Description
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is an elegant Mediterranean-inspired recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors. Tender roasted pears are filled with tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, rich blue cheese, and finished with golden honey and fragrant thyme. Ready in just 40 minutes, this beautiful dish is ideal as an appetizer, sophisticated side dish, or light dessert for holiday entertaining or cozy autumn dinners.
Ingredients
2 ripe pears, halved and cored
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Pinch of salt
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the baking dish.
Brush each pear with the melted butter.
Divide the cranberries evenly among the pear halves.
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the cranberries and gently press the filling into the centers.
Drizzle each pear with honey.
Sprinkle with cinnamon, thyme leaves if using, and a pinch of salt.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the warm pears.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Drizzle with additional honey if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape while baking.
Toast the walnuts beforehand for deeper flavor.
Add the blue cheese after baking so it softens without completely melting.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
These pears are also delicious served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean