Baked Pears with Berries

Sweet roasted pears paired with juicy berries and tangy blue cheese make for a dessert that is equal parts impressive and easy. This recipe comes together in under thirty minutes and always feels like a special treat at the end of any meal.

My first time making these baked pears was at a small holiday dinner and everyone asked for seconds before I even had a chance to taste my own. This recipe has become my default way to turn ripe pears into something celebratory.

Ingredients

• Ripe pears: Look for slightly firm pears that yield gently at the stem to ensure they hold shape when baked
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the pears caramelize in the oven Try unsalted for better control of flavor
• Mixed fresh berries: Choose blueberries raspberries or blackberries for juicy pops of color and tang Pick berries that are plump and brightly colored
• Walnuts: Provide crunch and toasty nuttiness Use fresh nuts for maximum flavor
• Blue cheese: Brings savory creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the fruit Opt for a crumbly strong-flavored blue cheese
• Honey: Sweetens the dish and brings all the elements together Go for local honey if you can
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Adds fragrance and a subtle savory note If thyme is unavailable you can use a sprinkle of fresh mint

Instructions

Prepare the Pears:

Halve the pears and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the cores Try to keep the halves even for even roasting

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it This will help prevent the pears from sticking and make cleanup easier

Arrange and Butter the Pears:

Place the pear halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet Brush each pear generously with melted butter to ensure the tops become glossy and golden as they bake

Bake the Pears:

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated 350 F oven Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the pears are tender and just fork soft but not collapsing Watch for the edges to look slightly caramelized

Cool Slightly:

Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool for about five minutes so the toppings do not immediately melt and slip off

Top with Berries and Cheese:

Generously sprinkle mixed berries over the warm pear halves Crumble blue cheese over each pear so it begins to soften from the residual heat

Add Crunch and Sweetness:

Scatter chopped walnuts onto each pear then finish by drizzling honey evenly over everything The warm pears will help the honey infuse every corner of the dish

Garnish and Serve:

If desired place a fresh thyme sprig on each pear half for a touch of color and aroma Serve these pears warm or at room temperature they are delicious both ways

Blue cheese is always my favorite thing here because I love how its bold creaminess balances the warm fruit Each bite takes me back to noisy family dinners where my dad would joke about dessert being too fancy to eat

Storage Tips

Leftover baked pears store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to keep the texture pleasant and the toppings from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

If blue cheese is too intense try goat cheese or ricotta for something milder Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully in place of walnuts You can also substitute maple syrup or brown sugar if honey is not available

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pears over a bed of baby greens for a savory starter Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of thick yogurt for a richer dessert For brunch set the pears alongside toasted brioche or croissants

Cultural and Historical Context

Baking pears has been a comforting tradition in many European kitchens for centuries The combination of fruit cheese and honey draws on timeless flavor pairings that appear in both savory and sweet dishes especially in French and Mediterranean food culture

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in summer peaches or autumn apples for a different twist Try rosemary instead of thyme for extra winter warmth Mix in dried cranberries in the cooler months when fresh berries are harder to find

Success Stories

Every time I serve these at Thanksgiving or a cozy winter dinner at least one guest asks for the recipe I have even made a double batch as an elegant addition to a breakfast potluck the leftovers are always gone first

Freezer Meal Conversion

While these are best when freshly made you can freeze the baked pears before topping them with berries cheese and walnuts Defrost and warm through then add all toppings just before serving for best results

With simple steps and creative options this baked pear recipe will be a favorite any time you want a showstopping but easy dessert. Try it once and it may become your signature dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ How ripe should the pears be?

Choose pears that are ripe but still slightly firm for best results. Overly soft pears may fall apart during baking.

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to avoid sogginess.

→ What kind of blue cheese works best?

Any creamy blue cheese can be used. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Danish blue are delicious options.

→ Is it possible to substitute walnuts?

Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts provide a similar crunch if you prefer a different nut.

→ Can this dish be prepared in advance?

The pears can be baked ahead, but add berries, cheese, and honey just before serving for peak freshness.