20 Best Pear Recipes That Are Perfect for Ripe, Juicy Fruit
Salads, drinks, and desserts!
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Of all the fall recipes, many folks tend to think of apples: savory apple recipes, apple cinnamon recipes, and tons of apple desserts. But the unsung hero of fall fruits—pears—deserve some attention, too. After all, pears are just as sweet and comforting, and you can get them by the bushel once the weather turns cool. Not to mention, pears can be used in both sweet and savory recipes—just like apples! Whether you're looking for a fall dinner idea (like honey bourbon pear pork chops) or a Thanksgiving dessert (like Ree Drummond's scrumptious pear crisp), here are the best pear recipes for every occasion.
If you’re heading to the farmers' market or even the supermarket, look for pear varieties like brown Bosc pears, for example, which are sweet but firm for baking, or green Anjou pears which are better for eating raw. No matter the variety, though, pears can be sliced into fall salads, roasted with other fall veggies (like butternut squash), or paired with flavorful blue cheese on a crostini. And of course, pears can be baked into your favorite fall desserts: crumbles, homemade pies, cakes, and more! So what are you waiting for? Here are all the ways you can cook with pears!
Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini
The marriage of sweet pear slices and sharp blue cheese is like a match made in heaven. It’s the perfect starter for your holiday dinner.
Get the Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini recipe.
Apple-Pear Lattice Pie
Two fall fruits are better than one! Serve this show-stopping pie on Thanksgiving—but don't expect any leftovers!
Get Ree's Apple-Pear Lattice Pie recipe.
Pear Upside Down Cake
Pears are the perfect fruit for upside-down cakes. They have a custard-like taste and texture that’s delicious when served warm.
Get the Pear Upside Down Cake recipe.
Honey Bourbon Pear Pork Chops
This skillet dinner is a stunning assortment of fall colors, all in one pan.
Get the Honey Bourbon Pear Pork Chops recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Pear Crisp
Sweet and tart pears, like Bosc, work well for this fruity dessert. They’re juicy and delicious, without turning too mushy.
Get Ree's Pear Crisp recipe.
Pear Apple Cider
A mix of apples and pears makes this cider even more fruit-forward! It’s a sweet, warm, comforting drink that can be served with or without bourbon or rum!
Celery Pear Salad
If you love crunchy salads or salads that are made up of mostly mix-ins, then this celery and pear salad is for you! It’s refreshing, crisp, and just a little bit nutty.
Pear Cranberry Crisp
Honey-sweetened pears and tangy cranberries make the perfect combination in this fall crisp recipe. It’s a crunchy, warm treat that’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Caramel Pear Cheesecake Bars
This recipe starts with a shortbread cookie crust, then adds a creamy cheesecake layer, a homemade pear filling, and finally ends with an oatmeal crumble. To make it even more decadent, don’t be shy with the caramel drizzle over the top.
Get the Caramel Pear Cheesecake Bars recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Pear Ginger Lemon Thyme Drink
This sweet-tart mocktail uses mulled pear, ginger beer, lemon juice, and warm spices to leave you feeling refreshed.
Get the Pear Ginger Lemon Thyme Drink recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.
Pear Bread
This quick bread is full of flavor and texture thanks to fresh pears, cinnamon, vanilla, and almonds. A thick slice on a chilly fall morning is sure to warm you right up.
Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad
Turn any bowl of greens into a festive fall salad when you add sweet pear slices and buttery candied walnuts. It’s simple and refreshing.
Get the Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad recipe at Simply Lakita.
Pear Clafouti
If you’ve never had a clafouti before, this classic French dessert has a flan-like batter that puffs up when baked. During the fall, it’s delicious when you add thinly sliced pears.
Get Ree's Pear Clafouti recipe.
White Pear Sangria
Easy pitcher cocktails are perfect for the holidays. This one features seasonal pears and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Slow Cooker Pear and Sausage Stuffing
Free up some space in the oven this Thanksgiving by making your stuffing in the slow cooker! You can load it up with herbs, sausage, and pears for a savory-sweet side.
Get the Slow Cooker Pear and Sausage Stuffing recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Pear Oatmeal Muffins
These wholesome muffins are a great way to use up overripe pears. Prep them ahead for a grab-and-go breakfast or an after-school snack.
Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Onions, and Pears
Featuring roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and sweet pears, this side dish just screams fall! It's great for serving alongside turkey, chicken, or pork.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Onions, and Pears recipe at The Noshery.
Cinnamon-Baked Pears
Pears are already soft and juicy, so baking them with cinnamon and maple syrup only makes them better. Top with granola for some crunch or a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Cinnamon-Baked Pears recipe at Jessica in the Kitchen.
Pear, Goat Cheese, and Bacon Pizza
Here’s a new way to try pears—as a topping for pizza! Along with caramelized onions, bacon, and goat cheese, this pizza is an unexpected dish that the whole family will love.
Get the Pear, Goat Cheese, and Bacon Pizza recipe at Love in My Oven.
Caramelized Pear Tart
Frozen puff pastry makes this pear tart easier to make than it looks. Give it a drizzle of honey and dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
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