The sweet, buttery flavor of pears makes them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re looking to add some freshness to your breakfast, a touch of elegance to your dessert course, or a burst of flavor to your lunch or dinner, pears are an excellent choice. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious pear recipes that showcase the fruit’s unique qualities and pair it with a range of ingredients, from sweet spices and nuts to tangy cheeses and herbs.
From classic desserts like tarts and crisps, to savory flatbreads and salads, and even some unexpected applications like smoothies and scones, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or a savory fan, there’s something on this list for everyone. So let’s dive in and explore the many delicious possibilities of pears!
Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the sweetness of pears with the warmth of spices and the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup diced ripe pear (about 1 medium pear)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced pear and walnuts.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Honey Roasted Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream
A sweet and comforting dessert perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the warmth of honey and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with the honey mixture.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory combination of ripe pears and tangy blue cheese on a crispy flatbread crust. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe pears, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 tbsp honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
3. Top with sliced pears, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the pears.
5. Drizzle honey over the blue cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Pear and Onion Tart
Caramelized Pear and Onion Tart Recipe
This sweet and savory tart combines the natural sweetness of pears with the caramelized flavor of onions, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Salt to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions and butter over medium-low heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
4. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Spoon cooked onion mixture over pears, leaving a small border around the edge of the pears.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
7. Brush edges with a little water and sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Pear and Ginger Smoothie
Revitalize your morning with this refreshing blend of sweet pears and spicy ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the chopped pear, ginger, yogurt, and almond milk.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately. If desired, add ice cubes and blend again for a thicker, colder smoothie.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Balsamic Glazed Pear Salad
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and tangy Balsamic Glazed Pear Salad, perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for your favorite dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh arugula
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic glaze and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until reduced by half.
3. Arrange pear slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast pears in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
5. In a large bowl, combine arugula and roasted pears. If using blue cheese, crumble it on top.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Pear and Prosciutto Crostini
Pear and Prosciutto Crostini: Elevate Your Appetizer Game with a Sweet and Savory Combination!
These bite-sized treats are perfect for your next gathering or party. Thinly sliced prosciutto, ripe pears, and a hint of honey create a match made in heaven on toasted baguette rounds.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 1 baguette, thinly sliced into rounds
– 2 tbsp of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, slice the pear into thin wedges.
4. Assemble crostini by topping toasted baguette rounds with a slice of prosciutto, a piece of pear, and a drizzle of honey.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 7-10 minutes
Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Butter
This recipe yields a sweet and tangy pear butter infused with warm spices, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup apple cider or water
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the apple cider or water, making sure the pears are covered.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining pulp.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Pear and Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory pork loin recipe, filled with the warmth of pears and cranberries. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) pork loin
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together diced pears, cranberries, garlic, and honey.
3. Butterfly the pork loin by cutting it horizontally from top to bottom, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the pear-cranberry mixture into the center of the pork loin, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll the pork loin tightly and secure with kitchen twine.
6. Place the stuffed pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pear and Almond Frangipane Tart
Pear and Almond Frangipane Tart: A sweet and buttery tart filled with the warm flavors of almonds and pears.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/4 cup almond paste
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together almond paste and granulated sugar. Spread evenly over center of tart, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Arrange pear slices on top of almond mixture, overlapping slightly.
5. Fold edges of pastry up over pears, pressing gently to seal. Brush with beaten egg for glaze.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Savory Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza
Savory Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza Recipe
Discover a unique flavor combination that will elevate your pizza game! This recipe combines the sweetness of pears with the tanginess of gorgonzola, all on top of a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into thin wedges
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions
– 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the caramelized onions over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the onions.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese evenly over the pears.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pear and Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oats infused with the sweetness of pears and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1/4 cup pear puree (canned or cooked fresh)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, milk, pear puree, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to soak and flavors to meld.
4. In the morning, give the mixture a stir and add any desired toppings (such as chopped nuts or shredded coconut).
5. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: 4+ hours (overnight)
Grilled Pear and Brie Panini
Grilled Pear and Brie Panini Recipe
Elevate your sandwich game with this sweet and savory combination of grilled pears and creamy brie cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 4 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place a slice of brie cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
4. Top with a few slices of grilled pear, drizzle with honey, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Pear and Cardamom Jam
This aromatic jam combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of cardamom, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses. The result is a deliciously complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pears, sugar, water, and cardamom.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the mixture has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Glazed Pear Scones
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these scrumptious Maple Glazed Pear Scones, featuring tender pears and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 ripe pear, diced (about 1 cup)
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk cream and egg until smooth. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced pear.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. While scones are still warm, drizzle with maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pear and Rosemary Focaccia
Elevate your bread game with this unique combination of tender pears, fragrant rosemary, and crispy focaccia. Perfect for a snack or as a side to your favorite soups or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Top with sliced pears, chopped rosemary, and a drizzle of honey (if using).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pear and Chocolate Clafoutis
A twist on the classic French clafoutis, this recipe combines sweet pears with rich chocolate for a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and melted butter.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Arrange pear slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Pour the egg mixture over pears, making sure they’re fully coated.
7. Sprinkle chocolate chips and hazelnuts (if using) evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pear and Hazelnut Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with the sweet and nutty flavors of pears and hazelnuts. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together diced pear, chopped hazelnuts, and honey.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the pear-hazelnut mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 18 scrumptious pear recipes! From sweet treats like Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins and Maple Glazed Pear Scones, to savory delights such as Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread and Savory Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza, there’s something for everyone. Plus, discover unique combinations like Honey Roasted Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream and Grilled Pear and Brie Panini. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings!