Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese: Sweet and Savory

Roasted pears with sharp, salty Pecorino cheese are on the plate

Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese highlight the beauty of minimal ingredients. Roasting pears brings out their deep, rich flavors. The Pecorino cheese layers in a delightful savory touch. I always enjoy serving this dish for special gatherings or indulgent moments.

Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese recipe

Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese is a delightful appetizer. The dish combines baked pears’ sweetness with Pecorino cheese’s savory flavor. It creates a unique and satisfying dish.

Roasted pears with cheese is a healthy appetizer
Baked pears with pecorino cheese

The pears caramelize to perfection during roasting. The Pecorino cheese adds a nutty, salty, creamy contrast. I’ve added quince jelly, or membrillo. This Spanish specialty complements pears and balances well with cheese.

I hope you enjoy this rustic, simple dish. This is how to make healthy roasted pears with Pecorino cheese.

Roasted pears with sharp, salty Pecorino cheese are on the plate

Roasted Pears with Pecorino

A sophisticated appetizer or dessert that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for entertaining, special occasions, or as an elegant finale to a dinner party.
5 from 1 vote
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 small blush or cornice pears
  • Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 4 tsp of membrillo quince jelly
  • Rocket and Spinach leaves
  • A handful of walnuts
  • Honey
  • Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180oC and line a baking tray with foil.
  • Halve and core the pears, place onto the tray and roast in the oven. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning the pears over halfway through, until just soft and tinged brown at the edges.
  • Remove from oven and fill the centres of the pear halves with membrillo, about a teaspoon in each. Cover with thinly sliced pecorino.
  • Return to oven for 5-10 minutes, until the pecorino is just beginning to brown. It doesn’t melt completely – it holds its shape, but it takes on a wonderful flavour.
  • Prepare plates with a handful of rocket and spinach leaves and put the pear halves on top. The leaves will begin to just wilt slightly. Drizzle with honey and balsamic – you do not need very much of either, so as not to overpower the pears and cheese. Garnish with a few walnut halves and serve immediately.

Notes

This works well as a starter, or alternatively by itself as a simple supper.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 28g
Keyword baking recipes, homemade appetizer, Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese, vegetarian recipe
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Pairing suggestions

Here are some excellent options to pair this dish with:

  • Manhattan Cocktail offers a robust flavor. It pairs with pear sweetness and Pecorino saltiness.
  • Hard Cider accentuates pear flavors.
  • Sparkling Cider contrasts the cheese’s richness.
  • White Wines
    • Soave balances cheese richness and pear sweetness.
    • Chardonnay enhances flavors without overpowering them.
    • Grenache Blanc harmonizes with baked pears.
  • Red Wines
    • Primitivo complements pear sweetness.
    • Chianti pairs with Pecorino saltiness.
    • Sangiovese enhances dish flavors.

Variations

Roasted pears with Pecorino cheese are prepared in various creative ways. Here are some notable variations:

  1. Sweet and Savory Combinations
    • Crostini involves Pecorino cheese and baked pears on toasted bread.
    • Glaze pears with cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
    • Serve this dish as an appetizer or snack.
  2. Salads Featuring Roasted Pears
    • Combine baked pears, almonds, and spinach in a salad.
    • Dress the salad with roasted lemon vinaigrette.
    • Pecorino contrasts with the pears’ sweetness.
    • Almonds add a crunchy texture to the salad.
  3. Alternative Ingredients
    • Substitute figs for pears for a new flavor.
    • Swap Pecorino with Gorgonzola cheese for variety.
    • Variations maintain a balance of flavors.
  4. Seasonal Variations
    • Layer roasted pears on crostoni with rosemary.
    • Prepare this appetizer ahead of time for convenience.
    • Serve this dish at gatherings for seasonal appeal.

1 thought on “Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese: Sweet and Savory”

  1. 5 stars
    The first time I made this, I was skeptical about how the flavors would work together. But one bite, and I was hooked! It’s a delightful surprise for the taste buds.

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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