Stuffed Dwarf Pears

Red Pear Party Bites:

Appetisers With Flavour:

Pears have always intrigued me. There’s something about their texture and subtle sweetness that makes them an ideal ingredient for both sweet and savoury dishes & as bite-size appetisers, they’re awesome.

Dwarf pears come in a variety of colours, but honestly, seeing these pears grabbed my attention.

Perfectly ripe Red Princess dwarf pears, they demand to be the star of the show.

Their deep red colour alone is enough to make any dish visually striking, and their size makes them perfect for individual bites that are easy to enjoy at any gathering.

One of the things I love most about using pears in appetisers is how more than almost any other fruit, they add elegance with no effort at all & elevate a dish.

I’m not sure if it’s the curves or what but, they definitely command a place on your party menu.

I often pair ingredients that are salty, creamy, juicy, and textured, so no surprises there.

And while often seen in desserts or cheese boards, pears have a delicate but complex flavour that pairs beautifully with bold and salty ingredients.

When balanced correctly, they bring out the best in everything around them, creating a bite that is both refined and comforting.

I love appetisers that don’t just taste great but also bring an element of surprise.

These stuffed dwarf pears do just that.

The contrast of flavours and textures is what makes them work—salty pancetta, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and the drizzle of honey all come together with the pear’s natural juiciness to create something unexpected.

It’s the kind of bite that makes you pause for a moment to appreciate how well everything complements each other.

Every ingredient has a role to play, and when combined, the result is nothing short of sensational.

Another thing I appreciate about these pear bites is their versatility.

They’re elegant enough to serve at a formal gathering, but also casual enough to throw together for a cosy evening with friends.

I’m all about food that delivers big on flavour without demanding too much effort, and these pear bites check all the boxes.

They also make a stunning addition to a grazing board, adding a sensational pop of colour that naturally draws people in.

Food should be inviting and make people curious to take a bite, and that’s exactly what happens when these pears hit the table.

For me, using pears this way is about embracing their full potential.

Too often, they are relegated to desserts or poached for a classic preparation.

But they have so much more to offer.

Their natural juiciness and ability to pair with a wide range of flavours make them a dream ingredient for tasty appetisers.

Whether they’re fresh, roasted, or lightly caramelised, they bring a dimension of flavour that’s hard to match.

You’ve got to first try these appetisers with flavour fresh as opposed to baked…so flavourful and juicy!

So if you’ve never thought about using pears in a savoury dish like this, I highly recommend giving it a try.

They may just surprise you.

And if you love to experiment with flavours like I do, you’ll have a lot of fun finding new ways to let pears shine.

You be the judge!

Stuffed Dwarf Pears

(Serves 12 Prep 30 Mins)

You Will Need:

Dwarf Pears: Choose firm yet ripe pears with a deep red hue for the best presentation and flavour. Their natural sweetness balances the savoury elements of this dish. I have chosen Red Princess dwarf pears for their vibrant colour. If not available, then. choose another variety. All major supermarkets stock dwarf pears in the middle of summer here in Australia.

Pancetta: Use high-quality, thinly sliced pancetta for the best texture. If unavailable, prosciutto can be a good alternative, though pancetta provides a more pronounced savoury depth.

Marinated Feta: Opt for feta marinated in olive oil and herbs, as it will have extra flavour and creaminess. If using plain feta, consider drizzling a touch of olive oil and a pinch of dried oregano & crushed garlic for extra depth. Persian feta is another delicious option.

Chopped Walnuts: Roughly chop the walnuts for a mix of textures. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan before using will bring out their nuttiness and add an extra layer of flavour but it is not necessary. You could also use pecans as an alternative.

Roughly Chopped Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic balance to the richness of the pancetta and feta. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavours. Sage is my other go-to for this recipe but alas, I ran out!

Honey: A good-quality honey, such as wildflower or acacia, will provide the best natural sweetness to complement the pears but any honey will suffice. I tend to mix a tsp of water with it to loosen it up, make it less sticky and easier to drizzle.

