Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts transforms simple ingredients into an sophisticated dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. This elegant recipe takes ripe pears and caramelizes them in the oven until they become tender and golden, creating natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sharp, creamy tang of quality blue cheese and the rich crunch of toasted walnuts. What makes this dish truly special is how the heat of roasting concentrates the pears’ natural sugars while softening their texture, creating the perfect canvas for the bold flavors that follow. Whether served as an impressive appetizer for dinner parties, a unique side dish for roasted meats, or even a sophisticated dessert, these roasted pears offer restaurant-quality presentation with surprisingly simple preparation. The combination of textures and flavors creates a memorable eating experience that feels both rustic and refined.
Serving Quantity: Serves 6 as an appetizer or 4 as a side dish
Ingredients
For the roasted pears:
- 3 large ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the toppings:
- 4 ounces quality blue cheese, crumbled
- 3/4 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
- Drizzle of honey for finishing
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a large baking dish, a sharp knife, a small mixing bowl for the glaze, and a baking sheet for toasting the walnuts. Having a melon baller can help remove the pear cores cleanly, though a spoon works just as well.
Preparing the Pears
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and dry the pears thoroughly, then cut them in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or small spoon, carefully remove the core and seeds from each half, creating a small well in the center. Trim a small slice from the rounded back of each pear half so they sit flat when placed cut-side up.
The key to perfect roasted pears is selecting fruit that is ripe but still firm. Overly soft pears will become mushy during roasting, while under-ripe pears won’t develop the proper sweetness and tenderness. The pears should yield slightly to gentle pressure but still hold their shape well.
Creating the Honey Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This glaze will caramelize during roasting, creating a beautiful golden coating while adding depth of flavor to the sweet pears.
The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of both the pears and honey, while the olive oil helps achieve even browning and prevents the pears from drying out during the roasting process.
Roasting Process
Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer without crowding. Brush the cut surfaces and sides of each pear half generously with the honey balsamic glaze, making sure to coat them evenly.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting the pears with the accumulated juices halfway through cooking. The pears are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have developed a golden, caramelized appearance on the surface.
Preparing the Walnuts
While the pears roast, spread the walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the same oven for 8-10 minutes, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
Toasting the walnuts intensifies their flavor and creates a better textural contrast with the soft pears and creamy cheese. Allow them to cool slightly before roughly chopping them into smaller pieces for easier eating.
Assembly and Final Touches
Remove the roasted pears from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. The slight cooling makes them easier to handle while still maintaining their warmth, which will slightly soften the blue cheese when added.
Arrange the roasted pear halves on a serving platter or individual plates. Fill the hollowed centers and top each pear with crumbled blue cheese, allowing it to cascade naturally over the sides. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts generously over and around the pears, then scatter fresh thyme leaves for color and aromatic appeal.
Serving Presentation
For the most elegant presentation, arrange the pears on a large wooden board or white serving platter. Drizzle any remaining pan juices around the pears for added flavor and visual appeal. Add the optional dried cranberries for pops of color and additional sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Finish with a light drizzle of honey over the entire dish and a few extra sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish. The contrast of colors, textures, and the artistic arrangement makes this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Flavor Profile and Pairing
The magic of this dish lies in its balance of contrasting elements. The sweet, tender pears provide a mellow base that allows the sharp, salty blue cheese to shine without overwhelming the palate. The toasted walnuts add essential textural contrast and earthy richness, while the fresh thyme contributes an herbal note that ties everything together.
This dish pairs excellently with crisp white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, whose sweetness complements the pears while their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works beautifully.
Make-Ahead Tips
The pears can be cored and prepared several hours in advance, though they should be brushed with lemon juice to prevent browning. The walnuts can be toasted up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container. However, for the best texture and temperature contrast, assemble the dish just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
While blue cheese is traditional, goat cheese or aged cheddar can be substituted for those who prefer milder flavors. Pecans or hazelnuts work wonderfully in place of walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor profile. For a more substantial dish, serve over arugula or mixed greens as a warm salad.
