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Bite into these incredible cheese-stuffed pears. They seem like a fancy dish but take no time to whip up. The mix of juicy pears and sharp cheese creates a fantastic combo that guests can't get enough of.
Benefits Of This Dish
These pears work great for gatherings or special meals. When heated, the blue cheese turns deliciously gooey, while the nuts give each bite some texture. They're quick to put together, yet folks always think you've been cooking all day. Feel free to swap out different cheeses or nuts to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients List
- Bosc Pears: Pick ones that aren't too soft
- Olive Oil: A small amount for brushing
- Blue Cheese: Try Danish variety, but any type is fine
- Walnuts: Broken into pieces
- Fresh Thyme: Adds herbal notes
- Honey: For a touch of sweetness
- Aleppo Pepper: Adds gentle heat
- Salt: Sea salt works wonderfully
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven:
- Set temperature to 400°F. Make sure it's fully heated before adding your pears.
- Prepare Pears:
- Slice them lengthwise. Remove the core and seeds with a spoon.
- Arrange For Baking:
- Place pear halves on baking sheet cut-side facing up. Brush with oil, then season lightly.
- Initial Baking:
- Let them cook for 15 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Fill Pears:
- Remove from oven, stuff with blue cheese, then scatter nuts and thyme over top.
- Final Baking:
- Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly.
- Prepare Drizzle:
- Stir honey and pepper together in a separate container.
- Serve:
- Transfer pears to serving dish, pour honey mixture over top, sprinkle with salt and extra thyme if desired.
The Magic Combination
The salty cheese balances perfectly with the pear sweetness, while walnuts add a satisfying crunch. That little bit of spice from the pepper mixed with sweet honey creates amazing flavor in each mouthful. It's basic ingredients coming together for an impressive treat.
Selecting The Right Fruit
Go with Bosc pears because they won't fall apart during cooking. If you can't spot any, grab some Anjou, Bartlett, or Forelle instead. Just make sure they're properly ripened but still somewhat firm, otherwise they'll collapse into mush while cooking.
Custom Variations
Not a fan of strong cheese? Go for a milder blue or try some creamy goat cheese. You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds too. Got a nut allergy? Pumpkin seeds work great instead. No thyme in your kitchen? Rosemary's a good stand-in. Can't find Aleppo pepper? Just use some regular chili flakes. This dish is super forgiving.
Air Fryer Method
Own an air fryer? Awesome! Just set the temp to 380°F. Cook your pears for 8 minutes first, then add the cheese mixture and cook another 4-5 minutes. It's quicker than using the oven and perfect when you're only cooking for a few folks. Your kitchen won't get hot either.
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Exceptional Kitchen Tool
I've got the Cosori air fryer at home. There's room for plenty of food and everything comes out super crispy. The display couldn't be simpler, and it even reminds you when food needs turning. If you're on the fence about buying one, I'd say it's totally worth it.
Helpful Pointers
Let your pears warm up to room temp before cooking them. Give the nuts a quick toast for extra flavor. Don't go crazy with the cheese since it's pretty strong. Keep an eye on them toward the end so the cheese doesn't get too dark. They're best eaten right away while still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What if I’m using another type of pear?
Use ones that stay firm when cooked. Riper pears work better than underripe ones. Avoid overly soft pears as they’ll fall apart during baking. Let firm pears sit for a couple of days to ripen first if needed.
- → Can I use different seasonings?
Play around with sweet and heat. A little black pepper or chili flakes works great. You could even use spicy honey for a twist. Add little by little so it doesn’t overpower the taste.
- → How do I prep them early?
Cut and fill them the night before, then cover tightly and keep cold. Wait to bake them just before serving. Drizzle with honey and add herbs after heating.
- → What if I can’t eat nuts?
Skip the nuts or substitute with seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work perfectly. You could try crispy breadcrumbs or fried onion crisps too.
- → What other cheese would work?
All blue cheese types are good options. If you want a milder flavor, soft goat cheese or a touch of cream cheese balances it out. Mixing a few kinds can be fun too!
- → How do I take these to a party?
Transport everything separately. Assemble them on-site for freshness. Bring honey in a small jar and wrap pears well to avoid browning. Extra filling might help too!
- → How can I make them look extra presentable?
Cut pears neatly and evenly. Top them with a little extra herb or drizzle to add a pop of color. Line them up like a pro on a stylish white plate.
- → What if they’re getting too soft or brown?
Reduce baking time and watch them closely. Cover them lightly with foil if needed. Brushing the cut side with a little lemon juice helps. Don’t prepare them too far ahead of time.
- → How do I make them in a hurry?
Use pre-crumbled cheese and pre-chopped nuts if you can. Make the mix ahead of time and preheat your oven while prepping. A little speediness will get it done!
- → What if I need to make a big batch?
Just multiply the ingredients as needed. Work in smaller groups and keep everything chilled until needed. Keep a few extra pears handy in case something goes wrong!
- → How do I adjust the flavor if it’s too strong or mild?
Add more mild ingredients like cream cheese or a sprinkle of nuts. Drizzle more honey for sweetness. For less intense herb flavors, use a lighter hand while seasoning.
- → What if they won’t stay upright?
Trim a tiny bit off the bottom of each half so they sit flat. Don’t hollow them out too deeply, and pack the filling snugly. Smaller pears tend to hold their shape better too.
Conclusion
Enjoyed this? You might like cheesy walnut salads too. Or try baking mini pear pastries for a lovely mix of sharp and sweet flavors.