Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe is a simple yet stunning dessert that balances sweet and savory flavors. Warm, tender pears are topped with a vibrant mix of berries, a drizzle of honey, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of tangy blue cheese. It’s an effortless, elegant dish perfect for any occasion. For another delightful combination of fruit and nuts, try the Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans Recipe.

Ingredients

This elegant dessert combines warm, tender pears with the bright pop of berries, the rich tang of blue cheese, and a sweet, spiced honey glaze for a truly unforgettable flavor experience.

• 4 ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, halved and cored
• 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Juice of 1 lemon

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This recipe for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is about 20% faster than similar baked fruit desserts, thanks to its straightforward assembly and efficient baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop out the core and seeds, creating a neat cavity for the filling.

Step 2 — Arrange and Drizzle

Place the pear halves, cut-side up, in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. Drizzle each half generously with honey, ensuring it coats the cavity and runs over the sides for caramelization.

Step 3 — Add the Berries and Nuts

Fill the cavities with a mix of fresh or frozen berries. Scatter chopped walnuts over and around the pears. The walnuts will toast in the oven, adding a wonderful crunch.

Step 4 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the pears for 25–35 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The honey will bubble and the berries will release their juices.

Step 5 — Crumble the Cheese

While the baked pears are still warm from the oven, crumble the blue cheese over the top. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese, marrying its savory notes with the sweet fruit.

Step 6 — Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the syrupy juices in the pan to thicken slightly, creating a perfect sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~7 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~15 g
Fiber	~7 g
Sodium	~180 mg

Note: These are approximate values for one serving of Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Protein Alternative (Ricotta or Goat Cheese) — Swap the blue cheese for ricotta for a milder, creamier taste, or use tangy goat cheese for a similar sharpness with less intensity.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener (Monk Fruit or Allulose) — Replace the honey with a powdered monk fruit or allulose blend to maintain sweetness without the added sugars and carbs.
• Dairy-Free (Vegan Feta or Cashew Cream) — Use a crumbled vegan feta for a salty, briny note, or a dollop of plain cashew cream for rich, neutral creaminess.
• Nut-Free (Pepitas or Sunflower Seeds) — Substitute walnuts with toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a crunchy, earthy flavor, or sunflower seeds for a milder, buttery crunch.
• Gluten-Free (Certified Oats) — If adding a crumble topping, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to keep the dish celiac-safe without altering the texture.
• Lower-Sodium (Low-Sodium Feta or Omit Added Salt) — Opt for a low-sodium feta cheese instead of blue cheese and skip any added salt in the recipe to significantly reduce sodium content.
• Berry Swap (Frozen Mixed Berries) — Use frozen mixed berries instead of fresh; they are economical, available year-round, and release wonderful juices as they bake.
• Spice Variation (Cardamom or Ginger) — Replace the classic cinnamon with ground cardamom for a floral, citrusy warmth, or ground ginger for a sharper, peppery kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm as an elegant dessert after a fall or winter dinner party. The combination of baked pears with berries, honey, walnuts & blue cheese feels both rustic and sophisticated.
• Pair with a glass of late-harvest Riesling, Port, or a rich dessert wine to complement the honey and blue cheese notes.
• Offer as a stunning cheese course by placing a small wedge of blue cheese on the side, allowing guests to customize each bite.
• Transform it into a brunch dish by serving it alongside yogurt or oatmeal for a luxurious, healthy start to the day.
• For a beautiful presentation, plate the warm pear halves on a large platter, drizzle with honey, and scatter the toasted walnuts and fresh berries artfully around them.
• Make it ahead by preparing the pears and walnut mixture separately, then assemble and warm briefly just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
• For a simpler, family-style presentation, chop the baked pears and toss everything together in a large bowl for a delicious fruit salad with bold flavors.

This versatile dish shines as a dessert, appetizer, or even a special breakfast, making the most of seasonal produce with minimal effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pears that are too hard or too soft. Fix: Choose firm but ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape and texture during baking.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between them to ensure even caramelization and proper roasting.
• Mistake: Skipping the acid to balance sweetness. Fix: A splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar over the pears before baking cuts through the honey and enriches the flavor.
• Mistake: Adding delicate berries too early. Fix: Fold in fresh berries just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and prevent them from becoming a mushy sauce.
• Mistake: Burning the walnuts. Fix: Toast walnuts separately in a dry pan until fragrant, then add them as a garnish to maintain their crunch.
• Mistake: Using a low-quality, crumbly blue cheese. Fix: Select a creamy, high-quality blue cheese that will soften slightly from the warm pears without melting away.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Cook at a moderate 375°F (190°C) to gently soften the pears without burning the honey or nuts.
• Mistake: Not basting the pears during cooking. Fix: Spoon the pan juices over the pears halfway through baking to keep them moist and infused with flavor.
• Mistake: Serving the baked pears straight from the oven. Fix: Let them rest for 5-10 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cheese from immediately melting into a pool.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season each layer. Fix: A tiny pinch of flaky salt on the pears, berries, and finished dish elevates every sweet and savory component.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the baked pears completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep any blue cheese crumbles separate until ready to serve.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the pear texture will become mushy and the dairy components do not freeze well.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated pears gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Add fresh berries, walnuts, and blue cheese after reheating.

For the best texture and flavor, assemble your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese just before serving.

Conclusion

This elegant Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a simple yet stunning dessert. We hope you enjoy making it! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For more decadent treats, explore our Ultimate Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake – No-Bake Delight or Ultimate Chocolate Caramel Cake – Rich and Irresistible Treat.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears and topping separately up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor for your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

What type of pear works best for baking?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape beautifully during baking. Their texture is ideal for this recipe, providing a perfect base for the berries, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese.

Is the blue cheese necessary?

The blue cheese provides a savory, tangy contrast that balances the sweet honey and fruit, making it a signature element. For a different profile, you could substitute a creamy goat cheese or simply omit it, but the classic Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is designed around this combination.