Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou work great)
- 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled; Gorgonzola or Roquefort are good choices)
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to prevent pears from browning)
- Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Optional: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese’s strong flavor, goat cheese makes a lovely milder substitute. For walnuts, toasted pecans or almonds can add a similar crunch and warmth. And if you don’t have honey on hand, a drizzle of maple syrup works just as well to bring out the pear’s natural sweetness.
Instructions
- Wash and dry your pears thoroughly. Slice each pear into thin wedges, about 1/4-inch thick, to make them easy to eat and pretty on the plate.
- Immediately toss the pear slices in a bowl with the fresh lemon juice. This little trick keeps them from turning brown and looking unappetizing while you prep everything else.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and, if you like, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Toasting brings out their flavor and adds extra crunch—a step I don’t skip, even on busy days.
- Arrange the pear slices on a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the pears.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts on top for that perfect crunch.
- Drizzle honey generously over the entire dish, letting it pool in little sweet pockets.
- Optional but highly recommended: garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors.
My advice? Don’t overthink this one. The beauty of Pears With Blue Cheese and Walnuts is in its simplicity. When I first started making this, I’d get hung up on “perfect” presentation, but honestly, a little messiness just adds to the charm. Plus, it’s the kind of dish where a few drips of honey on your counter mean you’re doing it right.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pears With Blue Cheese and Walnuts, recipe, cooking, food
