Roasted Pears with Gorgonzola & Walnuts

Roasted Pears with Gorgonzola & Walnuts

Sweet, savory, and beautifully balanced, these Roasted Pears with Gorgonzola & Walnuts make an elegant appetizer or side dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Roasting the pears brings out their natural sweetness while creating soft, caramelized edges. A drizzle of Redstone Orange Olive Oil or Redstone Lemon Olive Oil and Redstone Gravenstein Apple Balsamic enhances the fruit’s bright flavor, adding citrusy depth and subtle sweetness.

Finished with creamy gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme, this dish delivers a perfect contrast of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 firm pears, halved and cored

• 2 tablespoons Redstone Orange Olive Oil or Redstone Lemon Olive Oil

• 2 tablespoons Redstone Gravenstein Apple Balsamic

• ¼ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

• Fresh thyme (optional)

• Pinch of sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pear halves cut side up.
2. Season the pears
   Drizzle the pears with Orange or Lemon Olive Oil and Gravenstein Apple Balsamic. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Roast the pears
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, until the pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Add toppings
   Remove the pears from the oven and immediately top with crumbled gorgonzola and toasted walnuts.
5. Optional broil for extra flavor
   Return the pears to the oven on the middle rack and broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese softens and the walnuts deepen in color. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and serve
   Finish with fresh thyme and serve warm as an appetizer or elegant side dish.

Redstone Test Kitchen Tips

Serving Ideas

These roasted pears pair wonderfully with:

• Charcuterie boards

• Holiday dinners

• Roasted chicken or pork

• Autumn salads with arugula

They also make a beautiful starter for dinner parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pears work best for roasting?

Firm pears such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett work best because they hold their shape while roasting.

Can I substitute another cheese for gorgonzola?

Yes! Blue cheese, goat cheese, or even feta can be used, depending on your flavor preference.

Can roasted pears be made ahead of time?

You can roast the pears ahead of time and gently reheat them before serving. Add the cheese and walnuts just before serving for the best texture.