Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

If you’ve never tried the combination of roasted pears with blue cheese, you’re in for a serious treat. I first made these on a whim for a dinner party, and they were such a hit, I’ve been recreating them ever since. The way the pears soften and caramelize in the oven, paired with the salty richness of the blue cheese and the crunch of toasted walnuts, all tied together with a drizzle of golden honey—pure magic.

This is one of those dishes that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet it’s deceptively simple to make. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a savory-sweet side, or even a light dessert, it never fails to impress. I love how the heat brings out the natural sugars in the pears, which contrast beautifully with the bold cheese and crunchy nuts.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

It’s the ultimate flavor and texture combo: soft and juicy roasted pears, creamy blue cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sticky-sweet honey. It works beautifully for casual dinners or elegant holiday spreads. Plus, it only takes a handful of ingredients and minimal prep.

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What Kind of Pears Work Best for Roasting?

I recommend using Bosc or Anjou pears because they hold their shape well while roasting. You want a pear that’s ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe pears can become mushy in the oven, and underripe ones won’t develop that rich, roasted sweetness.

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Options for Substitutions

If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute with goat cheese or Brie for a milder, creamy touch. Walnuts can be swapped with pecans or almonds. And if you’re vegan or avoiding honey, maple syrup makes a fantastic alternative.

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Ingredients for this Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

• Pears: The foundation of this dish. Choose ripe yet firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold their shape while roasting.
• Blue Cheese: Adds creamy, salty, and tangy contrast. Look for a mild Gorgonzola or a crumbly Roquefort.
• Walnuts: Bring a satisfying crunch and a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the pears and honey.
• Honey: For a warm, golden drizzle that adds natural sweetness and a sticky finish. Local or wildflower honey enhances the dish.
• Butter: A little bit of melted butter helps caramelize the pears while roasting.
• Fresh Thyme (optional): Adds a gentle herbaceous aroma and flavor that complements both the fruit and cheese.
• Salt (a pinch): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Pears

Wash and slice the pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds. If the pears don’t sit flat, trim a small bit off the bottom.

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Step 3: Roast the Pears

Place the pear halves cut-side up on the prepared baking dish. Brush them lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the flesh softens slightly but holds its shape.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese and Walnuts

Remove the pears from the oven and carefully place crumbled blue cheese into the cored centers. Top with chopped walnuts. Return the dish to the oven for another 8–10 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt.

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Step 5: Finish with Honey

Take the pears out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. While still warm, drizzle generously with honey. If using, add a sprig of fresh thyme to each pear for garnish.

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Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve the pears warm on a platter or individually plated. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread.

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How Long to Prepare Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

Prep Time: Preparing the pears, gathering the ingredients, and getting everything ready will take about 10–15 minutes. This includes washing, slicing, coring, and prepping the blue cheese and walnuts.

Cook Time: The pears need around 20 minutes of initial roasting and an additional 8–10 minutes once the cheese and walnuts are added. Altogether, plan for about 30 minutes of total cook time.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

• Use pears that are just ripe. Overripe pears may collapse in the oven.
• Don’t overload the cheese—too much will melt and spill over.
• Toast the walnuts briefly before adding them for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Drizzle honey just before serving to keep it from burning or thinning out too much.
• Serve them slightly warm for the best texture and flavor contrast.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overripe pears: They’ll become mushy and lose structure.
• Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch of salt enhances the entire flavor profile.
• Adding cheese too early: It can burn or become greasy—add it toward the end of roasting.
• Not trimming the pear bottoms: If they wobble in the pan, they’ll roast unevenly.
• Forgetting to line the pan: Honey and melted cheese can make clean-up sticky.

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What to Serve With Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey?

1. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The peppery bite of arugula pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted pears.

2. Crusty French Baguette

Use it to scoop up every last bit of cheese and honey.

3. Roasted Chicken

Serve the pears alongside herb-roasted chicken for a cozy, elevated dinner.

4. Prosciutto

The salty, savory flavor complements the sweet and tangy balance of the pears.

5. Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

A bubbly drink cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warm.

Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of the pears and cheese doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.

Make Ahead: You can prep the pears and toppings a few hours ahead, then roast and assemble right before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (1 pear half):

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of blue cheese is best for this recipe?

Gorgonzola or Danish blue cheese works great. They’re creamy yet not too overpowering.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results roast the pears fresh and warm them up just before serving.

Are there nut-free alternatives?

Yes, skip the walnuts or use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Can I use canned pears?

It’s not recommended. Fresh pears roast and caramelize better and hold their shape.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

Try a chilled glass of Riesling or Prosecco to complement the sweet and savory notes.

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Conclusion

Easy Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey is one of those dishes that surprises and delights every time. It’s elegant, flavorful, and quick to make. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a beautiful side or appetizer, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a memorable bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen during pear season!

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