The 12 Best Pear Recipes

Think outside of the box with this collection of delicious pear recipes. Whether you've got a tree in the backyard or pick them up at a farmstand, you can use pears for virtually every meal. Here are a few of our favorite ways to prepare them.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pears, Walnuts, and Bacon

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, giving them a caramelized flavor and slightly crispy edges. Combine those with pears, crunchy walnuts, and savory bacon and you've got a vegetable side dish that might just steal the show. Pecans or hazelnuts would work well in place of the pecans, and you can substitute pancetta for the bacon for an even fancier presentation. Guests will love this roasted Brussels sprouts with pears, walnuts, and bacon recipe!
02 of 12

Grilled Pears

The Spruce / Molly Watson

If you're firing up the grill, don't forget dessert! All varieties of pears work wonderfully when charred, which brings out their natural sweetness. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, garam masala, or even a little cayenne for extra spice. Serve these grilled pears by themselves or with a little ice cream or chocolate sauce for a light, easy end to an alfresco meal.
03 of 12

Sweet Pear, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Salad

Thomas Barwick / Photodisc / Getty Images

Freshen up your lunchtime routine with this easy and elegant sweet pear, walnut, and gorgonzola salad. Just about any lettuce you prefer works fine, and you can choose any type of pear at the market, too. Dress it with a light vinaigrette to avoid masking the flavors. Vegans can leave off the cheese or substitute dairy-free varieties. Serve it as a light lunch or a sprightly first course.
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Fresh Pear Cobbler

The Spruce

Fresh pears and a buttery, cake batter-like topping make this delightful fresh pear cobbler an excellent choice for a fruity dessert or even a brunch side dish. Choose firm, ripe Anjou or Bosc pears for this recipe, or combine them with Bartletts for a little variety. For a pear and blueberry cobbler, just toss in a cup of fresh blueberries with the pears and sugar. Voila!

Continue to 5 of 12 below.
05 of 12

Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Martini

Brian Macdonald / Digital Vision / Getty Images

Have your pears and drink them too with this fizzy sparkling pear and elderflower martini. The delicate, floral cocktail mixes together pear vodka and elderflower liqueur with a finishing topping of champagne for a festive touch. It's just as perfect for a fancy event as a relaxed Sunday brunch or even a "treat yourself" cocktail hour. Garnish it with fresh pears for extra panache.
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Green Pear Smoothie

S&C Design Studios

Turn your next pear bounty into a green pear smoothie. This recipe is considered a green smoothie, a different take on the traditional beverage. It's made with fresh pear, kale, banana, along with ginger and cinnamon for a flavor boost.
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Pear Jam With Vanilla

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Use up extra pears and craft a delicious gift with this pear jam with vanilla. While the recipe calls for a whole vanilla bean, you can also use vanilla bean paste or vanilla sugar. Powdered pectin makes it quicker to prep. Make a big batch and save some for later.
08 of 12

Pear Streusel Coffee Cake

noHut Photography / Getty Images

Greet the day the right way with this pear streusel coffee cake. This recipe is a variation on the classic apple version, which makes a great breakfast for overnight guests. Feel free to add chopped nuts for extra texture. Make it ahead to streamline busy mornings.

Continue to 9 of 12 below.
09 of 12

Pear and Ginger Chicken

James Baigrie / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Both chicken breasts and pears cook quickly, so this recipe comes together in a flash for an easy pear and ginger chicken dinner. Sweet pears, spicy fresh ginger, chicken broth, and savory onion drippings make a delightful sauce you'll want to soak up with pasta or rice as a side. Serve it with a green salad or a vegetable for a unique meal that will please the whole family.
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Skillet Pear Upside-Down Cake

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Impress your dinner guests or the potluck with this gorgeous skillet pear upside-down cake. Fresh pears bring a wonderful sweetness and the gooey caramel layer will have everyone going back for more. Bosc or Anjou pears will hold their shape best for this lovely presentation. Bartlett or Comice pears get too mushy to create textural contrast.
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Pear Grilled Cheese

The Spruce

We love pears and cheese together and this awesome pear grilled cheese showcases them in the very best way. Use a nice, hearty bread for this simple sandwich, which can be dressed up for a nice lunch or just as easily tossed in the brown bag. Funky brie plays off the sweet pears perfectly, but feel free to sub in your favorite sharp cheese instead.
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Pear and Beet Smoothie

Michaela Maier / EyeEm / Getty Images

Those who prefer to drink our fruits and veggies will love this colorful and vitamin-packed pear and beet smoothie. Red beets and pears head into the blender with a little lemon juice for tang and honey for sweetness, along with water and ice cubes. Substitute milk for the water for a creamier texture, add yogurt for thickness or use a different sweetener if you prefer. The only limit is your own creativity!

The 12 Best Pear Recipes for Any Meal

Go beyond the salad plate