Rocket Leaves (Optional): These peppery greens add a fresh contrast to the dish and can be used as a garnish or served alongside the pear bites for an extra layer of texture. Sprinkle a couple of leaves on top or create a bed of rocket to serve your pears on. It adds a nice contrast in colour as well.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pears – Start by rinsing the pears under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the tops of each pear.
2. Hollow Out the Centres – Take a melon baller or a small spoon and carefully scoop out the centre of each pear, removing the core and seeds. Be careful, to avoid puncturing the bottom, as you want the pears to hold their filling securely. If needed, use a small paring knife to refine the hollowed-out section for an even shape. Set the prepared pears aside.
3. Shape the Pancetta – Lay each pancetta slice flat on a clean surface. Fold the slice in half lengthwise to create a slightly thicker strip. Then, starting from one end, gently roll the pancetta into a loose spiral, mimicking the look of a delicate rose. The layers should be loose enough to allow some air between them while still holding their shape.
4. Assemble the Pear Bites – Take one prepared pancetta rose and place it inside the hollowed-out centre of each pear. Press gently to ensure it sits securely within the cavity without compressing the layers too tightly.
5. Add the Feta – Using a spoon, scoop a heaped teaspoon of marinated feta and carefully place it on top of the pancetta inside the pear. Lightly press the feta down so that it fills any gaps while still maintaining a textured, slightly crumbly appearance.
6. Top with Walnuts – Sprinkle a generous pinch of chopped walnuts over the stuffed pears. If you prefer extra crunch, you can toast the walnuts lightly beforehand for a deeper, nuttier flavour.
7. Drizzle with Honey – Just before serving, take a small spoon of honey & mix it with a tsp of water & drizzle it over each pear, letting it flow naturally down the sides. The honey enhances the overall flavour balance, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the salty and tangy elements of the filling.

Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

• Make sure your pears have a little give when you press on them without being too soft. That way they will be perfectly ripe and juicy.

• You can swap out the marinated feta for goat cheese, whipped goat cheese or even blue cheese.

• If you can’t find Pancetta, use Prosciutto or Serrano ham for this flavourful finger food.

• Adding a touch of water to the honey, allows for it to be less thick and sticky but still add a sweet drizzle to the pear.

Stuffed Dwarf Pears

(Serves 12 Prep 30 Mins)

Ingredients

• 12 Dwarf Pears
• 12 slices Pancetta
• 100gm Marinated Feta
• 2 Tbsp Chopped Walnuts
• Roughly Chopped Rosemary
• 2 tsp Honey (mixed with a tsp water)
• 12 Rocket Leaves (optional) 

Method

1. Rinse the pears under cold water and remove the tops with a sharp knife.
2. Use a melon baller to scoop out the centre of each pear, removing the core.
3. Fold each pancetta slice in half and loosely roll it into a rose shape.
4. Place a pancetta rose inside the hollowed centre of each pear.
5. Spoon a heaped teaspoon of feta into each pear.
6. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
7. Drizzle honey over each pear before serving.
8. Serve on a bed of rocket leaves or sprinkle rocket leaves over the pears.

Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Riesling (Off-Dry or Late Harvest) – The natural sweetness and acidity of Riesling will enhance the pears while balancing the salty pancetta and feta. Try a German Riesling.

Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc (from New Zealand or the Loire Valley) will cut through the richness of the pancetta and feta while highlighting the fruitiness of the pear.

Viognier – This aromatic white offers stone fruit and floral notes that complement the pear’s sweetness while standing up to the boldness of the pancetta and feta.

Prosecco – The light effervescence and subtle fruitiness of Prosecco make it a perfect match for the pears and honey, keeping the dish feeling fresh.

Champagne (Brut or Extra Brut) – The crisp acidity and bubbles contrast beautifully with the creamy feta and crunchy walnuts, adding balance and elegance.

Pinot Noir – A light-bodied, fruit-forward Pinot Noir will complement the pears without overwhelming them. Its bright acidity also balances the salty pancetta.

Gamay (Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais) – This fresh and juicy red has just enough structure to match the pancetta’s savoriness while enhancing the pear’s sweetness.

Sauternes or Late-Harvest Gewürztraminer – If you want to emphasize the honeyed aspect of these tasty appetisers, a dessert wine with acidity and complexity will bring out the best in every ingredient.