Hamdi Saidani This Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts recipe is a sweet and savory recipe, which is made with fresh pears and tangy blue cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 35 minutes.
Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Ingredients
- 4 pears, halved, but not peeled or cored
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 bunch fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled good-quality blue cheese
- 1/4 cup walnut pieces
How To Make Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
- Prep and First Roast: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the pear halves, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Strip the leaves from the thyme branches and sprinkle them over the pears. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Toast the Walnuts: While the pears are roasting, place the walnuts on another small baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Chop them coarsely.
- Add Cheese and Finish Roasting: Remove the baking sheet with the pears from the oven. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the crumbled blue cheese into the center of each pear half where the core is.
- Garnish and Serve: Return the pears to the oven and roast for about 10 more minutes, until they are tender and the cheese is soft and slightly melted. Transfer the cooked pears to a serving plate, sprinkle the toasted, chopped walnuts over the top, and serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- What are the best pears to use for roasting? It is essential to use a firm, ripe pear that will hold its shape during baking and not turn to mush. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or even firm Bartlett pears are all excellent choices.
- How do you prevent the blue cheese from burning? The recipe’s method is key. By roasting the pears for 20 minutes first and then adding the cheese for only the final 10 minutes of cooking, you ensure the pears become tender while the cheese gets perfectly soft and melted without burning or becoming oily.
- Can I make these ahead of time? For the best results, serve them fresh. However, to save time, you can roast the pears for the initial 20 minutes and toast the walnuts ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply top the pears with the cheese and return them to the oven to finish roasting.
- How can I add extra flavor? For an extra touch of sweetness and complexity, you can drizzle the finished roasted pears with a little bit of honey or a high-quality balsamic glaze just before serving.
What To Serve With Roasted Pears
This is a wonderfully versatile dish that works as an elegant appetizer, a sophisticated side dish, or even a light dessert. Serve it:
- As part of a larger cheese or charcuterie board.
- On a bed of fresh arugula or spring greens for a simple salad.
- As a side dish for a roasted pork loin or chicken.
How To Store Roasted Pears
- Best Eaten Fresh: These are at their absolute best when they are served warm and fresh from the oven.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through.
Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 pear half
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to peel the pears?
No, and it’s recommended that you don’t. The recipe specifies leaving them unpeeled. The skins soften beautifully during roasting, help the pear halves hold their shape, and add a lovely color and rustic texture to the finished dish.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, this dish is equally delicious with crumbled goat cheese, feta, or even a small piece of brie placed in the center.
Can I use a different kind of nut?
Yes, absolutely. Toasted pecans or even hazelnuts would be fantastic substitutes for the walnuts and would pair beautifully with the pear and blue cheese.
Try More Recipes:
- Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes Recipe
- Pecan Squares Recipe
- Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart Recipe
Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy yet elegant dish featuring sweet, tender roasted pears filled with tangy melted blue cheese and topped with crunchy, toasted walnuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in the oven for about 5 minutes until fragrant; chop coarsely.
- Remove the pears from the oven and spoon the crumbled blue cheese into the center of each half.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese is soft.
- Sprinkle with the toasted walnuts before serving hot.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to use firm pears, like Bosc or Anjou, that will hold their shape and not become mushy during roasting.
- Adding the blue cheese only for the final 10 minutes of cooking is the secret to getting it perfectly melted and soft without burning.
- Don’t skip toasting the walnuts; it brings out their deep, nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
- For a touch of elegance and sweetness, a final drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze over the finished pears is highly recommended.
