Caramelized Pears with Blue Cheese
Caramelized Pears with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 firm-ripe pears, such as Anjou or Bosc, halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pears by halving them lengthwise and carefully scooping out the core with a spoon or melon baller. You can leave the skin on for rustic appeal, or peel them if preferred.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the pear halves cut-side down.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pears. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pears begin to soften and the cut sides are golden brown and caramelized. Flip the pears and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the skin side until slightly tender.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the pears in the skillet. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, gently swirling the pan, until the vinegar has reduced slightly and created a glossy glaze around the pears.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the caramelized pears to a serving platter or individual plates.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Evenly distribute the crumbled blue cheese over the warm pears. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese, enhancing its flavor.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Garnish with toasted chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves, if using. Finish with a generous grinding of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately as an appetizer or a light dessert.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Caramelized Pears with Blue Cheese
- 2 firm-ripe pears, such as Anjou or Bosc, halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pears by halving them lengthwise and carefully scooping out the core with a spoon or melon baller. You can leave the skin on for rustic appeal, or peel them if preferred.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the pear halves cut-side down.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pears. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pears begin to soften and the cut sides are golden brown and caramelized. Flip the pears and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the skin side until slightly tender.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Pour the balsamic vinegar over the pears in the skillet. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, gently swirling the pan, until the vinegar has reduced slightly and created a glossy glaze around the pears.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the caramelized pears to a serving platter or individual plates.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Evenly distribute the crumbled blue cheese over the warm pears. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese, enhancing its flavor.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Garnish with toasted chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves, if using. Finish with a generous grinding of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately as an appetizer or a light dessert.
⏱️ 1 min