Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts and Blue Cheese fill the kitchen with the sweetest scent of fall. I still remember the first time I made them — it was a chilly November afternoon. My daughter and I stood side by side in the warm light, scooping pear halves and laughing as honey stuck to our fingers.
Since then, this simple recipe has become a seasonal favorite. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and refined — ripe pears roasted until tender, tart cranberries, toasty walnuts, rich blue cheese, and a warm drizzle of honey. Every spoonful tastes like autumn. A pinch of cinnamon takes it even further.
It’s easy to love recipes like this — minimal effort, beautiful results, and pure comfort in every bite. Whether served as a starter, side, or dessert, this dish always shines on the holiday table.
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This comforting combo reminds me of caramelized baked apples with brie, pecans and maple thyme glaze — another go-to when the weather cools. And for a quick appetizer twist, try pear, brie and cranberry crostini with thyme honey — it’s just as charming in bite-sized form.
Why This Recipe Is Special
What makes baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese so special is how effortlessly it brings together contrasting flavors and textures. You get sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy — all in one warm, oven-roasted dish.
Ripe pears turn soft and caramelized as they bake, while the cranberries offer a tart pop that cuts through the richness of the blue cheese. Walnuts add a nutty crunch, and honey ties it all together with golden sweetness. A light brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon make it holiday-ready, without overwhelming the fruit’s natural flavor.
This dish looks elegant but couldn’t be easier to prepare. It’s naturally gluten-free, requires no fancy equipment, and can be served warm as a refined appetizer, a light dessert, or even a brunch addition.
Recipes like this are why I love fall cooking — simple ingredients that sing together, all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients & Preparation
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best things about baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese is how little you need to create something that feels truly special. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this dish becomes a warm, elegant centerpiece.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe pears | 3, halved and cored |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh or dried cranberries | ½ cup |
| Chopped walnuts | ⅓ cup |
| Crumbled blue cheese | ¼ cup |
| Melted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
When selecting your pears, go for ones that are ripe but still firm — Bartlett or Bosc varieties work beautifully. If they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart in the oven. And don’t worry if blue cheese isn’t your favorite; goat cheese or feta makes a milder substitute without losing that creamy, salty kick.
Fresh cranberries are ideal for a bright, tart bite, but dried cranberries work wonderfully too — just give them a quick soak in warm water to plump them up. As for the walnuts, feel free to toast them lightly beforehand for an extra layer of nutty depth.
Tools & Helpful Substitutions
All you really need here is a baking dish, a spoon, and a small saucepan or microwave to melt your butter. The simplicity of the prep is part of the charm.
If you’d like to mix things up, consider swapping the walnuts for pecans or pistachios. And if you’re leaning into a sweeter version for dessert, a touch of vanilla or maple syrup instead of cinnamon gives it a subtle twist — similar to the cozy notes in mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls.
This flexible flavor base is also what I love about the cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie. Both recipes balance sweet and savory with simple, seasonal ingredients.
Print
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts and Blue Cheese
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 halves
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts and Blue Cheese are an elegant yet easy fall dish with warm, savory-sweet flavor, perfect for holidays or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
• 3 ripe pears, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Halve pears and scoop out cores. Arrange cut-side up in dish.
3. Mix cranberries and walnuts; spoon into each pear center.
4. Drizzle pears with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until pears are tender.
6. In last 5 minutes, top each with blue cheese; return to oven.
7. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
– Use Bosc or Bartlett pears that are ripe but firm.
– Goat cheese or feta may be used instead of blue cheese.
– Toast the walnuts beforehand for extra flavor.
– Soak dried cranberries in warm water to soften.
– Pairs well with roast meats or served as a holiday appetizer.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 300°F.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step: From Oven to Table
Making baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese is surprisingly quick, yet the result looks and tastes like a gourmet dish. Here’s how I do it, every single time:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish with melted butter or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2:
Slice the pears in half lengthwise and gently scoop out the cores with a melon baller or teaspoon. Arrange them cut-side up in the baking dish.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, mix the cranberries and chopped walnuts together. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed centers of the pears.
