Name: Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cup medium grind yellow cornmeal; 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 cups plain full fat Greek yogurt (room temperature); 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter (melted); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 3 tablespoons honey; 1 small pear (about 5 ounces, peeled, cored, and finely chopped); 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels; 6 ounces blue cheese (ideally Stilton, crumbled); 1 long pear (cut into VERY thin slices lengthwise)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 39 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a uniquely delicious comfort food that blends sweet, tangy, and savory notes all in one slice, look no further than this Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe. This wonderfully moist cornbread elevates a classic Southern staple by adding bursts of fresh pear, pockets of creamy blue cheese, and the subtle crunch of corn kernels. Each bite is a splendid balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or simply to brighten up your meal routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

An oval white dish is held by a woman's hands above a white marbled surface with soft natural light. Inside the dish is a mixture topped with six pear slices arranged in two rows of three, each pear slice light yellow with dark seeds visible at the center. The dish looks like it has a creamy, slightly textured base, and there are small chunks of a crumbly white cheese scattered on top, especially around the pear slices. A gray cloth napkin is partly under the dish, and to the right, there is some crumbled cheese on brown parchment paper with a small wooden knife resting on it. Nearby, a dark wicker basket holds multiple green pears, with a few pears outside the basket on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an important role, from the slightly tangy yogurt that keeps the bread moist to the sweet honey perfectly complementing the blue cheese’s boldness.

Medium grind yellow cornmeal: Provides the signature grainy texture and vibrant golden color essential in cornbread.
Flour: Adds structure and a tender crumb to balance the cornmeal’s texture.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that enhances the natural pear flavor without overpowering the savory elements.
Baking powder: Ensures your cornbread rises beautifully and stays light.
Salt: A small but crucial ingredient that amplifies all the other flavors.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create a perfect rise and texture.
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making each bite luscious and soft.
Butter (melted): Brings richness and a delicate buttery flavor to the cornbread.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the tender crumb.
Honey: Sweetens naturally and complements both the pear and blue cheese beautifully.
Pear (peeled, cored, and finely chopped): Provides fresh, juicy bursts that keep the cornbread from being too dense.
Frozen corn kernels: Add a delightful sweetness and slight crunch to every bite.
Blue cheese (crumbled): The star savory ingredient, with its creamy texture and bold flavor that contrasts the sweetness.
Long pear slices (thinly cut lengthwise): Used as an attractive, flavorful topping that bakes into the crust.

How to Make Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. This ensures the cornbread won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting your pan ready first means you’ll have everything at hand when the batter is whipped up.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda on low speed. This blends all your dry ingredients thoroughly so your cornbread will have a consistent texture and rise evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix

With the mixer still on low, add the yogurt, eggs, melted butter, and honey to the dry mix. Blend just until all ingredients are combined—overmixing can make the cornbread tough, so be gentle and patient here to keep things light and fluffy.

Step 4: Fold in Pear, Corn, and Blue Cheese

Now the fun part: fold in the frozen corn kernels, finely chopped pear, and about three-quarters of your blue cheese crumbles. Folding by hand gently distributes these flavorful bits throughout the batter without crushing the fruit or cheese, so every bite delivers little surprises.

Step 5: Transfer Batter and Add Toppings

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and gently spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining blue cheese on top, then arrange the thin pear slices over the batter, pressing them lightly to secure. These slices will caramelize slightly in the oven, offering a beautiful appearance and sweet-savory contrast.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your baking dish on the oven’s lowest rack and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The edges should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil and continue baking. For convection ovens, watch closely as cooking times can be shorter.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld and makes slicing easier without crumbling. Then dig in and enjoy your creation!

How to Serve Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe

The image shows a baked pear dish in an oval white ceramic baking dish, with five large slices of pear placed evenly on top, each slice showing seeds and a light brown, slightly caramelized skin. The base is golden brown with a soft, crumbly texture visible around the edges and where a triangular piece has been cut out. A slice of the dish sits on a stack of two white plates with a fork holding a bite-sized piece, both plates resting on a white marbled surface. Two fresh green pears, a small bowl of crumbly cheese, a piece of blue cheese with a knife, and a gray cloth add rustic touches around the main dish. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or chives sprinkled on top before serving add a bright herbal note that pairs beautifully with the blue cheese. A drizzle of honey right before serving brings a lovely glossy sheen and extra sweetness that enhances the pears even more.

Side Dishes

This cornbread is so versatile it can elevate a wide range of meals. Serve alongside a hearty bowl of chili, a crisp green salad with walnuts, or even roasted autumn vegetables. It’s also fabulous with a simple spread of butter or a creamy soup for a comforting snack or light dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning party platter, cut the cornbread into bite-sized squares and top each with a small dollop of fig jam or a sliver of prosciutto. You can even turn leftovers into croutons by cubing and toasting them for salad or soup garnish. The Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe lends itself so well to playful presentations that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days in the refrigerator. The flavors meld more overnight, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

This cornbread freezes beautifully when sliced first. Place the individual slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cornbread can last for several months, perfect for quick meals or unexpected company.

Reheating

To reheat, toast slices lightly in a skillet or pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture—a crisp exterior with a soft, warm center is what makes this Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe truly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese gives a unique tangy punch, you can experiment with feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will alter the flavor profile slightly but keep the overall deliciousness intact.

What type of pear works best?

Look for firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc that hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Avoid overly ripe or soft pears to prevent the cornbread from becoming soggy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the yogurt and butter can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and plant-based margarine or oil. The texture might shift slightly, but it will still be scrumptious.

Is it possible to make this cornbread gluten-free?

Replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend should work fine. Make sure the blend is one-to-one with regular flour and contains a binding agent to maintain the texture.

How can I prevent the blue cheese from overwhelming the flavor?

Use a milder blue cheese like Stilton, which has a creamy texture and less sharpness compared to varieties like Roquefort or Gorgonzola. Also, balancing the blue cheese with sweet honey and juicy pear helps keep the flavors harmonious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Pear and Blue Cheese Cornbread Recipe that makes it a standout on any table. Its blend of textures and flavors captures the heart of home cooking while offering a little adventurous twist. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to for gatherings or cozy meals at home.