Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts: A Heavenly Appetizer

Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts are you tired of serving the same predictable appetizers at every gathering?

There’s nothing more disappointing than watching guests politely nibble on yet another cheese and cracker platter while you secretly wish you had something more exciting to offer.

Hi there! I’m Alexandra, and I still remember the dinner party disaster that changed everything for me. I had spent hours preparing the main course, only to realize I had completely forgotten about appetizers until guests were already at my door.

In a moment of panic, I grabbed some pears from my fruit bowl, found leftover brie in the fridge, and threw together what would become one of my most requested recipes. That spontaneous creation taught me that sometimes the most elegant dishes come from the simplest ingredients and a little creative courage.

This baked pears with brie and walnuts recipe promises to transform your appetizer game forever. The sweet, caramelized pears melt perfectly with creamy brie, while toasted walnuts add that irresistible crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

As someone who’s spent years perfecting appetizers that wow without overwhelming the cook, I can confidently say this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

In this guide, you’ll discover why this combination works so beautifully, how to select the perfect pears, essential preparation tips, step-by-step cooking instructions, and creative variations that will make this recipe your signature dish.

Why This Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts Recipe Works

This baked pears with brie and walnuts appetizer succeeds because it masterfully balances flavor, convenience, and versatility in ways that never fail to impress.

• Uses simple, accessible ingredients – Fresh pears, quality brie, and walnuts are available year-round at any grocery store
• Comes together in just 25 minutes for maximum elegance with minimum stress
• Perfect for casual gatherings or formal dinner parties – sophisticated enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight entertaining
• Naturally gluten-free making it inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions
• Combines sweet and savory elements that appeal to every palate
• Looks stunning on any table with its golden, caramelized presentation

Choosing the Right Pears for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Best Pear Varieties for This Recipe

The success of your baked pears with brie and walnuts depends heavily on selecting the right pear variety. Bosc pears are my top choice because they hold their shape beautifully during baking and develop incredible sweetness when roasted. Anjou pears work wonderfully too, offering a buttery texture that complements the brie perfectly. Bartlett pears can work but watch them carefully as they tend to break down faster.

Buying Tips

Look for pears that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure near the stem. The skin should be free of dark spots or bruises. For baked pears with brie and walnuts, slightly underripe pears actually work better than fully ripe ones since they’ll soften perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.

Substitutions

If pears aren’t available, try this recipe with firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. The cooking time remains the same, though apples will provide a slightly more tart flavor profile that still pairs beautifully with brie and walnuts.

Ingredients & Prep for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Pear Prep Essentials

Start your baked pears with brie and walnuts by washing and drying your pears thoroughly. Cut each pear in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core, creating a perfect well for the brie. Brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the natural sweetness.

Essential Ingredient List

Core Ingredients:

• 4 medium pears, halved and cored
• 4 oz wheel of brie cheese
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup for extra sweetness

Pantry Staples

Keep these essentials on hand for perfect baked pears with brie and walnuts every time: high-quality olive oil for drizzling, fresh lemons for brightness, and good honey that will caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Pre-Cooking Prep for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare your pears as described above, then arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pat the brie dry and cut into 8 equal pieces that will fit perfectly in your pear wells.

Cooking Method for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Place one piece of brie in each pear cavity. Sprinkle chopped walnuts generously over and around the pears. Drizzle with honey and olive oil, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the pears are tender and the brie is melted and golden.

Doneness Check for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Your baked pears with brie and walnuts are perfectly done when a knife easily pierces the pear flesh, the brie is completely melted and lightly golden, and the walnuts are toasted and fragrant. The pears should be caramelized around the edges but still hold their shape.

Resting for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Allow your baked pears with brie and walnuts to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period prevents burns and allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to transfer to serving plates.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Don’t overbake your pears they’ll turn mushy and lose their elegant shape. Choose the right brie avoid triple-cream varieties that can become too runny. Toast walnuts separately for extra crunch if desired, adding them in the final 5 minutes of baking.

Tool Recommendations for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

A sharp paring knife makes coring effortless, while a melon baller creates perfect wells. Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any delicious drips, and keep a pastry brush handy for even honey distribution.

Storage & Reheating for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Store leftover baked pears with brie and walnuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. For best results, serve fresh from the oven.

Looking for more elegant appetizer inspiration? Check out my collection of stunning recipes on Pinterest at pinterest you’ll discover dozens of crowd-pleasing ideas that will make you the host everyone remembers!

Flavor Variations for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Spicy Twist for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to your baked pears with brie and walnuts for an unexpected kick that perfectly balances the sweet fruit and creamy cheese.

Keto-Friendly Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or simply omit sweeteners entirely – the natural pear sugars provide plenty of sweetness for this low-carb adaptation.

Global Flavors for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Transform your baked pears with brie and walnuts with international flair: add fresh rosemary and a balsamic glaze for Italian inspiration, or try cinnamon and cardamom for Middle Eastern warmth.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Serve your baked pears with brie and walnuts on individual plates garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of the pan juices. They pair beautifully with crusty artisan bread, mixed greens dressed with light vinaigrette, or alongside other elegant appetizers like my Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes for a sophisticated spread.

For beverages, consider crisp white varieties, sparkling cider, or light beer that won’t overpower the delicate flavors. The natural sweetness also makes this appetizer lovely with herbal teas for afternoon entertaining.

FAQs for Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts

Can I make baked pears with brie and walnuts ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pears and assemble everything except the brie up to 4 hours ahead. Add the cheese just before baking for best results.

What if my pears are too ripe for baked pears with brie and walnuts?
Very ripe pears will work but reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

Is this baked pears with brie and walnuts recipe safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when made with pasteurized brie cheese, this recipe is perfectly safe for pregnant women to enjoy.

Can I use different nuts in my baked pears with brie and walnuts?
Absolutely! Try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for delicious variations, though walnuts provide the most classic flavor pairing.

Conclusion

Fire up your oven and discover why baked pears with brie and walnuts has become my most requested appetizer recipe! This elegant dish proves that impressive entertaining doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients just quality components treated with care and creativity.

Ready for your next culinary adventure? Try my Baked Pears for a simpler sweet version, or explore my Candied Sweet Potatoes for another show-stopping side dish that brings the same wow factor to your table!

Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts: A Heavenly Appetizer

---

• Author: alexandra
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elegant, simple, and delicious these Baked Pears with Brie and Walnuts feature tender roasted pears topped with creamy brie, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey for the perfect sweet-savory bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou)

4 oz brie cheese, sliced

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp butter, melted

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the core with a spoon to create a small cavity.

3. Brush the cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.

4. Place pears cut side up in the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and place a slice of brie into each pear cavity, then top with chopped walnuts.

6. Return to oven and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Drizzle with honey and garnish with thyme or rosemary before serving warm.

Notes

Use pecans or pistachios instead of walnuts for a different twist.

Perfect as an appetizer, dessert, or brunch dish.

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pear half
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: baked pears with brie and walnuts, holiday appetizer, baked fruit, pear brie recipe, honey baked pears