Delicious Gorgonzola, Pear & Walnut Tart: Your 40-Minute Gourmet Appetizer

Gorgonzola, Pear and Walnut Tart is a truly delicious, elegant, and sophisticated appetizer that perfectly marries sweet and savory notes. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust topped with rich, melting Gorgonzola and Gruyère cheeses, tender slices of pear, and crunchy walnuts. This tart is a celebration of contrasting flavors—the pungent tang of blue cheese against the sweet warmth of honey and fruit. Ready in just 40 minutes (when using store-bought pastry), it’s guaranteed to be a centerpiece at any gathering.

This elegant bake showcases the ultimate sweet-and-savory pairing, proving that you can create a sophisticated, restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal ingredients and time. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing favorite. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Feature	Benefit
Sweet & Savory Fusion	The pungent blue cheese and sweet pear create a classic, balanced flavor.
Lightning Fast	Ready in just 40 minutes total (using store-bought pastry).
Elegant Presentation	Looks sophisticated and is perfect for entertaining or holidays.
Textural Delight	Combines flaky crust, creamy cheese, tender fruit, and crunchy walnuts.
Versatile	Perfect as an appetizer, a savory dessert, or a light lunch.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

This savory-sweet tart is a masterpiece of rich flavors and luxurious textures.

The crust, whether made from scratch or from flaky puff pastry, provides a light, buttery crispness that forms the perfect base. The base is layered with shredded Gruyère, which melts into a rich, savory blanket.

The flavor is defined by the Gorgonzola, which adds a strong, salty, and pungent tang. This boldness is beautifully softened by the tender pear slices, which are naturally sweet and become slightly caramelized upon baking.

The chopped walnuts introduce an earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch, while fresh basil leaves add a subtle, aromatic freshness. A final drizzle of honey provides the perfect sticky sweetness to balance the salty cheeses. This Gorgonzola, Pear and Walnut Tart is a truly sophisticated and unforgettable experience.

The Star of the Show: The Gorgonzola and Pear Pairing

While the flaky flatbread is a wonderful base, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this flatbread creation is the iconic Gorgonzola and Pear pairing.. This combination is celebrated for its perfect contrast: the bold, salty, and creamy richness of the blue cheese cuts through the tender, delicate sweetness of the baked pear. The complementary flavors meld beautifully as the tart bakes, creating a sophisticated taste that is simultaneously savory, sweet, and tangy. This is the sophisticated flavor core that elevates this simple bake into a truly gourmet and unforgettable appetizer.

How to Make Your Gorgonzola, Pear & Walnut Tart

This elegant tart is quick to assemble when using store-bought puff pastry. The key is in arranging the ingredients beautifully and ensuring the cheeses are melted and bubbly.

Total Time: 40 minutes (approximate) Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15–20 minutes Servings: 8 Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
Tart:	7 oz	Gorgonzola	Crumbled
	2–3	Firm pears (such as Bosc)	Thinly sliced
	¼ cup	Walnuts, chopped	Approximately 1 ounce (30 g)
	2 sprigs	Basil	Leaves torn
	1 cup	Gruyère	Shredded
	2 teaspoons	Honey	For drizzling
	1 sheet	Puff pastry	Store-bought or homemade
Optional Homemade Dough:	1⅔ cups	All-purpose flour
	½ cup	Cold butter, cubed
	⅓ teaspoon	Salt
	1 medium	Egg
	2 tablespoons	Chia seeds
	1 tablespoon	Ice water

Instructions

1. Make Dough (if using homemade): If making the dough from scratch, follow the recipe: In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Add chia seeds, egg, and ice water. Pulse until dough forms a ball. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out to ⅛ inch thickness and line a 9-inch tart pan. (Skip this step if using store-bought puff pastry.)
2. Assemble the Tart: Preheat your oven to 395°F (200°C). Roll out your puff pastry lightly (or use your homemade dough). Place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère evenly over the tart base. Arrange the thin pear slices neatly on top. Add dollops of crumbled Gorgonzola across the surface. Scatter the chopped walnuts and torn basil leaves evenly over the toppings.
3. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Drizzle the warm tart generously with honey. Slice and serve immediately while warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips for Your Tart

Category	Tip
Pear Selection	Choose firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape and provide the best texture contrast when baked.
Cheese Balance	Gorgonzola is very strong; use the specified amount. The Gruyère provides a milder, foundational melt.
Pastry Shortcut	Store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that ensures a quick assembly and a perfectly flaky result.
Nut Prep	Toasting the walnuts briefly enhances their earthy flavor and crunch.
Serving Temperature	This tart is delicious warm, as the melted cheese and soft pears create the best textural contrast.

Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy & Elegant Appetizer

The Gorgonzola, Pear and Walnut Tart is a true culinary masterpiece, offering a perfect blend of rich, tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements. With its show-stopping presentation and sophisticated taste, it’s a dish that promises to impress every guest. Quick to prepare and incredibly delicious, this Gorgonzola, Pear and Walnut Tart is sure to become a beloved and easy-to-make recipe in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other cheeses instead of Gorgonzola? Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with a sharp Stilton or another pungent blue cheese. If you prefer less tang, use crumbled feta or goat cheese.

What other nuts can I use? Toasted pecans or pine nuts would be excellent substitutes for walnuts in this tart.

Can I make this tart ahead of time? You can prepare the dough (or thaw the pastry) and chop the walnuts ahead of time. However, the tart should be assembled and baked just before serving for the best flaky texture.

What is the best way to slice the pears? Using a mandoline is recommended for slicing the pears thinly and uniformly, ensuring even baking.

Print