Pears are prized in so many dishes, yet pear recipes don’t get the attention they deserve. We think it’s due to deprivation—the seasonal kind. Pears ripen from late summer through fall, so it’s easy to go pearless until then.
While desserts soak up much of the limelight, pears can also play major roles in salads, soups, warm appetizers, and entrees. Our best pear recipe lineup provides a taste of pear season and will hopefully inspire you to experiment further.
Pears are hard when they arrive at the market because they ripen off the tree from the inside out. Apply thumb pressure at the stem end of a pear to test for ripeness: When it’s ready to be enjoyed, it will yield.
Mini Pear Bettys
These individual Pear Bettys are layered with Bartlett pears and a spiced sourdough topping made with butter, sugar, ginger, and apple cider. Bake until golden and tender for an easy, cozy fruit crisp made for one.
Pear Tarte Tatin
Brie Goldman
This classic upside-down tart features caramelized pears and a crisp, flaky puff pastry crust. Cut down time and dishes with a frozen puff pastry and one skillet—it’s an impressive pear dessert for fall dinners or holidays.
Quick & Easy Caramelized Pears
Just a few pantry ingredients turn Bartlett pears into a simple yet sumptuous dessert. Vanilla ice cream just found its new best friend.
Pear Crisp
Sweet Bosc pears are nestled under a crunchy oat-almond topping in this oh-so-simple crisp. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Whole Roasted Chicken with Pear, Shallots, and Thyme
Anjou pears, shallots, and thyme give this succulent roast chicken recipe an intriguing flavor boost. The combo also makes a fabulous presentation when served side by side with the golden bird.
Poached-Pear Frangipane Tart
Talk about eye appeal! Poached pears are mulled in red wine and then sliced over a fantastic frangipane filling, creating a showstopping ombre effect.
Butternut and Pear Soup
Winter squash and pears make for a velvety soup whose natural sweetness is offset by a healthy dollop of sharp yogurt.
Sausage and Pear Stuffing
This standalone, one-dish meal is fragrant with onions and leeks, fennel and celery, rosemary and sage; autumn’s best pears lend just the right amount of sweetness. Use good artisanal bread and your favorite pork sausages. Who needs turkey?
Easy Poached Pears
Grant Webster
Sweet Bosc pears are cooked in a spiced apple cider. This recipe is easy and the results are delicious, the tender pears absorb all the delicious flavors of the syrupy liquid. It’s a dish you’ll want to make all through fall and beyond.
Quick Pear Chutney
This quick pear chutney features ripe pears with honey, cider vinegar, golden raisins, and toasted walnuts for crunch. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside pork, poultry, or rich cheeses for an easy upgrade to fall meals.
