As the seasons change, our culinary creativity often shifts to incorporate the flavors and ingredients that are in season. One such ingredient is the humble pear, which may be more commonly associated with sweet treats like pies and salads, but can also shine in savory dishes. In fact, pears pair surprisingly well with a variety of savory ingredients like cheese, meats, and spices, making them a great addition to many recipes.
From elegant appetizers to comforting main courses, we’ve gathered 18 delicious savory pear recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a holiday gathering or just want to mix things up in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to delight. So go ahead and get creative with pears – your taste buds will thank you!
Balsamic Glazed Pear and Goat Cheese Tart
Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and savory tart featuring caramelized pears, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Top pears with crumbled goat cheese and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg for glaze.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
8. Remove tart from oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Savory Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread
This sweet and savory flatbread combines the natural sweetness of pears with the tanginess of gorgonzola, all on a crispy crust. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe pears, sliced
– 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Brush the dough with olive oil, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the dough, leaving some space between each slice.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese over the pears.
6. Drizzle the honey over the cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pear and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with a sweet and savory twist by stuffing it with pears and prosciutto. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the salty, crispy texture of prosciutto for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and diced
– 6 slices of prosciutto, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pears and prosciutto.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the pear-prosciutto mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramelized Pear and Onion Pizza
This sweet and savory pizza combines the natural sweetness of pears with the depth of caramelized onions, all on a crispy crust topped with melted mozzarella cheese. A perfect combination for a unique dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 large pears, peeled and sliced into thin wedges
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
4. Top pizza dough with cooked onions, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Arrange pear slices on top of onions.
6. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over pears.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese melted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up with a comforting and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of roasted pears with the richness of butternut squash. This recipe is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss pears and squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
4. Add roasted pear and squash to the pot, along with broth and heavy cream (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until soup is smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Pear and Blue Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a sweet and savory twist by stuffing them with caramelized pears and tangy blue cheese. This unique flavor combination is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced pear and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Stuff each pork chop with a spoonful of the caramelized pear mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the stuffed pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dot the top with the remaining butter.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pear and Sage Risotto
This creamy risotto combines the natural sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of sage, creating a unique and delicious side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Add the warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced pear and chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Savory Pear and Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This sweet and savory salad combines the natural sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of walnuts, all tied together with a tangy honey mustard dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons honey mustard dressing (see below)
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced pears, chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and chopped thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
This sweet and savory grilled cheese combines the warmth of caramelized onions with the crunch of fresh pears, all melted together on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1 ripe pear, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with caramelized onions, sliced pear, and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total
Pear and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner party with these savory and sweet stuffed mushrooms, featuring caramelized pears and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as cremini or portobello)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced pear and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with a spoonful of the pear mixture, followed by a sprinkle of crumbled bacon.
4. Dot the top of each mushroom with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pear and Thyme Roasted Chicken
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this Pear and Thyme Roasted Chicken recipe. The tender chicken is infused with the warmth of thyme and the sweetness of pears, creating a delicious and aromatic main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chopped pears, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the chicken cavity with the pear mixture.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Savory Pear and Cheddar Scones
Elevate your afternoon tea with these sweet and savory scones, featuring the perfect balance of ripe pears and sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 ripe pear, diced (about 1 cup)
– 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and beaten egg.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Fold in diced pear and grated cheddar cheese.
7. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
8. Pat into a circle, about 1 inch thick.
9. Cut into 8-10 wedges and place on prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pear and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted pears with savory sausage, all wrapped up in a deliciously tender acorn squash. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup cooked sausage (such as Italian sausage or chorizo), crumbled
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
4. Stuff each squash half with the sausage mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pear and Brie Phyllo Cups
These bite-sized phyllo cups combine the sweetness of pears with the creaminess of brie cheese, perfect for a quick and elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup of brie cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. Cut phyllo into small squares and place one square in each cup of a mini muffin tin.
4. Top each phyllo cup with a spoonful of diced pear, a dollop of softened brie cheese, and a drizzle of honey.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until phyllo is golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pear and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of portobello mushrooms with the sweetness of pears and the freshness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 2 ripe pears, diced (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 package fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together pears, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a paper towel. Stuff each cap with the pear-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Pear and Almond Couscous
Elevate your couscous game with this sweet and savory twist featuring tender pears, crunchy almonds, and a hint of Middle Eastern flair. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 1 ripe pear (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add couscous, cover, and turn off heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add almonds and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add diced pear to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
4. Fluff cooked couscous with a fork and stir in lemon juice. Combine with the pear-almond mixture.
5. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pear and Rosemary Focaccia
This fragrant and flavorful focaccia combines the sweetness of pears with the earthy aroma of rosemary, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or simply as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough, then roll out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Arrange pear slices and chopped rosemary on top of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
8. Fold the edges over the filling, creating a crust.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pear and Pancetta Pasta Salad
Pear and Pancetta Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Pasta Salad
This delightful pasta salad combines the sweetness of pears with the savory goodness of pancetta, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 4 oz pancetta, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced pears, and pancetta.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Add apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to experience the sweet and savory fusion of pears in these mouth-watering recipes! From appetizers to main courses, this collection of 18 dishes showcases the versatility of pears. Discover unique pairings like balsamic glazed pear and goat cheese tart, caramelized pear and onion pizza, and roasted pear and butternut squash soup. Enjoy sweet and savory combinations with pear and blue cheese stuffed pork chops, or try your hand at pear and sage risotto. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a special occasion dish, these recipes are sure to delight!
