Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Pear With Blue Cheese Cream

I remember the first time I tried this combination. It was at a small gathering, years ago, and the host, a woman with effortlessly chic style and a penchant for the unexpected, presented a platter of these golden-brown morsels. The sweet, yielding pear, the salty, crisp prosciutto, and the tangy, creamy blue cheese were a revelation. It was a symphony of flavors and textures, a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that I’ve been recreating ever since. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Servings: 2-3
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 6 slices prosciutto, very thin and trimmed of excess fat
• ½ medium Bartlett pear (very ripe and sweet is best) or ½ medium Anjou pear, cored and cut into 6 wedges (very ripe and sweet is best)
• ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons light cream
• ½ teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
• Fresh ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Lay the prosciutto slices side by side on a clean work surface. Make sure they are slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage around the pear wedge.
3. Place a pear wedge near the end of each slice of prosciutto and tightly roll it up. The prosciutto should completely encase the pear.
4. Transfer the wrapped pear wedges to the prepared baking sheet, placing them seam-side down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
5. At this point, you can lightly sprinkle the wrapped pears with freshly ground black pepper, if desired. This adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the pear and the saltiness of the prosciutto.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 6 minutes, or until the prosciutto is lightly browned and crisp, and the pear has softened slightly. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
7. While the pears are roasting, prepare the blue cheese cream. In a small saucepan, combine the crumbled blue cheese, light cream, and finely chopped thyme.
8. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the cheese melts into the cream and forms a smooth, luscious sauce. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
9. Season the blue cheese cream with pepper to taste. Remember that blue cheese is already quite salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
10. Once the roasted prosciutto-wrapped pears are ready, carefully remove them from the oven.
11. Arrange the roasted wrapped pears attractively on a serving plate, placing them around a small bowl containing the warm blue cheese cream.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears. The pears should be slightly soft to the touch. If your pears are not quite ripe, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
• Make sure the prosciutto is very thin. This will allow it to crisp up properly in the oven without burning. If the prosciutto is too thick, it may remain chewy.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If you’re making a large batch, roast the pears in batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute dried thyme. Use about ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme for every ½ teaspoon of fresh thyme.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the roasted pears before serving.
• If you find that your blue cheese cream is too thick, add a little more cream until you reach your desired consistency.
• To prevent the blue cheese cream from developing a skin while you wait for the pears to roast, cover the saucepan with a lid or a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the roasted prosciutto-wrapped pears immediately while they are still warm and the prosciutto is crispy. The warm blue cheese cream complements the pears beautifully. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a sophisticated snack.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the prosciutto will lose its crispness over time. To reheat, you can bake the pears in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes, or until heated through. The blue cheese cream can be reheated gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	181.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	114 g	63%
Total Fat	12.7 g	19%
Saturated Fat	8.1 g	40%
Cholesterol	35.2 mg	11%
Sodium	477.4 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	10.2 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	5.8 g	N/A
Protein	7.8 g	15%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegetarian option, replace the prosciutto with thinly sliced smoked tofu or grilled halloumi cheese.
• If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute another type of cheese, such as Gorgonzola, goat cheese, or Brie.
• For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and a plant-based cream.
• Experiment with different herbs. Instead of thyme, try rosemary, sage, or oregano.
• Add a touch of spice by including a pinch of red pepper flakes in the blue cheese cream.
• In the fall, substitute pears with apple slices or butternut squash cubes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: You can prep the pears by coring and slicing them, and you can also make the blue cheese cream ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble and roast the pears just before serving to ensure the prosciutto is crispy.

Q: What kind of blue cheese is best for this recipe?

A: A creamy, mild blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola dolce or a French blue cheese, works well in this recipe. Avoid overly pungent blue cheeses, as they can overpower the other flavors.

Q: Can I use a different type of pear?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pear that is ripe and sweet. Bosc pears or Comice pears are also good options.

Q: How do I prevent the prosciutto from burning in the oven?

A: Make sure the prosciutto is very thin and trimmed of excess fat. Also, keep a close eye on the pears while they are roasting and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also makes a delicious addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Pear With Blue Cheese Cream is a truly special dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors is irresistible, and it’s sure to impress your guests. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and feedback with me – I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures! This appetizer also pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. Enjoy!