Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle

Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in one simple recipe. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for any gathering or special occasion. The tender pears pair wonderfully with creamy goat cheese, and when topped with a sweet maple-walnut drizzle, this dish becomes a standout. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is loved for many reasons. First, the combination of sweet pears and tangy goat cheese creates a wonderful contrast that is pleasing to the taste buds. Second, the maple-walnut drizzle adds a rich sweetness and crunch that makes each bite enjoyable. Third, it is simple to make, requiring only a few steps and basic ingredients. Finally, the dish is healthy and elegant, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you are a fan of fruits or cheese, this recipe will satisfy your cravings.

HOW TO MAKE Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle

Making Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle is straightforward and fun. With just a few steps, you will have a delicious dish ready to enjoy. Follow the steps below to create this tasty recipe.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this recipe, you will need:

• Baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Spoon for scooping out the pear cores
• Small bowl for mixing
• Baking sheet (optional for easy clean-up)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 ripe but firm pears
• 120g goat cheese (soft, crumbled)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt & pepper to taste

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot when you are ready to bake the pears.
2. Prepare the pears: Cut the pears in half and carefully remove the cores. You can use a spoon or a melon baller to help with this.
3. Arrange in a baking dish: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
4. Season the pears: Sprinkle each half with a little salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Then, add the chopped thyme on top.
5. Add the cheese: Crumble the goat cheese and top each pear half with it. This will create a deliciously creamy layer on top of the sweet pears.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the pears to be tender, and the cheese should be golden and slightly bubbling.
7. Drizzle with maple syrup: Once they are done baking, take the dish out of the oven. Drizzle maple syrup over the pears and then sprinkle with walnuts before serving.
8. Serve: Allow to cool slightly and then enjoy your Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle.

 

HOW TO SERVE Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle

Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It works well as a starter for a dinner party or a side dish for a holiday meal. You can also serve it as a light dessert, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a complete meal, pair the dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The roasted pears can last up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently in the oven to avoid making the pears mushy. For freezing, it is best to freeze the pears without the goat cheese and drizzle, as the textures may change when frozen and thawed. Wrap the pears tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some great ways to serve Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle:

• As part of a cheese platter: Include various cheese options, crackers, and fruits to complement the pears.
• With a salad: Top a green salad with the roasted pear halves for added flavor and texture.
• As an appetizer: Serve on small plates with toothpicks for easy eating.
• With a glass of wine: Pair your dish with a light white wine or a sweet dessert wine to enhance the flavors.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Different cheeses: If you don’t have goat cheese, try using blue cheese or feta for a different flavor.
• Nut options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a change in texture and flavor.
• Herbs: Use fresh rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a different herb note.
• Add spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pear for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different varieties of pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. Just make sure they are ripe but firm for best results.

2. How do I know when the pears are done baking?

The pears should be tender when you poke them with a fork. The cheese should also be golden and bubbly.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears and season them ahead of time. Just add the cheese and bake right before serving.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle is gluten-free as long as you ensure the maple syrup does not have any added gluten.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle

To make this dish easier to serve during busy times, consider these tips:

• Prep the pears: You can cut and core the pears ahead of time. Just toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning if you’re preparing them a few hours in advance.
• Cheese and seasoning: Crumble the goat cheese and mix the thyme, salt, and pepper ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the dish.
• Maple-walnut topping: If you want, you can prepare the walnuts and maple syrup mixture ahead of time and store it at room temperature until you are ready to serve.

This makes preparing Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese & Maple-Walnut Drizzle simpler, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without the stress of last-minute cooking.

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