Blue Cheese and Pear Quesadillas with Mango Salsa

A Twist on Tradition: Blue Cheese and Pear Quesadillas

Blue cheese and pear quesadillas offer a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dish. They combine the creamy, tangy flavors of blue cheese with the sweet, juicy taste of ripe pears. This gourmet variation transforms a simple quesadilla into a sophisticated snack or appetizer, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a unique, easy-to-make meal at home.

Combining blue cheese and pears is a classic pairing in gourmet cuisine. The sharp, robust flavor of the blue cheese perfectly complements the natural sweetness and delicate texture of the pears, creating a harmonious blend of rich and refreshing tastes.

These quesadillas are enhanced further by adding toasted walnuts, which add a satisfying crunch and earthy undertones, and a hint of honey, which amplifies the pears’ sweetness and balances the cheese’s boldness. In this recipe, the quesadillas are quickly assembled and grilled perfectly, resulting in a warm, crispy exterior and a melty, luscious interior.

They are ideal for serving as an elegant appetizer, a chic addition to a brunch spread, or a sophisticated snack that can be prepared in minutes. Dive into this fusion of flavors and textures and elevate your quesadilla game with this exquisite blue cheese and pear version.

What is a Quesadilla? 

A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled primarily with cheese and other ingredients such as meats, beans, vegetables, and spices. The filled tortilla is then folded in half and cooked on a griddle or skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.

Quesadillas can be made using either corn or flour tortillas, and the fillings can vary widely depending on personal preferences and regional variations. Some popular additions include grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and various types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese.

The dish is typically served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo, making it a versatile and customizable meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, quesadillas are beloved for their delicious combination of melted cheese and flavorful fillings, all encased in a crispy, toasted tortilla.

Not a typical Mexican Dish

Using blue cheese and pears in a quesadilla is not a traditional combination, but it's not necessarily odd either. Quesadillas' versatility allows for a wide range of fillings beyond the typical cheese, meat, and vegetable options.

Blue cheese has a strong flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of pears, creating a unique and flavorful combination. Some people might find the combination of blue cheese and pears in a quesadilla to be a delightful and unexpected twist, while others might prefer more traditional fillings. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste, so feel free to experiment and enjoy the flavors that you like best!

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a type of cheese known for its distinct blue or green veins of mold, which are introduced during the cheese-making process. The mold, typically Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum, gives the cheese its characteristic sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Depending on the variety and aging process, blue cheese can range from crumbly and firm to soft and spreadable.

There are several well-known types of blue cheese, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Roquefort: A sheep's milk cheese from France known for its robust, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture.
2. Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk. It is available in two main varieties: Gorgonzola Dolce, which is milder and creamier, and Gorgonzola Piccante, which is stronger and more pungent.
3. Stilton: An English blue cheese made from cow's milk, known for its rich, creamy texture and robust flavor.
4. Danish Blue (Danablu): A milder blue cheese from Denmark with a creamy texture and less intense flavor than other blue cheeses.

Blue cheese is often used in salads, dressings, and sauces topping for various dishes. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and wines, making it a popular choice for cheese boards and gourmet recipes. Its unique taste and versatility make it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts and chefs.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

Blue Cheese and Pear Quesadillas with Mango Salsa

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Quesadillas

• 6 oz blue cheese like Maytag blue
• 12 flour tortillas
• 1 pear ripe, cut in thin slices
• 12 whole dried apricots diced
• ½ cup red onion diced
• canola oil
• 3 tablespoons honey

For the Mango Salsa

• 1 mango ripe and peeled, cut in small dice
• 1 small jalapeno cut in small dice
• ¼ cup red onion cut in small dice
• ½ lime zested & juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Quesadillas

• Take one tortilla spread the softened blue cheese taking care not to spread to the edges.
• Place pears, diced apricots, and red onion on top of cheese, top with an other tortilla.
• Over medium heat, in a nonstick skillet add a little canola oil to cover the bottom of pan. Place the quesadilla in the pan cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden, flip over cook other side.
• Remove from pan drizzle with honey top with mango salsa and serve.

For the Mango Salsa

• Mix all ingredients in a small bowl season with salt and pepper to taste.