Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Honey: A Simple, Elegant Appetizer for Every Special Occasion

Baked pears with gorgonzola and honey are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and indulgent flavors. This elegant appetizer only requires five ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for special occasions, dinner parties, or a delightful treat any time.

Pears and blue cheese are a classic combination, and while I often enjoy them fresh (like in my easy pears and blue cheese appetizer), baking them takes this pairing to a whole new level. The result? A luscious and sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress. I’ve made this dish many times, and it’s always a hit! Now that pears are in season, it’s the perfect time to make this baked version.

For more holiday appetizer ideas, be sure to check out my vegan mushroom crostini recipe or the flavorful Georgian eggplant rolls.

This dish is a personal favorite that I even served at my husband’s birthday party, and it disappeared in no time! Pairing fruit with cheese is my go-to method for creating refined appetizers that are easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy gorgonzola, sweet pears, honey, a hint of thyme, and crunchy walnuts creates an unforgettable taste experience.

The Best Pears for Baking The best pears for baking are ripe but still firm, like Concorde or Green Anjou varieties. These pears hold their shape well when baked. Avoid using overly ripe or soft pears as they may lose their structure during the baking process.

How to Make Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Honey This recipe couldn’t be easier. With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you’ll have a sophisticated appetizer ready to serve.

1. Start by cutting your pears in half and removing the seeds with a teaspoon or melon baller. Place the pear halves cut-side up on a baking dish.

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2. Drizzle with liquid honey and top with a few sprigs of thyme. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, or until the pear flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Let the pears cool slightly before adding a teaspoon of soft gorgonzola or any other blue cheese into each pear half.

4. Garnish with walnut halves and drizzle with additional honey if desired. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions These baked pears can be served both warm or cold, depending on your preference. If you prefer the cheese to stay intact, wait until the pears have cooled completely before adding the gorgonzola. Personally, I love when the cheese is slightly melted, so I stuff the pears while they’re still warm.

This elegant appetizer pairs beautifully with white wines like Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, or Prosecco.

Main Course Pairing Ideas If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving these baked pears alongside these flavorful main courses:

• Cauliflower Risotto with Caramelized Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

• Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese

• Beet Galette with Goat Cheese

I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these baked pears with gorgonzola and honey at your next special event. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual gathering, this simple, flavorful dish will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Honey Recipe

• Course: Appetizer

• Cuisine: European

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

• Calories: 82 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Concorde or Green Anjou)

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• 1 tablespoon liquid honey (plus extra for serving)

• 4 sprigs thyme

• 6 teaspoons soft blue cheese, like gorgonzola

• 6 walnut halves (for garnish)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Slice the pears in half and remove the seeds.

2. Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with honey and top with thyme sprigs.

3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the flesh is soft when pierced with a fork.

4. Let the pears cool slightly before adding a teaspoon of gorgonzola into each pear half.

5. Garnish with walnuts, drizzle with more honey if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.