Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Pistachios – Sweet, Savory & Simple

Have you ever tried roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios? The name alone sounds fancy enough for a restaurant menu, but here’s the secret: it’s actually one of the easiest recipes you can pull off in your own kitchen. Sweet pears turn soft and caramelized in the oven, while salty blue cheese melts just enough to get creamy without losing its bite. Add in the crunch of pistachios and a drizzle of golden honey, and you’ve got a dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Honestly, the first time I made this was for a last-minute dinner with friends, and I wasn’t expecting much more than polite smiles. But the way everyone reacted—closing their eyes, nodding, saying, “Wow, what is this?”—well, let’s just say I’ve been making it ever since. It’s elegant, it’s comforting, and it’s versatile enough to work as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a dessert.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need a long shopping list or hours of prep. This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, yet the flavors are layered and impressive. Let’s dive in—you’ll wanna bookmark this one. And if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe so you can get more straight to your inbox.

Discovering Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Pistachios

The perfect balance of flavors

There’s something magical about fruit paired with cheese. Think of figs and goat cheese or apples with sharp cheddar. Roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios fall into that same sweet-savory family, but with an extra touch of elegance. The pears roast until tender, their natural sugars deepening into a honeyed richness. Then, in contrast, comes the blue cheese—bold, tangy, and salty enough to wake up your taste buds. Pistachios join the party with their nutty crunch, keeping every bite interesting.

If you’ve never had warm pears before, prepare to be surprised. The roasting process transforms them into something buttery-soft, almost custard-like, with edges that caramelize beautifully. Pair that with a forkful of melted cheese and a little pistachio crunch, and you’ve got a bite that feels balanced in every way—sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all at once.

Why this recipe is worth making

This isn’t just a dish for special occasions. Sure, it looks fancy enough for a holiday table or a dinner party, but it’s also easy enough to make on a random Wednesday when you’ve got pears sitting on the counter. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes in the oven, you can create something that feels indulgent without much effort.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s flexible. Serve it as an appetizer, plate it alongside roasted chicken or beef as a side, or enjoy it as a lighter dessert. It even works on a cheese board when you want to mix things up.

So whether you’re entertaining or just craving something cozy and comforting, roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios will hit the mark every time.

Ingredients and Preparation Essentials

Ingredients list with possible swaps

Here’s what you’ll need to make roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios:

IngredientQuantityNotes & Substitutions
Ripe pears4 (about 600 g)Choose firm but ripe pears; Bosc or Anjou work best
Blue cheese100 g, crumbledFor a milder option, swap in Gorgonzola Dolce or goat cheese
Pistachios50 g, shelled & roughly choppedWalnuts or pecans can also work
Honey2 tbsp (30 ml)Maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness
Olive oil1 tbsp (15 ml)Helps pears roast evenly
Fresh thymeOptional, for garnishRosemary or sage can also complement the flavors

You’ll notice the recipe doesn’t ask for anything fussy. Most of these are pantry staples or easy grocery finds. And if you’ve got pears but no pistachios, don’t worry—other nuts (or even pumpkin seeds) still deliver that needed crunch.

Tools you’ll need

You don’t need any special equipment here, which is part of the charm. Gather these basics:

Optional but nice to have: a pretty serving platter and cheese knife if you’re setting this out for guests.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Pistachios

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prep the pears. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the core with a melon baller or teaspoon. Place them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
  3. Brush with oil. Lightly coat the cut sides with olive oil so they caramelize without drying out.
  4. Roast the pears. Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re tender but not collapsing. You want them soft enough to eat with a spoon, but still holding their shape.
  5. Add toppings. Remove from oven, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and pistachios, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
  6. Finish with honey. Drizzle warm pears with honey and, if you like, sprinkle with thyme leaves for a fresh herbal note.
  7. Serve immediately. These are best warm, straight from the oven.

Tips for success

  • Choose pears wisely. Too soft and they’ll fall apart, too hard and they won’t caramelize properly. Aim for pears that give just a little when pressed.
  • Don’t skimp on the cheese. A generous crumble ensures every bite gets that salty contrast.
  • Adjust sweetness. If your pears are very ripe and sweet, reduce the honey drizzle; if they’re underripe, let the honey do the heavy lifting.
  • Make ahead trick. Roast pears a few hours early, then just warm them up and add cheese/nuts right before serving.

Serving, Storing & FAQs

How to serve roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can serve it in different ways depending on the occasion:

  • As an appetizer: Place each pear half on a small plate with a drizzle of honey for an elegant starter.
  • With a main course: These pears are fantastic alongside roasted meats or a big salad. Try pairing them with arugula and balsamic dressing.
  • As dessert: For a lighter end to a meal, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And if you’re building a cheese board, adding roasted pears takes things to a whole new level. They balance out sharp cheeses and salty charcuterie with their mellow sweetness.

Storage & FAQs

How to store leftovers?
Keep roasted pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving again.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, absolutely. Just leave out the pistachios, or replace them with toasted seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) for crunch.

What’s the best pear variety for roasting?
Bosc and Anjou pears hold up the best in the oven, but Bartlett works too if you catch them before they’re too ripe.

Can I serve this cold?
Yes. They’re best warm, but cold roasted pears still taste great on top of salads.

Is this dish healthy?
It’s indulgent but balanced. Pears provide fiber and vitamins, while pistachios add healthy fats and protein. Blue cheese is rich, so moderation is key.

Nutritional Information (per pear half, approx.)

NutrientAmount
Calories220 kcal
Protein5 g
Carbohydrates25 g
Sugar17 g
Fat11 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Fiber4 g
Sodium180 mg

Conclusion

Roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios are one of those recipes that feel like a secret weapon. They take simple ingredients and transform them into something that looks—and tastes—like a chef’s creation. Whether you’re setting the table for a holiday meal, hosting friends for wine and appetizers, or just treating yourself to something cozy on a chilly night, this recipe always delivers.

What I love most is that it feels special without being complicated. It’s just pears, cheese, nuts, and honey. Yet when you put them together, the flavors sing.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:

Give roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios a try and let me know how it turned out. Share a photo on Pinterest or drop a comment—I’d love to see your creations.

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Best roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios

Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Pistachios – Sweet, Savory & Simple


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  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 pear halves) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Roasted pears with blue cheese and pistachios are the ultimate sweet-savory combo. Tender roasted pears, creamy melted cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of honey—simple ingredients that come together in an elegant dish. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or light dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored (about 600 g)
  • 100 g blue cheese, crumbled
  • 50 g shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional, 5 g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the cores. Place cut-side up on the baking sheet.

  3. Brush lightly with olive oil.

  4. Roast pears for 20–25 minutes, until tender but not mushy.

  5. Remove from oven, sprinkle with blue cheese and pistachios.

  6. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese softens slightly.

  7. Drizzle with honey, garnish with thyme, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Best pear varieties: Bosc or Anjou (they hold shape well).

  • Swap pistachios for walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds.

  • For a milder taste, try goat cheese instead of blue cheese.

  • Can be served as appetizer, side dish, or dessert.

 

  • Make-ahead tip: roast pears earlier in the day, then reheat and finish with toppings before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Dessert
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pear half
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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