Gourmet Cheese and Pear Appetizer: Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Blue cheese stuffed pears are the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity — an appetizer that’s sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Juicy ripe pears are halved and filled with a rich blue cheese mixture, then topped with toasted nuts and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for the ultimate gourmet touch.

These bites are ideal for holiday dinners, cocktail parties, or bridal showers, offering both beauty and bold flavor. The pairing of fruit and cheese has long been a hallmark of refined entertaining, and this dish puts that timeless duo in the spotlight — with minimal effort and maximum impact.

---

Ingredients Overview

Each element of this recipe plays a role in creating layers of texture and flavor:

Pears

• Bosc or Anjou pears work best for their firm texture and mildly sweet flavor. Choose ripe but slightly firm fruit so they hold their shape.

• Halved and cored for stuffing.

Blue Cheese

• Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton are ideal for their creamy consistency and tangy depth.

• Crumbled and blended for an easily spoonable filling.

Cream Cheese or Mascarpone (optional)

• Softens the sharpness of blue cheese and adds richness.

• Optional but recommended for balance.

Honey or Balsamic Glaze

• A drizzle on top adds sweetness or tang to contrast the salty cheese.

Walnuts or Pecans

• Toasted and chopped for crunch and earthiness.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

• A sprinkle of thyme or chives can elevate presentation and flavor.

Optional Enhancements:

• A pinch of black pepper for spice.

• A few pomegranate seeds for color and brightness.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears

• Wash and dry 3–4 ripe but firm pears.

• Slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and a bit of flesh from the center with a melon baller or spoon, creating a small well.

2. Toast the Nuts

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for 3–5 minutes, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix:

• 4 oz crumbled blue cheese

• 2 oz softened cream cheese or mascarpone (optional)

• 1 tsp honey (optional, to mellow the blue cheese)

• A pinch of black pepper

Mix until creamy but chunky enough to hold shape.

4. Stuff the Pears

• Spoon or pipe the filling into each pear half’s well.

• Press slightly so it stays in place.

5. Add Toppings

• Sprinkle with toasted nuts.

• Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze.

• Garnish with fresh herbs or a few pomegranate arils for holiday color.

6. Serve Chilled or Room Temperature

• Arrange on a platter or individual appetizer spoons for upscale presentation.

• Best served shortly after assembling, though they can be made 2–3 hours in advance and kept chilled.

---

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Make it savory: Skip the honey and use a balsamic reduction and cracked pepper for a more adult flavor.

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based blue-style cheese and dairy-free cream cheese.

• Add prosciutto: Wrap the pear halves or add a thin strip on top for an extra savory twist.

• Swap nuts: Try pine nuts or crushed hazelnuts for a change in texture.

Flavor Pairings:

• Pear + blue cheese + honey + walnut = classic.

• Pear + blue cheese + balsamic + pecan + thyme = refined and earthy.

---

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Perfect for:

• Holiday parties and New Year’s Eve

• Wine and cheese nights

• Elegant brunches

• Autumn and winter entertaining

• Bridal or baby showers

Serve with:

• Sparkling wine or Champagne

• A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir

• Cheese boards, charcuterie, or roasted grapes

Arrange on a marble board or platter with fresh herbs tucked around for a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy display.

---

Nutritional & Health Notes

These stuffed pears offer a mix of indulgence and wholesomeness:

• Pears provide fiber and natural sweetness.

• Blue cheese is rich in calcium and bold flavor, so a little goes a long way.

• Walnuts or pecans add healthy fats and crunch.

• Naturally gluten-free and easily adapted for low-carb or keto diets (omit the honey if needed).

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I make blue cheese stuffed pears ahead of time?

A1: Yes — you can prep them up to 3 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge. Add nuts and drizzle just before serving for the best texture.

---

Q2: What kind of blue cheese works best?

A2: Gorgonzola dolce is creamy and mild, while Roquefort and Stilton are bolder. Use what matches your taste preference or try a mix for depth.

---

Q3: Can I bake them?

A3: Yes. For a warm variation, bake the stuffed pears at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until just soft and bubbly. Best with less ripe pears.

---

Q4: Are these suitable for kids?

A4: It depends on their palate — blue cheese can be strong. For a milder version, mix in more cream cheese or swap blue cheese with goat cheese.

---

Q5: What if my pears are too ripe?

A5: Slightly underripe pears work best. If yours are too soft, cut thicker slices and lay them flat as crostini-style bases.

---

Q6: Can I make mini versions?

A6: Yes — slice pears into quarters or use small Seckel pears for individual bites. Great for cocktail parties.

---

Q7: What wine pairs best with this appetizer?

A7: Sparkling wines, Riesling, or Sauternes work wonderfully with the contrast of sweet and salty. Red lovers can pair with Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.

Print