If you’re craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and crunchy, look no further than this Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender caramelized Brussels sprouts, juicy pear pieces, creamy, tangy blue cheese crumbles, and crunchy toasted walnuts. This recipe will quickly become one of your favorite vegetable sides, offering a beautiful mix of textures and flavors that scream comfort and sophistication all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding depth, texture, and bursts of flavor to the final dish. From the toasty walnuts to the juicy pears, everything works harmoniously to create something truly special.
- Walnuts (2 tbsp, chopped): Toast these to bring out their rich, nutty flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): The perfect medium for sautéing, lending a gentle fruitiness while helping caramelize the Brussels sprouts.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, halved): Fresh and firm, they provide a slightly bitter and earthy base that balances the sweet and creamy accents.
- Salt and pepper (pinch): Essential to elevate all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Blue cheese crumbles (1/2 cup): This adds a creamy, tangy punch that melts beautifully over the warm veggies.
- Pears (2, sliced and chopped): Juicy, sweet, and slightly crisp, pears add freshness and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the blue cheese.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Just a splash to brighten the whole dish and add a touch of acidity.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
Start by heating the chopped walnuts in a large skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally until they smell fragrant and take on a light golden hue. This simple step unlocks their rich, toasty flavor, adding an irresistible crunch to the dish. Once toasted, set them aside so they’re ready to be combined later.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Next, pour the olive oil into the skillet and warm it up over medium heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, then season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and allow the sprouts to cook undisturbed for about 7 minutes. This gentle steaming softens them while the bottoms caramelize, developing that mouthwatering slightly crispy texture.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Remove the lid and add the toasted walnuts, chopped pears, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Give everything a good stir—this is where those beautiful caramelized edges shine, mingling with the sweetness of the pears and the bright zing of lemon. Let everything cook together for an additional 3 minutes so the flavors can marry perfectly.
Step 4: Finish With Blue Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the warm mixture. The subtle heat will soften the cheese just enough to add a creamy, rich layer without melting it completely. This final touch brings a luscious tang that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Top this dish with a few extra toasted walnuts or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the sweetness. Fresh thyme leaves scattered across the top add a pop of color and a subtle herbal note, making the presentation as vibrant as the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seared pork chops, or grilled steak for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. It also works wonderfully as part of a vegetarian spread alongside hearty grains like quinoa or farro.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it warm as a stand-alone dish in pretty bowls for a casual lunch, or plate it elegantly with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a special occasion. You can also toss this mixture with cooked pasta or use it as a flavorful layer atop a flatbread for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish holds up well, but the pears might release a bit of juice, so give everything a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
Because of the fresh pears and delicate blue cheese, freezing this dish isn’t recommended as it could change the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the Brussels sprouts’ texture and allow the flavors to awaken again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, feta or goat cheese work well as alternatives, giving creaminess without overpowering the pears and sprouts.
What’s the best way to clean Brussels sprouts?
Rinse them under cold water and trim the stem ends. Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves to ensure you’re working with fresh, vibrant sprouts.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes if you’re out of walnuts or want a different crunch—but walnuts’ flavor pairs particularly nicely with blue cheese and pears.
Is this dish gluten free?
Yes, this Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can this be made vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the blue cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and you’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe is truly a little gem of a dish, bursting with color, texture, and flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy this wonderful combination of autumnal goodness that is sure to brighten up your table and your taste buds!
Print
Brussels Sprouts with Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make sautéed Brussels sprouts dish, complemented by the sweetness of pears, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the tangy creaminess of blue cheese. Perfect as a warm side for any meal, this recipe balances savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 pears, sliced and chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Dairy
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Nuts & Oils
- 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: Heat the chopped walnuts in a large skillet over medium heat until they are lightly toasted and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to prevent burning.
- Heat the Oil: In the same large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the Brussels sprouts.
- Cook the Brussels Sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook without stirring for about 7 minutes to allow them to soften and caramelize on one side.
- Add Pears, Walnuts, and Lemon Juice: Uncover the skillet and stir in the toasted walnuts, chopped pears, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix and cook for an additional 3 minutes so the flavors meld and Brussels sprouts finish caramelizing.
- Finish with Blue Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the warm Brussels sprouts mixture. Serve immediately while the cheese is slightly melting.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the walnuts until golden but not burnt.
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid overly mushy texture.
- You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian side.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop.
