Buzz
Credit: GettyThe prime season for pears starts in late summer and extends into January, with the majority of the U.S. harvest coming from the Pacific Northwest. Ten different varieties are cultivated in overlapping periods, ensuring domestic pears are available almost throughout the year. With more than 3000 pear varieties grown globally, off-season imports typically arrive from countries like New Zealand, Chile, and Australia.
Pear-based dishes—spanning breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, and desserts—range from sweet to savory. The subtle sweetness of pears pairs beautifully with ingredients like prosciutto, potatoes, camembert, cranberries, and cinnamon. Explore our curated selection of pear recipes, ideal for fall—or honestly, any time of the year.
1. Caramelized Pear Pie with Brown Butter and Vanilla
Johnny MillerWow your guests with this stunning, incredibly flaky pear pie infused with brown butter and vanilla. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s simpler to prepare than it looks. For an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
2. Breakfast Crisp with Blackberries and Pears
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire SpollenThis perfect autumn breakfast crisp doubles as a delightful dessert or snack, rivaling even the best pies. Fresh pears and frozen blackberries combine with a pecan-rich topping that uses less sugar than most recipes, thanks to the natural sweetness of the fruit. Top it off with a spoonful of yogurt or your preferred whipped cream.
3. Pear Crisp Baked on a Sheet Pan
Caitlin BenselWhile this recipe originally uses apples, you can easily substitute them with robust fruits like peaches, plums, or—as you might expect—pears. Beyond its adaptability, this dish is simple to prepare, serves a large group, can be made in advance, and the use of a sheet pan ensures minimal cleanup. Elevate each serving by adding a scoop or two of ice cream.
4. Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oats with Maple, Pears, and Pecans
Brie PassanoWe’ve reimagined "overnight oats" by cooking steel-cut oats in a slow cooker overnight. The outcome is a creamy, spiced oatmeal adorned with fresh pear slices and toasted pecans. A drizzle of maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
5. Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust and Pears
Sang AnThis decadent cheesecake features a buttery gingersnap crust complemented by ginger-infused pear slices. After baking, let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours. For a polished finish, garnish with delicate pear slices.
