Don’t let apples get the spotlight all fall long. Incorporate pears into your meals this season when you can’t look at yet another apple pie. Pears are full of nutrients (think: fiber, copper, potassium and vitamins B2, C and E) — making them a superfood that is sure to keep you healthy. Pears’ crispness, tartness and sweetness lend themselves to a variety of dishes: From breakfast chia seed puddings to appetizers made with creamy brie and salty prosciutto to nourishing soups for dinner, the possibilities are endless. Grab some pears next time you’re at the farmers’ market or grocery store and get cooking!
1. Healthy Pear Pancetta Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites: Swap pears for crackers or crostini for a gluten- and grain-free appetizer. Slice and refrigerate them the day before your party to save time. The whipped honey goat cheese can also be made a day ahead. Just assemble them right before your guests arrive, sprinkle with cracked pepper and you’re free to spend time with your friends and family. (via Food Done Light)
2. Pear, Goat Cheese and Walnut Salad: This salad is topped with maple vinaigrette and is the perfect fall side or main dish. Add protein for a full meal: Grilled chicken blends nicely, or if you’re a vegetarian, you can use extra seeds, quinoa or tofu. (via A Pinch of Healthy)
3. Cinnamon-Spiced Pear Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seed pudding is *so* in right now — give it a seasonal twist with roasted pears and cinnamon. You’ll be satisfied until lunch, thanks to the fiber from the chia seeds and pears. (via Brit + Co)
4. Red Cabbage and Pear Salad With Walnuts: In a decadent holiday season, the health benefits in this salad can’t be beat: copper, fiber, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Oh, it’s also unbelievably delicious and crunchy, in case you needed another selling point for your lunch plans this week. (via Heavenlynn Healthy)
5. Creamy Ginger Rice Pudding With Honeyed Roast Pears and Walnuts: This is pure comfort food, and is a great pudding for the time of year when the days are short and the weather has a slight chill. Enjoy this bowl of creamy, sweet goodness that warms you from the inside out. (via Cockles n’ Mussels)
6. Pear Ginger Muffins: Nothing makes the house feel more cozy than something baking in the oven. Fill your house with the scents of pears and ginger while you cozy up to read while they bake. (via Recipe Runner)
7. Roasted Pear and Chocolate Scones: Give apple and pumpkin a rest this fall. You won’t regret trying these delicious, flaky pear and chocolate scones for breakfast, brunch or dessert. (via Swim, Eat, Repeat)
8. Rustic Pear-Almond Galette: Imperfection is a selling point for this Thanksgiving dessert; you really can’t mess this one up, since the dough doesn’t need to be rolled out perfectly. Serve with ice cream and your guests will go nuts. (via Climb Eat Cycle Repeat)
9. Baked Pears With Honey, Cranberry and Pecans: You’ve seen baked apples, but what about baked pears? The cranberries have a tasty tang, while the pecans bring a little crunch. These just might be more delicious than the original. (via Brit + Co)
10. Ginger Pear Ice Cream: It’s never too cold for ice cream, and if you’re looking for a special fall treat, try making your own. You don’t even need to own an ice cream maker. (via The Kitchen Wife)
11. Pear and Squash Chicken Skillet: If you’re looking for a one-pan, gluten-free AND paleo meal, this recipe is done in less than 45 minutes and checks off all the boxes for a perfect dinner party meal. It’s sweet and savory and perfect for coming home to after a long day of shopping. (via Real Simple Good)
12. Sweet N’ Savory Pastry Puffs: Puff pastry is the MVP of the holiday entertaining season, and you’re likely to have an extra pack in your freezer to make these quick appetizers. Not to mention: Brie + pears + puff pastry = delicious. (via Brit + Co)
13. Pear and Chocolate Malt Tarte Tatin: Here’s your go-to answer for fall dessert: Pears and chocolate are a match made in foodie heaven. (via Wilde Orchard)
14. Vanilla Poached Pears on Chocolate Sablé Breton: Sablé is the love child of two of Northern France’s most famous products: salt and butter. Pears are easy to poach, and when you add the vanilla whipped cream, you have a dessert that will impress everyone. (via Ollie Bo)
15. Creamy Whole Oats With Cardamom Roasted Pears: This recipe may take an hour to cook, but chalk it up to a lazy Sunday activity and serve it to your honey as breakfast in bed. (via Gather and Dine)
16. Honey Ginger Pear Cheesecake: Move over, pumpkin cheesecake — there’s a new sheriff in town. Pear cheesecake *needs* to be your Thanksgiving dessert this year. Ginger gives this recipe a little bit of spice that balances the sweetness of honey and pears. (via Jar of Lemons)
17. Overnight Crockpot Apple Pear Butter: Remember all those apples you picked at the orchard last weekend? Before you go to bed, throw them into the crockpot with a few pears, and you’ll have a spread yummy enough that it deserves a spot on your brunch table. (via Oh So Delicioso)
18. Butternut Squash Risotto With Pears and Sage: Pears pair (pun intended) with creamy butternut squash — this recipe is worthy of a date night or Meatless Monday. (via The Wimpy Vegetarian)
19. Cauliflower and Asian Pear Soup With Ginger: Cauliflower and Asian pear may not be an obvious combo, but def give this soup a try. Cinnamon and ginger play warming and subtle roles, while potatoes thicken and smooth out the texture without cream. Leftovers are *good* when they involve this soup. (via Nourishing Matters)
20. Pear + Brie Toasts With Honey Balsamic Drizzle: Colder temps require more than chips and guac as an appetizer. Crostini are sure to delight all of your guests, and the combo of crisp pear and creamy brie will please everyone. (via Sweet Love and Ginger)
What are your favorite recipes with pears? Let us know below in the comments.
