Pear and Bleu Cheese Appetizer Skewers with Arugula and Pecans
Looking for the perfect appetizer to make this season? Not only is this Pear and Bleu Cheese Appetizer Skewer super simple yet delicious. It also is easy to make and will impress every guest and they have a slight sweet yet salty bite! Curious how to make these Pear and Bleu Cheese Appetizer Skewers? Keep reading to see how…
I am OBSESSED with these Pear and Bleu Cheese Appetizer Skewers! Not only are they quick, easy, sweet and savory they make a killer appetizer for just about any party this season! The ingredients are super simple to grab and they are even simpler to make! Here is all you will need:
- Greens of choice (I love using Arugula for these skewers, but you can also use Spinach, Kale, or Endives)
- Fruit of choice (for this one we are using pears but you can also use things like fresh apples, poached pears , sliced grapefruit, etc)
- Candied nuts (for this recipe we are using candied pecans but candied walnuts or roasted cashews make a great choice as well)
- Favorite cheese (I love a great Gorgonzola cheese for this skewers but if you aren’t in to a bleu cheese like vibe you can always use a goat cheese, brie, cheddar, or more. Basically the options are endless).
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THIS APPETIZER!
- Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the pear contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the bleu cheese. This combination creates a beautiful complex flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
- Easy to Prepare: These skewers are simple to assemble, requiring just a few minutes of prep time. They’re perfect for entertaining or as a quick and tasty snack.
- Nutritional Benefits: Pears are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Arugula is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and folate, while pecans provide healthy fats and protein. Basically a fully nutritionally rich bite in every skewer!
- Make Ahead: Pears can tend to brown after cutting them so I would recommend making this recipe within 2 hours of serving. You can make them ahead of time and set in fridge for a while or make them right before guests arrive. If you make ahead – just be sure to not pour the dressing on top – waiting until right before guests arrive.
Pear and Bleu Cheese Appetizer Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 Pears ripe but firm
- 100 grams Bleu Cheese I like to use Gorgonzola or Roquefort
- 1 cup Fresh Arugula washed and dried
- 1/2 cup Halved Pecans
- 2 tbsp Hone
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- Wooden Skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
Prepare The Ingredients
- Cut the pears into bite-sized cubes, removing the core and seeds.
- Cut the blue cheese into small cubes similar in size to the pear cubes.
- Wash and dry the arugula leaves thoroughly.
- Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool, then roughly chop them.
Assemble The Skewers
- Thread a piece of pear onto the skewer, followed by a cube of blue cheese, a pecan half, and a couple of arugula leaves.
- Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving a bit of space at each end for handling.
Make The Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste.
Serve
- Arrange the prepared skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing over the skewers just before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- **Optionally, garnish the platter with additional arugula leaves and pecans for an extra touch of elegance.**
Enjoy
- Serve the Pear and Blue Cheese Skewers with Arugula and Pecans as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a light and elegant snack. ** The combination of sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans is sure to impress your guests. **
WAYS TO JAZZ IT UP A BIT!
Want to add a bit of protein to the skewers? Add your favorite protein on top. A few great options are:
- Add a bit of sliced Prosciutto (pairs great with Goat Cheese or even a hard cheese (like Parmesan or Manchego)
- Add a bit of sliced Turkey (pairs great with Gouda)
- Add a bit of Salami (pairs great with Gruyere, Sharp Cheddars, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Pecorino Romano)
Not a fan of pears or Bleu Cheese ? Below are a few different variations you can add instead of pears:
- Instead of Bleu Cheese try Goat Cheese or even a bit of Gouda
- Instead of Pear try Sliced Apples
Both options will give you the same vibe but a little bit different taste for various flavor palettes.
Want to make it a bit heartier? Feel free to add it to the top of a crostini if skewers aren’t your thing!
So there you have it, the perfectly simple yet fancy looking Appetizer Skewer that everyone who tries it will absolutely enjoy! Be sure to let me know if you make this appetizer and let me know in the comments a few of your favorite things to serve or jazz up this type of appetizer skewer for your liking!
READ NOW, MAKE LATER:
