Name: Pear Blue Cheese Tart: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 87 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 1/4 cup ice water; 4 ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou; 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish); 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon milk or water

Pear Blue Cheese Tart: Prepare to be transported to a realm of sophisticated flavors with this elegant and surprisingly simple recipe! Have you ever craved a dessert that balances sweetness with a savory edge, a dish that’s both comforting and refined? This tart is your answer.

The combination of pears and blue cheese might seem unconventional, but it's a pairing that has graced tables for centuries, particularly in France. The creamy, pungent blue cheese beautifully complements the delicate sweetness and slightly grainy texture of ripe pears. Think of it as a culinary dance, where each ingredient enhances the other, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.

What makes this Pear Blue Cheese Tart so irresistible? It's the delightful contrast of textures – the flaky, buttery crust, the soft, yielding pears, and the creamy, almost melting blue cheese. But beyond the texture, it's the flavor profile that truly shines. The sweetness of the pears is perfectly balanced by the salty, tangy blue cheese, creating a complex and satisfying experience. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make! Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to something special, this tart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I find that it's the perfect dessert to enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine on a cool evening.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

4 ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)

Egg Wash:

1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk or water

Preparing the Crust:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly and keep the butter cold. Small pieces of butter create flaky layers in the crust. If the butter gets too warm, the crust will be tough.
Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to the surface.
Transfer to Tart Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Trim and Crimp the Edges: Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pan. You can use a rolling pin to roll over the top of the pan, or simply trim with a knife. Crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border. This also helps to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
Pre-bake the Crust (Blind Bake): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove Weights and Bake Further: Remove the parchment paper and pie weights. Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This ensures the crust is fully cooked and won't be soggy when you add the filling. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Preparing the Pear and Blue Cheese Filling:

Prepare the Pears: While the crust is cooling, prepare the pears. Peel, core, and thinly slice the pears. I like to use a mandoline for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with the lemon juice, cinnamon, and melted butter. The lemon juice prevents the pears from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. The cinnamon adds warmth and complements the pear flavor.
Prepare the Blue Cheese Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the crumbled blue cheese and heavy cream until smooth and slightly softened. The heavy cream helps to create a creamy and spreadable base for the pears.

Assembling and Baking the Tart:

Spread the Blue Cheese Mixture: Spread the blue cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked tart crust. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the crust.
Arrange the Pear Slices: Arrange the pear slices in a decorative pattern over the blue cheese mixture. You can create concentric circles, overlapping the slices slightly. Get creative with your arrangement!
Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle the honey evenly over the pears. The honey adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the pears during baking.
Egg Wash the Crust: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the tart crust with the egg wash. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
Bake the Tart: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on the tart to prevent the crust from burning. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired. These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the tart.

Serving Suggestions:

This Pear and Blue Cheese Tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It's perfect for dessert, brunch, or even a light lunch. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor.

Tips for Success:

Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky crust.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out.
Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the filling.
Use Ripe but Firm Pears: Ripe but firm pears will hold their shape during baking.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet tart, you can reduce the amount of honey.
Get Creative with the Arrangement: Have fun arranging the pear slices in a decorative pattern.

Variations:

Different Cheese: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese, brie, or ricotta cheese.
Different Fruit: You can also use other fruits, such as apples, figs, or cranberries.
Add Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios, to the filling or as a garnish.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free crust.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Pear and Blue Cheese Tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Pear Blue Cheese Tart isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. The sweet, juicy pears, the tangy, creamy blue cheese, and the flaky, buttery crust create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Seriously, if you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make, this is it. I promise, you won't be disappointed. But why is this tart a must-try? It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal ending to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a sophisticated dinner party. The blue cheese adds a depth of flavor that elevates the humble pear to new heights, while the buttery crust provides a comforting and familiar foundation. It's elegant enough to impress, yet simple enough to whip up without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to showcase seasonal pears at their peak ripeness. Looking for serving suggestions? This tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. A dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a touch of extra indulgence. For a more savory twist, try drizzling a little honey over the top just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans would also add a delightful crunch. And the variations? The possibilities are endless! If you're not a fan of blue cheese, try using goat cheese or brie instead. You could also experiment with different types of pears, such as Bosc or Anjou. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating a layer of caramelized onions under the pears for an extra layer of flavor. You can even make individual tartlets instead of one large tart for easier serving.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

I truly believe that this Pear Blue Cheese Tart will become a new favorite in your household. It's a recipe that's sure to impress your friends and family, and it's one that you'll find yourself making again and again. It's the perfect combination of elegance, simplicity, and deliciousness. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can't wait to see what you create! Your feedback helps me improve my recipes and inspire other home cooks. Let's build a community of passionate bakers and share our love of delicious food! Happy baking! I'm eager to see your own take on this delightful Pear Blue Cheese Tart.