Caramelized Pears and Blue Cheese Tarts are elegant, sweet-and-savory puff pastry treats featuring golden pears, tangy blue cheese, and buttery crisp layers—perfect for brunch, appetizers, or entertaining.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15–18 minutes
Total Time:30–35 minutes
Yield:4–6 individual tarts
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baked
Cuisine:French-Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Honey or balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar until combined.
Add pear slices and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly softened. Remove from heat.
Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4–6 rectangles or circles. Score a ½-inch border on each piece.
Arrange caramelized pear slices inside each border. Top with blue cheese and nuts, if using.
Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed.
Garnish with thyme, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze, and cracked black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Don’t overload with pears to prevent soggy pastry.
Use goat cheese, feta, or brie if preferred over blue cheese.
Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Serve as a starter, light lunch, or elegant brunch side.
Mini versions work well for parties or appetizers.