Step 4:
Drizzle each pear with honey, letting it run into the filling and over the fruit. If you’re using cinnamon, sprinkle it lightly now for a warm touch of spice.
Step 5:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and beginning to caramelize around the edges.
Step 6:
In the last 5 minutes of baking, carefully top each pear with a spoonful of crumbled blue cheese and return to the oven just long enough for it to melt slightly.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Pro Tips to Get It Just Right
Let your pears sit for a few minutes out of the oven before serving — they’ll firm up slightly and soak up more of the honey glaze. If you’re aiming for a more savory profile, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds tangy depth.
For festive presentation, I like to garnish with extra chopped walnuts and a few fresh cranberries on the side — it mirrors the touch of elegance found in the golden baked brie with caramelized apples and thyme.
And if you love the balance of creamy cheese and earthy sweetness, try the maple roasted sweet potatoes with blue cheese and candied pecans — another fall favorite that plays with similar textures.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
What to Serve with It
Baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese are wonderfully versatile. I’ve served them as a light appetizer, a sweet-savory side dish, and even as a dessert — and they fit seamlessly into any of those roles.
For brunch, try pairing them with crisp prosciutto, toasted sourdough, or a soft-poached egg for contrast. At dinner parties, they’re a gorgeous starter — elegant but never fussy. You can even serve them over a bed of arugula or baby greens for a warm salad topped with a drizzle of aged balsamic or maple vinaigrette.
They shine especially well during the holidays — placed beside a cheese board or alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken. I often prepare them as part of my Thanksgiving spread alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with maple walnuts and cranberries — the flavors play so well together.
And for something bite-sized and party-perfect, cranberry brie and thyme puff pastry twists are another go-to — they echo the flavors of the baked pears in a flaky, buttery way.
How to Store and Reheat
These baked pears are best enjoyed warm, but they also reheat beautifully. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, just until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30–45 seconds, though the texture may soften a bit more.
If serving as leftovers, I like to crumble a little extra blue cheese on top after reheating to freshen up the flavor. A drizzle of honey or a pinch of flaky salt also brings the taste right back to life.
FAQ: Baked Pears with Cranberries, Honey, Walnuts and Blue Cheese
Can I make baked pears ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the pears a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes before serving. Add a fresh sprinkle of blue cheese just before serving for the best flavor.
What’s the best type of pear for baking?
Bosc and Bartlett pears are ideal — they hold their shape well and soften beautifully when roasted. Just make sure they’re ripe but still firm to the touch.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Absolutely. Goat cheese or feta work well if you want something milder. Brie also adds a creamy richness without the bold flavor of blue cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your add-ins (like blue cheese or dried cranberries) to make sure they don’t have hidden gluten.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can! Omit the cheese or try a plant-based blue cheese alternative. The flavor will shift, but the dish will still be delicious.
Are fresh or dried cranberries better?
Fresh cranberries give a tart pop, while dried cranberries add chewiness and sweetness. Either works well — if using dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.
Conclusion
Baked pears with cranberries, honey, walnuts and blue cheese bring so much to the table — literally and figuratively. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a cozy weekend brunch, or just craving something seasonal and special, this recipe never fails to impress.
I love how it turns a few humble ingredients into something so refined. Every bite delivers contrast — sweet and tangy, soft and crunchy, rich and bright. And while it looks elegant, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. That’s what keeps me coming back to it again and again each fall.
If you’re looking for another beautiful take on this idea, you’ll enjoy this stunning version from my friend at Sip and Savor the Seasons: Baked Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts. It’s a lovely variation you’ll want to bookmark.
And if you’re already craving your next fall recipe, I highly recommend trying golden baked brie with caramelized apples and thyme or maple roasted sweet potatoes with blue cheese and candied pecans. Both pair beautifully with these pears and keep the cozy vibes going strong.