Name: Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle: A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Savory
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: For the Roasted Pears:; 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp light brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg; Pinch of sea salt; For the Goat Cheese Filling:; 6 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), room temperature; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice; ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional); For the Maple-Walnut Drizzle:; ½ cup chopped walnuts; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ tsp flaky sea salt; Optional Garnish:; Fresh thyme or microgreens; Balsamic reduction

Few dishes capture the beauty of simplicity and sophistication quite like Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle. This elegant creation combines tender, caramelized pears with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the deep, nutty sweetness of maple syrup and toasted walnuts. It’s the kind of dish that can be served as an appetizer, dessert, or even a brunch highlight. Whether you’re preparing a dinner for guests or treating yourself to a cozy indulgence, this recipe delivers balanced flavors and a delightful contrast of textures that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make this dish shine, start with ripe but firm pears and high-quality goat cheese. The following measurements will serve four people.

For the Roasted Pears:

4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of sea salt

For the Goat Cheese Filling:

6 ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre), room temperature
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a dessert twist)

For the Maple-Walnut Drizzle:

½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Optional Garnish:

Fresh thyme leaves or microgreens (for savory presentation)
A drizzle of balsamic reduction (for tangy balance)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wash the pears thoroughly, then halve them lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently remove the core and seeds, creating a small hollow in the center of each half. This space will later hold the goat cheese filling.

Place the pears cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each half with melted butter and olive oil, ensuring an even coat for golden caramelization. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a light pinch of salt.

2. Roast Until Tender and Caramelized

Roast the pears for 25–30 minutes, depending on their ripeness. Check occasionally; the pears should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking—too much time will cause them to collapse.

Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the filling and drizzle.

3. Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, honey, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice balances the richness, while the honey adds a gentle sweetness that complements the pears.

For a more whipped texture, use an electric hand mixer on low speed for about 1 minute. Set the mixture aside.

4. Make the Maple-Walnut Drizzle

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for about 2–3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Pour in the maple syrup and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously. The syrup will thicken slightly and coat the nuts in a glossy glaze. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly—it will thicken further as it rests.

5. Assemble the Dish

Once the pears have cooled for about 10 minutes, spoon a generous dollop of goat cheese mixture into the hollow of each half. Drizzle the warm maple-walnut mixture over the top, allowing it to cascade beautifully over the pears.

The contrast of warm pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts creates an irresistible combination.

Conservation and Storage

If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain flavor and texture.

Refrigeration: Place the roasted pears in an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the goat cheese mixture and maple-walnut drizzle in separate containers for best results.
Reheating: Warm the pears in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Reheat the maple-walnut drizzle in a small saucepan over low heat.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the pears lose their structure and the cheese’s texture changes upon thawing.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few creative ways to make it your own:

Savory Twist: Replace the honey and vanilla in the goat cheese with a touch of cracked black pepper, fresh thyme, or rosemary. Serve the pears with prosciutto or on a bed of arugula for a refined appetizer.
Dessert Style: Add a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or drizzle melted dark chocolate instead of the maple-walnut topping for a decadent dessert.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use vegan cream cheese in place of goat cheese, and replace honey with agave syrup.
Nut-Free Alternative: Skip the walnuts and use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy, allergen-friendly version.
Spiced Fall Flavor: Add ground ginger or allspice to the pears for extra warmth and aroma, ideal during the colder months.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can serve it in many ways depending on the occasion:

Appetizer: Serve one half pear per person on a small plate with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh thyme leaves.
Brunch or Lunch: Pair with a light green salad, crusty bread, or even a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream beside the warm pears for a comforting finish.
Holiday Presentation: Arrange the pears on a large platter, drizzle with extra maple syrup, and scatter additional walnuts for a festive touch.

The contrasting textures—creamy, crunchy, and tender—make this dish a showstopper on any table.

Conclusion

Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle exemplify how simple ingredients can transform into a dish of refined elegance and complex flavor. The sweetness of roasted pears melds perfectly with tangy goat cheese, while the maple-walnut drizzle ties everything together in a warm, nutty finish. It’s a versatile recipe suitable for casual dinners or special celebrations, adaptable to both savory and sweet interpretations.

Once you master the balance of flavors and textures, this dish becomes a reliable favorite—proof that culinary sophistication doesn’t require complexity, only care and creativity.

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Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle: A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Savory

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An elegant and versatile recipe that combines the natural sweetness of roasted pears with creamy goat cheese and a rich maple-walnut drizzle. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer, a unique brunch addition, or a warm, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Roasted Pears:

4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou)

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

Pinch of sea salt

For the Goat Cheese Filling:

6 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), room temperature

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Maple-Walnut Drizzle:

½ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup pure maple syrup

1 tbsp unsalted butter

¼ tsp flaky sea salt

Optional Garnish:

Fresh thyme or microgreens

Balsamic reduction

Instructions

Prepare the Pears:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Halve pears lengthwise and core them gently using a spoon or melon baller.
Brush with melted butter and olive oil, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Roast the Pears:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.

Make the Goat Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix goat cheese, honey, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract until creamy.

Prepare the Maple-Walnut Drizzle:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Toast walnuts for 2–3 minutes, then stir in maple syrup and cook another 2–3 minutes until glossy. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Assemble:
Spoon the goat cheese mixture into each pear half. Drizzle the warm maple-walnut sauce over the top. Serve immediately.