Winter Grilled Belgian Roquefort Pears: A Savory-Sweet Masterpiece

Introduction

Winter grilling offers a unique opportunity to explore bold flavors that comfort and surprise. There is something truly magical about the combination of warm, caramelized fruit and sharp, creamy cheese, creating a balance that dances on the palate. These Grilled Belgian Roquefort Pears are the epitome of sophisticated winter dining, blending the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy, distinct bite of Roquefort blue cheese. The flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill is the perfect tool for this dish, allowing the fruit to develop a beautiful golden crust without losing its juicy tenderness. Whether served as an elegant appetizer to kick off a dinner party or a savory-sweet dessert to end the night, this recipe brings warmth and elegance to the cold season. It is a simple yet impressive dish that highlights just how versatile outdoor cooking can be, even when the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 4 large, firm-ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou are ideal for grilling)
• 1 fresh lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 5 oz high-quality Roquefort cheese (crumbled)
• 1/2 cup walnut halves (roughly chopped)
• 3 tablespoons honey (local or wildflower)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
• Optional: Aged balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

1. Wash the pears thoroughly and dry them.
2. Slice each pear in half lengthwise.
3. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully core the pears to remove the seeds, creating a small hollow cavity in the center of each half.
4. Immediately brush the cut sides of the pears with fresh lemon juice. This prevents them from oxidizing and turning brown while adding a bright zest to the flavor profile.
5. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Prepare your Arteflame grill by lighting a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot and the outer flat cooktop reaches a medium-high searing temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface where you intend to place the pears.

Step 3: Sear the Fruit

1. Place the pears cut-side down directly onto the flat steel cooktop.
2. Grill for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. You are looking for beautiful golden-brown sear marks and caramelization on the fruit's surface.
3. Check the texture; the pear should be starting to soften but must remain firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 4: Melting the Roquefort

1. Flip the pears over so they are skin-side down.
2. Move them slightly further from the center fire if they are cooking too fast; the residual heat is perfect for this stage.
3. Fill the hollowed-out center of each pear with a generous portion of crumbled Roquefort cheese.
4. Let them grill for another 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese begins to soften and melt slightly into the warm fruit.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Carefully remove the pears from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. While still hot, top each pear with chopped walnuts.
3. Drizzle generously with honey and, if desired, a touch of balsamic glaze.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately while warm.

Tips

To achieve the perfect grilled pear, fruit selection is paramount. Avoid pears that are overly soft or mushy, as they will fall apart on the hot steel cooktop. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou are superior because their dense flesh holds up beautifully to high heat. When grilling on the Arteflame, remember that the different heat zones are your best friend. Start closer to the center to get that initial caramelized sear on the fruit's sugars, then move them to the outer edge to gently warm the cheese without burning the pear's skin. Additionally, toasting the walnuts briefly on the grill surface before topping the pears adds an extra layer of smoky crunch that elevates the dish significantly. If you are preparing this for a larger gathering, you can prep the pears hours in advance and keep them in lemon water, patting them dry just before they hit the grill.

Variations

While the classic combination of pear and Roquefort is timeless, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to suit different palates or dietary needs. If blue cheese is too pungent for some of your guests, you can easily swap it for a milder cheese that still offers a creamy texture. You can also play with the toppings to shift the flavor profile from savory to sweeter, or even add a spicy kick. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

• The Mild Option: Substitute Roquefort with fresh goat cheese (chèvre) or a creamy Brie for a softer flavor.
• Sweet Dessert Twist: Replace the cheese with mascarpone, dust with cinnamon sugar while grilling, and swap walnuts for pecans.
• The Savory Crunch: Wrap the grilled pear in prosciutto after cooking for a salty, cured meat element.
• Spiced Honey: Infuse your honey with red pepper flakes or cayenne before drizzling for a sweet heat contrast.
• Apple Alternative: Use crisp apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) instead of pears if they are more readily available in your season.

Best pairings

These grilled pears are robust enough to stand on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary beverages and dishes. Because of the saltiness of the Roquefort and the sweetness of the honey and pear, this dish requires a beverage that can cut through the richness while matching the intensity. Whether you are serving this as a sophisticated starter or a cheese-course finale, the right pairing will enhance the experience. For a complete meal, consider serving these alongside lighter proteins that won't overpower the delicate fruit flavors.

• Wine: A chilled Sauternes or a Late Harvest Riesling pairs perfectly with the sweetness, while a vintage Port complements the blue cheese beautifully.
• Salad: Serve atop a bed of peppery arugula or Belgian endive dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
• Main Course: These pairs make an excellent side dish for grilled duck breast, pork tenderloin, or a high-quality filet mignon.

Conclusion

Grilled Belgian Roquefort Pears are a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients prepared with care and fire. This recipe transforms humble winter fruits into a gourmet experience that looks stunning on the plate and tastes even better. The smoky nuance provided by the Arteflame grill adds a layer of depth that traditional oven baking simply cannot replicate. The interplay of textures—crisp walnuts, creamy cheese, and tender fruit—ensures that every bite is exciting. Whether you are hosting a festive holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this dish creates a memorable culinary moment that celebrates the flavors of winter in the most delicious way possible.