Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Name: Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe pears, halved and cored; 1 tablespoon melted butter; ½ cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries); ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped; ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; Fresh thyme sprigs (optional for garnish)

Published: September 19, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks gourmet.
Flavorful Combination: The sweet pears and honey contrast beautifully with the tangy blue cheese and juicy berries.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber and healthy fats from the walnuts, this dessert is satisfying without being overly indulgent.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools for making Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking and helps in achieving a golden finish on the pears.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining toppings like nuts and honey before adding them to the pears.
Pastry brush: Ensures even distribution of melted butter on the pear halves for perfect caramelization.

Ingredients

For the Pears

4 ripe pears, halved and cored
1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Toppings

½ cup mixed fresh berries, (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh thyme sprigs, optional for garnish

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Place the halved and cored pears cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush each pear with melted butter to give them a golden finish as they bake.

Step 3: Bake the Pears

Bake the pears for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Top with Berries & Blue Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the mixed berries over the pears, then add crumbled blue cheese on top. The warmth from the pears will soften the cheese slightly.
Add Walnuts & Honey: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over each pear and drizzle honey for added sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an earthy touch if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for an elegant dessert experience.

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

Baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this elegant dish.

Individual Serving Dishes

Use small ramekins or dessert bowls to serve individual portions. This adds a personal touch and makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own dessert.

Pair with Ice Cream

Serve warm baked pears alongside a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream. The creaminess complements the warm, caramelized flavors perfectly.

Add Fresh Herbs

Garnish each serving with fresh thyme or mint leaves for an aromatic finish. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds a burst of freshness.

Drizzle with Extra Honey

For those who love sweetness, offer extra honey on the side. Guests can drizzle more honey over their baked pears according to their preference.

Create a Dessert Platter

Arrange the baked pears on a large platter surrounded by additional berries and nuts. This makes for an impressive centerpiece at gatherings or dinner parties.

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

To ensure your baked pears turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose ripe pears: Make sure the pears are ripe but firm. Overripe pears may become mushy during baking.
Use high-quality blue cheese: Opt for a good quality blue cheese for richer flavor. A mild variety works well if you prefer a subtler taste.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your personal sweetness preference; less honey will create a more balanced flavor.
Experiment with berries: Mix and match different types of berries like strawberries or blackberries to find your favorite combination.
Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the pears while they bake. They should be tender yet hold their shape; overbaking may lead to mushiness.
Serve warm: Enjoying the baked pears warm will enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese

Pairing your baked pears with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the sweet dessert.
Cheese Board: Offer a selection of cheeses alongside crackers and fruits for a savory balance that pairs well with sweet baked pears.
Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts add earthy flavors that offset the dessert’s sweetness.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf with herbs is nutritious and offers lovely texture alongside the soft baked pears.
Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced mixed nuts as an appetizer before dessert for added crunch and flavor complexity.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: A light Greek yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit makes for a refreshing complement after rich dessert flavors.
Caramelized Apples: Sweet caramelized apples can echo similar flavors while adding another layer of warmth.
Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: These cookies provide chewy texture and spiced flavor that enhances the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a delightful dessert, but there are some common pitfalls to steer clear of for the best results.

Using unripe pears: Choosing pears that are not ripe can lead to a hard texture. Always select ripe pears for the best flavor and tenderness.
Overbaking the pears: Baking for too long can cause the pears to become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for tenderness at the 15-minute mark.
Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step may result in uneven cooking. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the pears inside.
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality honey or cheese can dull the flavors. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate your dish.
Forgetting to garnish: A simple garnish like thyme can enhance presentation and flavor. Always remember those finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container: This helps maintain freshness.
Use within 2-3 days: Consuming within this timeframe ensures optimal taste and texture.

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

Wrap each pear individually: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 1 month: Longer storage may affect flavor and quality.

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

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (20 seconds) until warm.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, gently warm the pears while covered to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

Can I substitute blue cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can use goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile if blue cheese is not preferred.

What berries work best with baked pears?

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all complement the sweetness of baked pears wonderfully. Choose your favorites!

How do I make baked pears without nuts?

You can simply omit walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch without nuts.

Can I prepare baked pears ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up until baking and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or try different toppings. This elegant dessert is sure to impress your guests while being easy enough for any home cook. Give it a try today!

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