Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese combine sweet, tart, nutty, and tangy flavors for a deliciously elegant dessert or snack. This simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears enhanced by warm spices and rich toppings.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with melted butter.
2. Step 2: Halve the pears and scoop out the cores. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the cranberries and chopped walnuts together. Spoon this mixture into the center of each pear half.
4. Step 4: Drizzle honey evenly over the pears and sprinkle with ground cinnamon if using.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Step 6: About 5 minutes before the end of baking, top each pear with crumbled blue cheese and return to the oven to melt slightly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the baked pears cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use either fresh or dried cranberries depending on your preference; dried cranberries will be sweeter and chewier.
• For a milder cheese option, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta.
• Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the cranberry and walnut mixture for extra brightness.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Storage

Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving. Note that the texture of the pears may soften further after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fruit instead of pears?

Yes, you can try this recipe with apples or firm peaches. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure the fruit becomes tender without overcooking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the pears with the cranberry and walnut filling a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Add the honey, cinnamon, and cheese just before baking for the best texture and flavor.

Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This elegant dessert features ripe pears baked to tender perfection, filled with a delightful mix of cranberries and walnuts, drizzled with honey, and topped with tangy blue cheese. A subtle hint of cinnamon adds warmth, making it a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pear Filling

• 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Topping

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
2. Prepare Pears: Halve the pears and carefully scoop out the cores, creating a cavity perfect for stuffing. Arrange the pears cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cranberries and chopped walnuts thoroughly, then spoon this mixture into the center cavity of each pear half.
4. Add Honey and Cinnamon: Drizzle each filled pear generously with honey for sweetness and sprinkle ground cinnamon over them if using, to add a warm, aromatic flavor.
5. Bake Pears: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pears are tender and cooked through.
6. Add Blue Cheese: About 5 minutes before the baking time is complete, remove the dish briefly and top each pear half with crumbled blue cheese. Return the dish to the oven to allow the cheese to melt slightly and warm.
7. Serve: Once baked, let the pears cool slightly to a warm temperature before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape when baking.
• Fresh cranberries can be used for tartness; dried cranberries add sweetness and chewiness.
• For a milder cheese flavor, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta.
• Optional ground cinnamon enhances the dessert with warm spice notes but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
• Serve as a warm dessert, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked pears, cranberry dessert, honey walnuts, blue cheese pears, autumn dessert, easy pear recipe