Pear and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry
Flaky puff pastry topped with juicy pears, creamy Gorgonzola, and crunchy pecans, finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme. Sweet, savory, and ready in 25 minutes—this elegant snack is perfect for parties, quick weekday treats, or a light, satisfying appetizer.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Knife or Mandolin
- 1 Rolling Pin (optional, for puff pastry)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry
- 2 –3 Bartlett Pears thinly sliced and halved
- 1/2 cup Gorgonzola Cheese
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1 –2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling
- 1 –2 tsp Honey for garnish
- Fresh Thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven Perfectly: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A properly preheated oven ensures the puff pastry rises evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Gently roll it out to slightly thin it and create an even layer. Cut the pastry into six equal rectangles so that each portion bakes uniformly and looks visually appealing.
- Slice Pears Precisely: Wash and dry the pears thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, slice the pears lengthwise into thin slices about 1/8-inch thick, then cut each slice in half. Thin slices ensure the pears cook evenly and soften just enough to complement the creamy cheese without turning mushy.
- Layer the Cheese Thoughtfully: Place 1–2 tablespoons of Gorgonzola cheese in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Spread it slightly but leave a border around the edges to prevent the cheese from spilling over during baking. The creamy, tangy cheese forms a perfect base for the sweet pears.
- Arrange Pears Artistically: Place 3–4 halved pear slices on top of the cheese for each rectangle. Overlap the slices slightly for an attractive presentation and to ensure that each bite contains a balanced combination of pear and cheese.
- Add Crunchy Pecans and Drizzle Oil: Sprinkle a small amount of chopped pecans on each pastry for added crunch and flavor. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor and help the puff pastry achieve a glossy, golden finish during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The puff pastry should rise fully and turn golden-brown, while the pears become tender and the Gorgonzola slightly melts, creating a deliciously balanced sweet-savory bite.
- Garnish with Honey and Thyme: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute. Drizzle with honey for subtle sweetness and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top to add a fragrant, herbal note and an elegant touch.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Transfer the pastries to a serving platter and enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor. The combination of flaky pastry, soft pears, creamy cheese, and nutty pecans makes this a delightful appetizer, snack, or party treat.
Notes
- Use ripe Bartlett pears for natural sweetness and tender texture; avoid underripe or overly soft pears.
- Gorgonzola can be substituted with blue cheese or goat cheese for a milder flavor profile.
- Lightly flour the surface when rolling puff pastry to prevent sticking without altering its flakiness.
- Pecans can be toasted lightly in a dry skillet for extra crunch and enhanced flavor.
- Drizzle honey sparingly; too much can make the pastry soggy.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal aroma—dried thyme can be used in a pinch but may be less fragrant.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; puff pastry loses crispiness if left too long.
