This is one of the easiest appetizers you can make—and it’s the perfect starter for a cozy fall dinner party. The savory-salty punch of creamy blue cheese pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe Bosc pears and a drizzle of honey. Finished with walnuts, thyme, and a touch of flaky salt, these baked pears are elegant, seasonal, and absolutely irresistible.
INGREDIENTS:
3 large Bosc pears, cut in half lengthwise, remove seeds and core with melon baller
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (use a mild blue cheese or Gorgonzola)
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem
2 tablespoons honey or hot honey
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, if desired
Maldon salt, for finishing
Additional thyme sprigs
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place the pear halves, cut side up, in a heavy baking pan or ovenproof skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Flip the pears so they are cut side down.
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn pears cut side up.
Fill the hollowed centers with blue cheese, walnuts, and thyme leaves. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
In a small bowl, stir honey together with red pepper flakes (if using).
Transfer pears to a serving platter. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with flaky salt, and garnish with additional thyme sprigs. Serve warm.
