Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as stunning as it is simple, you’ll absolutely love these Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts. This recipe is the epitome of sweet meets savory: luscious roasted pears, a creamy bacon-walnut-blue cheese filling, and a dramatic drizzle of balsamic glaze over peppery arugula—pure joy in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of fresh, high-impact ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Each item in Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts brings a distinct note—rich, creamy, nutty, crispy, or peppery—that makes every forkful sparkle. Here’s what you’ll need and why each should be on your shopping list:

• 3 oz. blue cheese, crumbled: Blue cheese brings a creamy, tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted pears. Choose a quality cheese for maximum flavor.
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled: Bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that balances the rich and sweet elements beautifully.
• 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped: Walnuts provide toasty crunch and earthy flavor; chop them finely for the best texture in the filling.
• 3 large Bartlett pears: Bartletts are juicy with a gentle floral sweetness—ideal for roasting without becoming mushy.
• 3 tablespoons honey, divided: Honey caramelizes in the oven and adds a luxurious sweetness to both the pears and the filling.
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar: Reducing the vinegar gives you a syrupy glaze that’s tart, sweet, and absolutely irresistible on fruit and greens.
• 3 cups fresh arugula: Arugula’s peppery bite provides the perfect fresh contrast for the rich filling and sweet pears.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts is how endlessly adaptable it is! Whether you want to switch up the cheese or make it vegetarian, these twists are easy and delicious—feel free to make this recipe totally your own.

• Swap the Cheese: Prefer a milder flavor? Goat cheese or feta work beautifully for a slightly tangy, creamy filling.
• Go Meatless: Simply omit the bacon for a vegetarian treat, or try smoked tempeh for a similar savory touch.
• Nuts Galore: Use pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a different crunch and subtle flavor change.
• Leafy Greens Alternatives: Serve the pears over baby spinach, mixed greens, or even endive if you’d like to switch up the salad base.

How to Make Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon, and those delicious finely chopped walnuts together in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed, then set aside—you’ll be amazed at how the flavors already smell incredible!

Step 2: Prep the Pears

Slice your Bartlett pears lengthwise from stem to bottom and carefully scoop out the seeds and core with a spoon. Make sure to leave a good border so the filling won’t escape but don’t go all the way through. For stability, slice a thin piece off the rounded back so each pear half sits flat in your baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Pear Flesh to your Filling

Chop up the scooped-out pear flesh and fold it into the blue cheese mixture. This step not only avoids waste but adds an extra hit of juicy, fruity flavor to your creamy filling—such a delicious touch!

Step 4: Roast the Pears

Drizzle half of your honey inside the prepared pear halves, letting it sink into every nook. Place them in your baking dish and pop them into a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes. This initial roast turns the pears silky, sweet, and just the right amount of tender.

Step 5: Fill & Finish Baking

After the initial roast, take the pears from the oven and fill each cavity generously with your blue cheese-bacon-walnut mixture. Drizzle with the remaining honey, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melty and luscious.

Step 6: Make the Balsamic Glaze

While your pears finish baking, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small skillet over medium heat. Watch it closely, stirring often, as it reduces down to about a third of its original volume and becomes thick and syrupy—this takes about 10 minutes. Set aside off the heat.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Let the pears cool for a few minutes, then arrange a bed of fresh arugula onto each plate. Gently set a stuffed pear half on top, drizzle with your homemade warm balsamic glaze, and serve right away. The aroma alone will have everyone swooning!

How to Serve Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

Garnishes

For a truly showstopping finish, sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts or crumbled blue cheese just before serving. A little fresh-cracked black pepper or a few delicate sprigs of microgreens also add elegance and a final flavor pop that makes Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts look like they belong in a fancy bistro.

Side Dishes

This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course. Pair with a bright, citrusy salad, a hearty grain bowl, or alongside roasted chicken for a complete meal. It’s also wonderful next to crusty artisan bread that can soak up any extra glaze and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Try serving each pear half individually on a small salad plate, or slice them crosswise for bite-sized party appetizers. For holiday gatherings, arrange the pears on a large platter over mounds of greens, so everyone can help themselves buffet-style—it’s rustic and gorgeous at the same time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extra Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making leftovers especially tasty for lunch the next day!

Freezing

While technically you can freeze the pears, their texture does change quite a bit after thawing. If you do freeze them, seal tightly and use within 1 month, knowing they’ll be a bit softer once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pears in a 300°F oven until just heated through—about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the pears mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about bringing together such bold flavors and simple ingredients in one dish, and Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese & Walnuts never fails to delight. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself to a special meal, I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try—and discover firsthand why it’s become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Happy roasting!

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