?

Pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios all pair wonderfully with the flavors in this recipe. Toast the nuts first for even more flavor and crunch in your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

Can I make this dish dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, omit the cheese or try a vegan blue cheese, and stick with maple syrup instead of honey. The results are still irresistible.

How do I know when the pears are perfectly baked?

You’ll want the pears to be tender when pierced with a fork but not so soft they fall apart. Start checking at 15 minutes and remove from the oven once they reach that sweet spot for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as serving a dish that’s simple to make but looks (and tastes) like a masterpiece. Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese will become your go-to for cozy family dinners or special celebrations alike. You’ll love sharing this sweet, savory, show-stopping favorite with friends and family—so gather around and enjoy every bite!

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