Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears have saved me more times than I can count. When friends text that they’re swinging by or I promise to bring a “fancy little bite” to a potluck, this is the recipe I reach for. It’s simple, looks elegant, and hits that sweet-savory-crunchy note everyone loves. The pears get warm and soft in the oven, the cheese melts just enough, and a drizzle of honey makes it all sing. If you’re craving something that feels special without a pile of dishes, you’re in the right place. Let’s make this your new go-to too.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears: it’s budget-friendly and it tastes like a weekend dinner. Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears have saved me more times than I can count. When friends text that they’re swinging by or I promise to bring a…
Which Pears Are Best For Roasting?
Picking the right pear is half the battle. You want fruit that holds its shape in the oven but still softens nicely. My top choice is Bosc. They’re firm, slightly sweet, and don’t collapse when roasted. Anjou pears are a close second. They’re juicy and mellow, and they keep a nice bite after baking. Bartletts are tasty but softer, so watch your bake time if that’s what you have. Conference pears work well too if you can find them.
Here’s how I test ripeness: press near the stem with your thumb. You want it to give just a little. If the pear is rock hard, let it sit on the counter for a day or two. If it’s very soft, it may bake too quickly. Size matters too. Medium pears are easiest to portion and serve, and the cavity is perfect for spooning in the filling.
One more tip for neat halves: slice the pear from stem to base, then use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and make a little well. I leave the stem on for looks, but you can remove it. Lightly pat the cut sides dry so the cheese clings better. A tiny sprinkle of salt on the cut side before filling boosts flavor in a big way.
If you love fruit-forward bakes with a twist, you might also enjoy this bright and cozy blueberry lemon loaf for dessert after your pears.
How to Make Savory Stuffed Pears
Ingredients
- 4 firm pears, halved and cored
- 3 to 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey, plus more for drizzling
- Fresh black pepper and a pinch of salt
- Olive oil for brushing
- Optional: a few thyme leaves or chopped rosemary
Step by step
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil and set them cut side up on the pan.
- In a small bowl, mash the blue cheese and cream cheese together until a bit creamy. Stir in lemon juice, honey, nuts, herbs if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the wells of each pear half. Don’t overfill. A little mound is perfect.
- Bake 14 to 18 minutes until the pears are tender at the edges and the cheese is warmed through and slightly golden.
- Drizzle with a little more honey and crack fresh pepper over the top. Serve warm.
Pro tips that make a big difference
Dry the pears well before filling so the cheese mixture stays put. Roast cut side up to hold the filling in place. If the pears wobble, trim a tiny sliver from the backside to create a flat base. For deeper flavor, add a splash of balsamic or a few drops of hot honey right before serving. And if your blue cheese is very bold, soften it with an extra spoon of cream cheese. That keeps the balance just right.
Want something savory to pair alongside for a party spread? Try these hearty and colorful Cajun-style stuffed bell peppers. They’re great next to a platter of Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears if you’re feeding a crowd with mixed cravings.
“I made these for a last-minute wine night and everyone asked for the recipe. Even my friend who swore she didn’t like blue cheese went back for seconds. The sweet pear and honey mellow everything. So easy and so impressive.”
Serving Options
There are lots of fun ways to plate these. I love them with a handful of peppery arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil. The greens make the pears pop and keep the whole plate feeling fresh. For a little extra texture, add chopped toasted nuts and a few pomegranate seeds. If you want something salty to play off the sweetness, a thin ribbon of prosciutto is amazing. A sprinkle of thyme or microgreens on top looks pretty and adds a fresh note.
- Light snack plate: two pear halves per person with a small salad.
- Party tray: bite-sized wedges with toothpicks and a drizzle of honey.
- Wine pairing: crisp white wine or bubbles keep it lively. Light reds work too.
- Extra drizzle: balsamic glaze for tang or hot honey for sweet heat.
Planning a full appetizer table? A cool and zesty dish like this cream cheese jalapeno cranberry dip gives a bright contrast to the warm pears. Your guests will appreciate the variety.
Substitutions
Let’s say blue cheese isn’t your thing. Gorgonzola dolce is milder and creamy. Goat cheese brings tang and pairs beautifully with honey and thyme. Feta is a sharper option, just add a touch more cream cheese so it spreads well. If you’re nut-free, skip the nuts and add crunchy breadcrumbs on top after baking for a little texture. For dairy-free, use a plant-based blue-style cheese or a cashew cheese and season it generously with salt, pepper, and lemon to brighten it up.
Not a honey person? Maple syrup works great. A tiny splash of balsamic reduction also adds a lovely sweet-tart note. Want more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a bead of hot honey does the trick. You can even add finely diced crispy bacon on top for extra savory depth. Keep the pears medium-firm and your bake time steady, and you’ll be golden.
If you’re building a balanced menu, I like to pair these with something cozy and comforting like a cheesy bake. On a different night, I go for a completely sweet spread with a fruit-forward dessert, such as this easy, creamy cheesecake fruit salad. It’s simple to prep and always a hit.
Other Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoy the sweet-savory combo here, you’ll probably love exploring more playful bites. For something crisp and warm with a gooey center, those air fryer desserts that double as party snacks are a crowd pleaser. One of my favorites is these fun air fryer cherry cheesecake egg rolls when I’m in the mood for a sweet finish after savory pears. If you’re after a brunch-friendly idea that still feels appetizer-ready, check out breakfast stuffed peppers. They hold well and disappear fast.
For holiday boards or casual grazing, I like to mix a few fruit-forward sweets with savory bites for balance. The pears bring warmth, while something chilled or crunchy rounds out the spread. It’s all about textures, color, and a little bit of sparkle on the table.
Common Questions
How ripe should the pears be?
Choose pears that give slightly near the stem but aren’t soft. Too firm and they won’t soften enough. Too soft and they can collapse in the oven.
Can I prep these ahead?
Yes. Core and fill the pears up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake right before serving. Add the final drizzle of honey at the end.
What if I don’t like strong blue cheese?
Use a milder blue or swap half the blue for cream cheese or goat cheese. It still tastes amazing and feels balanced.
How do I keep the pears from tipping on the pan?
Slice a tiny sliver off the backside of each pear half to make a flat base. That stabilizes them as they bake.
Can these be served at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but they’re still tasty at room temp. If they’ve cooled, a quick reheat at 300°F for a few minutes helps.
Ready to bake and snack?
Keep a few pears on your counter and you’ll always have an easy, elegant starter in your back pocket. Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears shine because they’re simple, quick, and full of flavor without a ton of effort. If you want more inspiration and variations, I love how this guide to Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears breaks down flavor combos, and these cozy baked pears with gorgonzola and honey give another delicious take. Now grab that baking sheet, turn on the oven, and make tonight a little special. You’ve got this.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Brush the cut sides of the pears with olive oil and place them cut side up on the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mash the blue cheese and cream cheese together until creamy. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, walnut/pecan, herbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the wells of each pear half, creating a small mound.
- Bake the pears for 14 to 18 minutes or until they are tender at the edges and the cheese is warmed through and slightly golden.
- Drizzle with more honey and crack fresh pepper over the top before serving warm.
