Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese
A beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, these baked pears are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a cozy evening treat. Juicy pears soften in the oven while honey caramelizes, cranberries burst with tartness, walnuts add crunch, and creamy blue cheese melts slightly for a bold, luxurious finish. Perfect as a holiday side dish, light dessert, or gourmet appetizer.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
3 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt, a small pinch
¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled (gorgonzola or roquefort work well)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pears
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Slice pears in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon or melon baller to remove cores, creating a small well in each pear half.
2. Arrange & Season
Place pears cut-side up in a lightly greased baking dish.
Brush with olive oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle lightly with salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
3. Fill the Pears
Divide cranberries and walnuts evenly among the pear cavities.
Drizzle honey generously over each pear half.
4. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Finish with Blue Cheese
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle blue cheese over the hot pears.
Let rest 5 minutes so the cheese softens without fully melting.
6. Serve
Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
As a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
As a starter alongside arugula or mixed greens
As a side dish for roasted chicken or turkey
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the pears and reheat gently in the oven. Add blue cheese just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of blue cheese?
A: Goat cheese, feta, or brie are excellent milder alternatives.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, but add an extra teaspoon of honey as fresh cranberries are more tart.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely. Use maple syrup instead of honey and omit or replace cheese with a vegan alternative.