Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary pears into a gourmet sensation that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Our Mushroom Stuffed Pears with Gorgonzola are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that bridges the gap between rustic Italian charm and elegant fine dining. With a perfect balance of sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors, this dish is set to become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress dinner guests and elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality levels.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully slice the ripe pears in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out the core and create a hollow space in each pear half to hold the mushroom filling.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sautéed mushrooms with fresh chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the sautéed mushrooms with crumbled gorgonzola cheese, ensuring the ingredients are well combined and create a cohesive filling.
- Generously fill each pear half with the mushroom and gorgonzola mixture, mounding it slightly above the pear's surface.
- Place the stuffed pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and upright.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or light main course, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality gorgonzola cheese and wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini.
- Make sure to sauté mushrooms until they're golden brown to develop a rich, deep flavor.
- Don't overfill the pear halves - a generous but not overflowing amount of filling works best.
- Let the pears rest after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- For a visual and flavor boost, garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
