Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese is a delicious and elegant dish that captures the essence of cozy fall flavors. The marriage of sweet and savory notes creates a warm, inviting starter that is perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting side dish at any meal. Imagine the alluring scent wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful recipe, each pear half baked to perfection, filled with a vibrant combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with the rich tang of blue cheese. Whether you serve it at a festive dinner or a simple family meal, it’s sure to impress.
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Pears are low in calories but high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full. The addition of cranberries introduces a boost of antioxidants that can enhance overall health, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Blue cheese, though rich, adds a unique flavor punch and can even offer some probiotics. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese effortlessly, ensuring a delightful experience in both preparation and enjoyment. Get ready to impress your guests with this sophisticated and wholesome dish!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pears with Cranberries
- Exceptionally Flavorful: The sweet pears, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and bold blue cheese create a delicious flavor explosion.
- Simple and Quick to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and can be baked in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Elegant Presentation: The beautiful baked pears are not only delicious but also look stunning on any plate.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, it adapts to various occasions.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s hot and ready for the pears when you finish prepping. Next, grab a good quality baking dish—around 9 by 13 inches works well for this recipe. A light greasing of the dish will ensure that the pears do not stick during baking.
Have all your ingredients measured and ready: ripe pears, honey, cranberries (fresh or dried), walnuts, blue cheese, melted butter, and cinnamon if desired. Using a sharp knife will help you halve and core the pears cleanly, while a spoon can effectively fill them with the cranberry and walnut mixture. For added convenience, consider using a baking cover or foil to help the pears bake evenly. Keeping your workspace organized will not only save time but will also make the entire process more fun.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is essential for ensuring your pears bake evenly and become wonderfully tender. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with melted butter. This will help prevent the pears from sticking and allow for easy serving later.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
Next, take your ripe pears and slice them in half. Make sure to carefully remove the core using a spoon or a melon baller to create a hollow space in each half. This step is crucial as it enables you to fill the pears with the delicious cranberry and walnut mixture. Place the pear halves cut-side up in the greased baking dish, ensuring they sit comfortably and won’t tip over during baking.
Step 3: Fill and Drizzle
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries and walnuts. Generously fill the hollow centers of each pear half with this mixture. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, sweet pears. Once filled, drizzle honey over the pears for added sweetness, and if you choose, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pears
Place the baking dish in the oven and allow the pears to bake uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them during this time; they should become fork-tender, meaning they’re perfectly cooked. The smells that will fill your kitchen are simply heavenly. When there are about 5 minutes left on the timer, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the tops of the pears. This addition will melt beautifully, adding a rich and savory layer to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let the pears cool slightly before serving. The warm pears, gooey honey, crunchy walnuts, and melted blue cheese will create a textured and flavorful bite that’s sure to please your taste buds. Serve them warm, and get ready for compliments!
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon bits to the filling for a savory twist, or top with crumbled goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach or kale into the stuffing mix for extra nutrition and color.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor blend.
Cooking Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm, as overly soft pears can break down too much during baking.
- For added depth, consider roasting the walnuts briefly before mixing them with the cranberries.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the quantity of honey or add a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair Baked Pears with a light salad made of mixed greens and vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Serve as a stunning appetizer before a main dish or as a side to complement roasted meats.
Tips
- The dish can be prepped ahead of time; simply assemble the pears but wait to bake until just before serving.
- If you’re serving a large group, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish.
- For those who like experimentation, try using different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, for unique results.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella for a different flavor and texture. Each cheese will lend its unique characteristics to the dish.
Is it necessary to use cranberries?
No, you can substitute cranberries with other dried fruits such as raisins or figs, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
Can these baked pears be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pears ahead of time, fill them, and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the baked pears are done?
They are done when they are fork-tender. Simply insert a fork into the flesh of the pear to check for tenderness. They should not be mushy but soft enough to break apart easily.
Conclusion
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese is a dish that celebrates the best of fall flavors. This recipe not only brings together delicious ingredients, but it also offers a visually stunning presentation that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. We encourage you to try this delightful combination and explore the variations to make it your own. Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family!
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Delicious Baked Pears with Cranberries and Blue Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese is a delicious and elegant dish that captures the essence of cozy fall flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is essential for ensuring your pears bake evenly and become wonderfully tender. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with melted butter. This will help prevent the pears from sticking and allow for easy serving later.
- Next, take your ripe pears and slice them in half. Make sure to carefully remove the core using a spoon or a melon baller to create a hollow space in each half. This step is crucial as it enables you to fill the pears with the delicious cranberry and walnut mixture. Place the pear halves cut-side up in the greased baking dish, ensuring they sit comfortably and won’t tip over during baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries and walnuts. Generously fill the hollow centers of each pear half with this mixture. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, sweet pears. Once filled, drizzle honey over the pears for added sweetness, and if you choose, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and allow the pears to bake uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them during this time; they should become fork-tender, meaning they’re perfectly cooked. The smells that will fill your kitchen are simply heavenly. When there are about 5 minutes left on the timer, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the tops of the pears. This addition will melt beautifully, adding a rich and savory layer to the dish.
- Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let the pears cool slightly before serving. The warm pears, gooey honey, crunchy walnuts, and melted blue cheese will create a textured and flavorful bite that’s sure to please your taste buds. Serve them warm, and get ready for compliments!
Notes
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm, as overly soft pears can break down too much during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 4 g