Honey Glazed Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Pecans Recipe

Honey Glazed Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Pecans is an elegant yet easy dish that blends sweet, savory, and nutty flavors into one irresistible bite. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or a sophisticated side, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears, caramelized to perfection with a drizzle of honey. Creamy Gorgonzola adds a tangy richness that balances the dish, while toasted pecans bring a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or looking for a unique addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, these baked pears are sure to impress with both flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make, Hard to Forget

Only a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process stand between you and this flavor-packed dish.

Perfect for Entertaining

These baked pears look beautiful plated and offer a gourmet touch for dinner parties or holiday spreads.

Seasonal and Fresh

Pears are in their prime during the fall and winter, making this a great choice for autumn menus or Christmas dinners.

Versatile Pairing

Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fancy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Best Type of Pears for Baking

When making honey glazed baked pears, choosing the right type of pear can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Bosc pears are an excellent choice because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a mildly sweet flavor with a firm bite. Bartlett pears are softer and juicier, infusing the dish with a delicate, fragrant sweetness—perfect if you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Red pears, with their striking color and floral aroma, not only add visual appeal but also bring a smooth, subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with honey and savory toppings like Gorgonzola or pecans. Using a mix of these varieties can create a delicious balance of taste and texture in every bite.

Ingredients List: (Serves 6)

3 ripe pears. I experimented with Bosc, Bartlett and Red Pears. While they were all delicious, the red was my favorite.
Honey
Fresh sprigs of Thyme
Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Halved walnuts

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cut pears in half and scoop out seeds.
Place pear halves on a baking sheet facing up and drizzle with honey.
Garnish with Thyme sprigs on top and place in heated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until pears are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Place spoonfuls of Gorgonzola cheese in the hollowed out center of the pears. Add a walnut half and then drizzle with a little more honey. Enjoy!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Serve warm on a small plate with a drizzle of extra honey and a few microgreens for a stunning starter.
Salad Topper: Slice and fan the baked pears over a bed of arugula or spinach with balsamic glaze for an elegant salad.
Dessert Twist: Swap out the cheese for a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet-savory finish.
Crostone or Bruschetta: Place pear slices atop toasted baguette rounds or crostini—great for holiday platters or charcuterie boards.
Add a Savory Twist: Wrap pear halves in prosciutto before baking for a salty, savory contrast.

Pairing Ideas

Wines:

White: Try with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, floral Riesling, or a rich Chardonnay to balance the tang of the Gorgonzola and the sweetness of the honey.
Red: A light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can complement the earthy nuts and creamy cheese without overpowering the pears.

Cheese Board Pairing:

Complement with other bold cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar.
Add dried figs, prosciutto, and crusty bread for a complete board. See our recipe for Fig, Prosciutto and Brie Open-Faced Sandwich.

Main Dish Pairings:

Pork tenderloin or roast chicken with herbs are perfect protein pairings.
Serve alongside a butternut squash risotto or wild rice pilaf for a cozy fall meal.

Final Thoughts

Honey Glazed Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Pecans is a recipe that balances elegance and ease, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special celebrations. The warm, roasted pear pairs beautifully with creamy cheese and crunchy pecans, all brought together with the golden sweetness of honey. It’s a dish that captures the essence of cozy, seasonal cooking—and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.