Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese shine with warm, caramelized pear, juicy berries, crunchy walnuts, floral honey, and tangy blue cheese, making a dessert that also works as a light, protein-friendly treat. This version keeps prep quick and ingredients simple, so Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese can be on the table in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight desserts, weekend brunches, or an elegant end to a dinner party. Try it with a crisp white wine or creamy yogurt.
Why make this Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe
- Quick prep, 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, great for busy cooks.
- Protein and healthy fats from walnuts and blue cheese, a smart dessert choice.
- Minimal ingredients, budget friendly and pantry-staple friendly.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a shareable appetizer.
- Kid-approved when you drizzle a little extra honey.
"I served these at a small dinner and everyone asked for the recipe. Simple, elegant, and delicious."
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese rewards minimal effort with big flavor, and it pairs well with other seasonal recipes like this baked brie in a bread bowl with cranberry sauce and thyme for a cozy spread.
How to make Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
This recipe is straightforward: halve and core ripe pears, drizzle with butter and honey, top with berries, walnuts, and blue cheese, then bake until tender. You will need a baking dish, a small saucepan or microwave for melting butter, a spoon for drizzling, and an oven set to 350°F. If you like more savory contrast, add a sprinkle of flaky salt after baking. For a complementary morning menu item, see this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake recipe which uses berries in another balanced way.
Ingredients
3 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored,
2 tbsp butter, melted,
2 tbsp honey,
1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen),
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped,
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
Notes and substitutions. Use honey or maple syrup for a different floral note. Swap blue cheese for gorgonzola or goat cheese if you prefer milder tang. For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with toasted oats or pumpkin seeds. These simple swaps keep the intent and flavor balance of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese while fitting dietary needs. For a show-stopping cake to serve alongside, consider this pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting.
Directions
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese are very forgiving, making them ideal for new bakers. Follow the steps below exactly for consistent results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the halved pears in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Drizzle melted butter and honey over the pears.
- Sprinkle the berries, walnuts, and blue cheese on top of the pears.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with additional honey.
For a savory addition on the side or to make this a shareable appetizer, try pairing it with pulled or crispy bites like these crispy beef taquitos with melted cheese.
How to serve Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Plating is simple. Spoon the baked pears and topping onto individual plates, drizzle extra honey if desired, and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a brunch option, serve alongside toasted sourdough and a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Nutrition note, this dish balances fruit, healthy fats, and a touch of protein from blue cheese, keeping portions moderate for a sensible treat. If you want a seasonal side, these flavors pair well with roasted squash dishes such as roasted butternut squash with cranberries and goat cheese.
How to store
Refrigerator: Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm gently in a 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or microwave in 20-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze baked pears, but note that texture will change. Freeze cooled pears in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat guidance: For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F until just warm. If using a microwave, cover and use low power to avoid over-softening the fruit.
Tips to make
- Choose ripe but firm pears, like Bosc or Bartlett, so they hold shape while baking.
- If using frozen berries, do not thaw before topping to avoid extra juice.
- Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to amplify their flavor and crunch.
- Crumble blue cheese right before baking for the best melt and tang.
- For an extra caramelized finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Variations
- Gorgonzola swap, replace blue cheese with gorgonzola for a creamier finish.
- Vegan option, use vegan butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap honey for maple syrup.
- Spiced pears, sprinkle cinnamon or cardamom over the pears before baking.
- Citrus berries, add orange or lemon zest to the berries for a brighter profile.
- Add prosciutto, for a savory appetizer twist, layer thin prosciutto under the berries.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes. Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn work well with the same bake time, and stone fruits like peaches can be used with slightly shorter baking.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen berries?
Fresh berries are ideal for texture, but frozen berries are convenient and work well without thawing. If you use frozen, expect a bit more syrupiness as they bake.
Can I prepare Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese ahead of time?
You can assemble the pears and topping a few hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Bake shortly before serving for best texture and flavor.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A late-harvest Riesling, a fruity Pinot Gris, or a sparkling wine complement the honey and blue cheese nicely.
How do I make this nut-free while keeping crunch?
Replace walnuts with toasted oats or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunchy topping. This keeps the spirit of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese while avoiding nuts.
Conclusion
For inspiration and similar ideas, explore this classic take on stuffed pears at Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Honey • Happy Kitchen. Another close variation with walnuts and honey is available at ROASTED PEARS WITH BLUE CHEESE, WALNUTS & HONEY. For a nostalgic family-style version, see Free-For-All Friday: Baked Pears With Blue Cheese, Walnuts and …. If you want another berry-forward approach, read this Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese take. For a twin-perspective recipe comparison, visit Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a simple, elegant recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions, please leave a comment or share how you served it.
Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored Choose ripe but firm pears for best results.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted Use for drizzling over the pears.
- 2 tbsp honey Floral sweetness.
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) If using frozen berries, do not thaw.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped Toast briefly in a skillet to enhance flavor.
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled Crumble just before baking for the best melt.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the halved pears in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Drizzle melted butter and honey over the pears.
- Sprinkle the berries, walnuts, and blue cheese on top of the pears.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with additional honey.