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 blue cheese (Danish blue cheese, crumbled); 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped; 3 sprigs fresh thyme, removed from the stem; 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper, for garnish; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1–2 tsp olive oil; 1–2 tbsp honey

Jump to Recipe·5 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple, you’re going to adore this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love pulling out when friends come over—even though it looks like a fancy restaurant treat, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. The sweet, tender pears paired with the sharp, creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and that touch of honey and spice? Pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to it season after season.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of pears contrasts beautifully with the pungent blue cheese and the nuttiness of walnuts.
Simple Technique: Baking pears until tender while melting the cheese inside boosts the flavor and texture effortlessly.
Versatile Presentation: Works great as a starter, side, or even a light dessert with just a drizzle of honey.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It looks gourmet but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it a winner for gatherings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe plays a part in creating those incredible layers of taste and texture. I always recommend picking ripe but firm Bosc pears so they hold their shape when baked. The rest is all about enhancing natural flavors with some thoughtful touches.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, stuffed pears appetizer, elegant pear appetizer, blue cheese and walnut snack, easy pear appetizer - Flat lay of three large Bosc pears halved with cores removed, a small white bowl filled with crumbled Danish blue cheese, a small white bowl of chopped walnuts, three fresh thyme sprigs, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl with Aleppo pepper, and a few loose fresh thyme leaves arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Bosc Pears: Their firm, dense texture holds well while baking, and their natural sweetness deepens when roasted.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps caramelize the pears gently while adding richness.
Blue Cheese: I use Danish blue—crumbled so it melts easily and adds that tangy punch without overpowering.
Walnuts: Provide lovely crunch and a slightly bitter note to contrast the creamy cheese.
Fresh Thyme: Brings an aromatic earthiness that complements both the fruit and cheese.
Honey: A drizzle of sweetness that smooths out the boldness of blue cheese perfectly.
Aleppo Pepper: Adds a mild heat and fruity warmth that balances and elevates the flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite parts about this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, you can twist it up in fun ways that make it uniquely yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap blue cheese for goat cheese or cream cheese for a milder flavor that’s still creamy and delicious.
Nut Substitute: Toasted pecans or almonds work beautifully if walnuts aren’t your thing or if you want a different crunch profile.
Spice Alternatives: If Aleppo pepper is hard to find, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes also brings great depth.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a splash of balsamic glaze before serving gives a tangy sweetness that’s fantastic during fall and winter.

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

Step 1: Prep your pears and oven

First, I preheat my oven to 400℉ to get it nice and hot. Then, I slice each Bosc pear in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the cores and seeds so there’s enough space to stuff later. I like to place the pears cut side down in a skillet or baking dish because this helps them roast evenly without drying out. Give them a gentle drizzle of olive oil and a tiny sprinkle of salt and pepper before baking.

Step 2: Bake pears until tender

Pop those pears in the oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll want them soft but still holding their shape—think tender to the touch but not mushy. Check around 12 minutes if your oven’s prone to hot spots. This little bake helps concentrate the natural sugars, making the pears buttery and sweet.

Step 3: Stuff and bake again

Carefully flip the pears cut side up once more, and fill each cavity with a generous amount of blue cheese crumbles, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Pop them back into the oven for another 8-10 minutes—enough time for the cheese to soften and melt slightly without losing its distinct character.

Step 4: Honey and Aleppo pepper magic

While the pears finish baking, I whisk together honey and a pinch of Aleppo pepper to make a luscious drizzle that brings a surprising pop of mild heat and fruity complexity. When the pears come out of the oven, I lay them on a platter, drizzle the honey mixture on top, then add a bit more thyme for freshness. Instantly irresistible!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Pick Pears That Are Ripe But Firm: This holds the shape during baking and prevents mushiness.
Don’t Overstuff: A little blue cheese goes a long way; too much can overwhelm the pear’s delicate sweetness.
Use Fresh Thyme: Its bright, herbal notes elevate the dish in a way dried herbs just can’t match.
Add Honey After Baking: Drizzling honey post-bake keeps it fresh and vibrant rather than cooked down and flat.

How to Serve Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, stuffed pears appetizer, elegant pear appetizer, blue cheese and walnut snack, easy pear appetizer - A white speckled plate holds three pieces of roasted pear wedges with a golden brown caramelized outer edge. On top of each pear wedge, there is a layer of crumbly blue cheese mixed with chopped walnuts and sprinkled with small red chili flakes and thyme leaves, adding texture and color contrast. A gold fork rests on the left side of the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The scene shows close-up textures of the juicy, soft pears and creamy cheese topping photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish with a few fresh thyme sprigs and an extra crack of black pepper. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll shave a bit of toasted walnut on top or add a tiny pinch of fleur de sel for that perfect salty crunch. These simple garnishes make it look stunning on the plate and taste even better.

Side Dishes

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with smoky grilled meats, like lamb chops or chicken. I’ve also served it alongside a peppery arugula salad or with crusty bread to soak up the melted cheese and honey drippings. It’s great for making a casual meal feel a little special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving the pears on individual spoons or small plates, drizzled and ready to pop in one bite. At Thanksgiving one year, I arranged the stuffed pears around a cheese board with figs, nuts, and cured meats—such a crowd-pleaser! You can even play with pear varieties or add a drizzle of aged balsamic for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which can happen if you’re generous with the servings), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I keep the honey drizzle separate so the pears don’t get too soaked. They’ll stay good for 1-2 days and still taste great cold or warmed up.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze stuffed pears because the texture of the pears changes after thawing, becoming watery. But if you want to try, freeze before adding honey and Aleppo pepper, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pears in a preheated 350℉ oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese softens again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Once warm, drizzle the honey and pepper mixture on freshly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?

Yes! While Bosc pears are ideal because they hold their shape while baking, you can also use Anjou or Bartlett pears if they’re firm. Just avoid overly ripe pears as they can become mushy when stuffed and baked.
Is there a substitute for Blue Cheese in this recipe?

Definitely! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, goat cheese or cream cheese make tasty alternatives that still offer creaminess, but with milder flavors.
How spicy is Aleppo pepper, and can I skip it?

Aleppo pepper offers mild heat with fruity undertones, definitely not overpowering. But if you don’t have any, feel free to skip it or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a bit of warmth.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the pears and stuffing ahead but bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Pre-stuffed pears stored in the fridge for a few hours work well if you’re short on time before guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears Recipe has become a cherished staple for me, especially when I want to impress without the stress. It’s cozy, sophisticated, and always sparks conversation around the table. Whether you make it for a holiday celebration or a simple weekend treat, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pairing that’s as addictively delicious as it is easy to make.