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
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.
Notes
Use pears that are ripe but still firm for best texture.
Substitute walnuts with pecans or pumpkin seeds for variety.
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan cheese.
Avoid freezing; this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Dessert
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: roasted pears, goat cheese appetizer, maple walnut drizzle, baked pears, sweet and savory recipe