These blue cheese, honey, and pecan stuffed pears smoked on a cedar plank are a true explosion of sweet and savory flavors. Grilled on the barbecue, they develop a subtle smoky aroma that enhances the contrast between the pear’s sweetness and the boldness of the blue cheese. It’s a refined appetizer or a daring dessert—perfect for outdoor dining or gourmet BBQ menus.

🧾 Recipe History

The pear and cheese pairing is an age-old tradition, popular across Europe since the Middle Ages, often served at the end of a meal. This cedar plank version draws inspiration from Native American traditions and the cuisine of Canada’s northwest, where cooking on aromatic wood is common. Here, the pear caramelizes, the cheese melts gently, and the honey adds a delicate floral touch.

🔥 The Magic of Cedar Plank Cooking

Cooking on a cedar plank adds an extra dimension to this recipe by infusing it with subtle woody aromas while preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients. The cedar releases gentle, smoky fragrances that delicately permeate the stuffed pears and cheese, creating a memorable culinary experience.

🕒 Prep Time

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

4 pears
1 heaping tbsp honey
2 tbsp pecans
100 g blue cheese (Roquefort, Danish Blue, or Gorgonzola)

🔥 Instructions

Soak the cedar plank in cold water for 1 hour.
Set up your barbecue for indirect grilling.
Place the cedar plank directly over the flames until it blackens and starts to smoke.
Cut the pears in half and remove the cores using a spoon or small knife.
Fill each pear half with about a teaspoon of blue cheese.
Flip the cedar plank, move it away from the heat source, and place the pears on top. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pecans.
Close the BBQ lid and cook for about 15 minutes, adjusting the time based on pear size. Once soft and bubbling, they’re ready!

🍷 Pairing Suggestions

A dessert wine like Jurançon or Gewürztraminer works beautifully, or go with a slightly sweet sparkling wine for a balanced contrast.

🍽️ Serving Tips

Serve the pear halves directly on the cedar plank for dramatic presentation. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and an extra drizzle of honey.

🌀 Dietary Variations

Lactose-free: Use a cashew-based plant cheese.
Diabetes-friendly: Swap the honey for a touch of agave syrup or erythritol.
Vegetarian: Naturally vegetarian recipe.

🍎 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1/2 stuffed pear (1/8 of recipe)

Calories: 160 kcal 🟩

Total Fat	10 g	🟧 14% DV
Saturated Fat	4 g	🟥
Omega-3	0.3 g	🟩
Carbohydrates	13 g	🟨 5% DV
Sugars	10 g	🟥
Dietary Fiber	2 g	🟩
Protein	4 g	🟨
Cholesterol	13 mg	🟨
Sodium	0.35 g	🟨
Calcium	60 mg	🟨
Iron	0.6 mg	🟨
Vitamin B12	0.4 µg	🟨

*DV: Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet (8,400 kJ).

🧬 Health Sheet – Cancer + Diabetes

💡

🥗 Is this recipe healthy ?
his Sicilian-style stuffed cod fits perfectly into a health-conscious and protective approach to cooking — especially from a cancer prevention perspective:
🐟 Fresh cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in saturated fat, and rich in iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
🌿 The quick high-heat bake in a pizza oven, although intense, limits carcinogen formation (such as PAHs) since the fish is neither charred nor exposed to an open flame like it would be on a BBQ.
🧄 The stuffing ingredients — garlic, onion, parsley, capers, raisins, lemon — are all rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other bioactive protective compounds.
🫒 Extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, adds monounsaturated fats and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
🧬 Finally, this dish aligns with a balanced Mediterranean diet, which is widely recognized for its role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease.

🧬 Click to expand

🧬 Cancer Prevention Analysis

Cedar plank indirect grilling minimizes the formation of flame-related carcinogens (PAHs and heterocyclic amines). Pears are rich in flavonoids, while pecans provide phytosterols and monounsaturated fats. Blue cheese contains butyrate, which supports gut health, but also contributes a significant amount of sodium. This dish is best enjoyed in small portions as part of a preventive and anti-inflammatory diet.

🩺 Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management

Pears and honey are sources of fast-digesting sugars, but their effect is mitigated by fiber and fat content. Recommendations include:

Limiting to ¼ of a pear (1/16th of the full recipe) per serving
Omitting or replacing honey with a low-glycemic alternative
Adding a protein source (e.g., plain yogurt) on the side for better glycemic control