Delicious Roasted Pears Topped with Blue Cheese

Looking for a dish that combines elegance and simplicity? These roasted pears with blue cheese are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts come together in a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light dessert, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm Anjou pears

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3 lemons)

• 3 ounces coarsely crumbled sharp blue cheese (such as Stilton)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup walnut halves, toasted and chopped

• 1/2 cup apple cider

• 3 tablespoons port

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

• 1/4 cup good olive oil

• 6 ounces baby arugula

• Kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Peel the pears and slice them in half lengthwise.

3. Use a paring knife and a melon baller to remove the core and seeds, creating a small well in each pear half. Trim a small slice from the rounded side of each pear half so they sit flat in the baking dish.

4. Toss the pears with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and arrange them, core side up, in a snug baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, gently combine the crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts.

2. Divide the mixture evenly among the pear halves, mounding it in the wells.

Step 3: Create the Basting Liquid

1. In the same small bowl, stir together the apple cider, port, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

2. Pour the mixture over and around the pears in the baking dish.

Step 4: Roast the Pears

1. Bake the pears for 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the cider mixture, until tender.

2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly until warm or at room temperature.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of the basting liquid.

2. Divide the arugula among six plates.

3. Top each plate with a pear half, drizzle with additional basting liquid, and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt.

Serve warm and enjoy the beautiful balance of flavors.

This recipe is not only delicious but also an impressive way to elevate any meal. Looking for more culinary inspiration? Subscribe to our newsletter and discover more ways to bring sophistication to your table.