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A pear half filled with blue cheese on a white serving plate.
Victoria Haneveer

Pears with Blue Cheese Appetizer

These roasted pears with blue cheese have tender flesh and a warm cheese filling. Serve one pear half per person as an appetizer or enjoy them as a fruit and cheese course after your main dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 ¾ ounces (50g) blue cheese, crumbled, such as Gorgonzola or blue Stilton
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish large enough for 4 pear halves
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Melon baller or teaspoon
  • Measuring spoon
  • Kitchen scale
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the pears. Cut them in half lengthwise, leaving the skins on. Scoop out the cores and seeds with a melon baller or teaspoon.
  3. Brush the cut surfaces with the olive oil. Arrange the halves cut side down in an oven-safe baking dish.
  4. Roast for about 15 minutes. Carefully lift a half with a spatula to check the browning and pierce the thickest part with a small knife. If the flesh is still firm, continue roasting until the knife enters with little resistance.
  5. Flip the pears cut side up. Divide the blue cheese between the cavities and add black pepper and the optional nutmeg.
  6. Return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese softens and the pears are tender. Serve warm, allowing one pear half per person.

Notes

  • Cooking time depends on the size and ripeness of the pears. The 25-minute cook time is an estimate; check tenderness before adding the cheese.
  • Choose a cheese labeled vegetarian if you need a vegetarian appetizer.
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C).