10 Cozy Ways To Use Bosc Pears This Fall
Discover the floral flavor and crunchy, crisp texture of Bosc Pears with these 10 tasty recipes. From an autumn salad to a several indulgent desserts there is so much to love about these beautiful pears.
Summer has all its beautiful produce but fall is no slacker when it comes to nature’s bounty. Apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and more all bring reasons to get excited about cooking warm, cozy autumn dishes.
One of the fruits I look forward to every year are pears. Yes they’re available year-round in most markets but if you are lucky enough to get fresh-picked pears at your local Farmer’s market do not pass up that opportunity. They are a completely different beast than the bland, mealy ones at the supermarket.
An underrated variety for cooking and baking are Bosc pears. They have a dense flesh and warm spice flavor which make them equally good for fresh eating and they hold up to being poached or baked as well.
What Is A Bosc Pear?
Bosc pears are the ones with the full rounded base, pointy top, and warm cinnamon brown color that has russeting over the surface of the skin. Also known as Kaiser Alexander, Beurré Bosc or Calabasse Bosc they are a variety that is thought to be first cultivated in France and named after the director of the Paris Botanical Garden (although some believe the first seedlings were planted in Belgium).
In the United States they are in season from September-April. Harvest for the fruit begins in Oregon and Washington in September and then moves down through California in the winter months.
They are different from Bartlett pears because they don’t need to reach peak ripeness to be sweet. Unlike other pear varieties, they maintain their firm texture while still tasting sweet like honey which means they stand up to poaching or baking without getting mushy.
Are you ready to dive in? Great! Scroll through these 10 recipes and stock up on Bosc pears!
10 Cozy Recipes Using Bosc Pears
1. Baked Maple Pecan Pears from Short Girl Tall Order
These stuffed baked pears are simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious with a nutmeg and cinnamon granola filling. They are impressive for entertaining, plus you can make them ahead and let them sit at room temperature until you are ready to serve.
2. Pear Crisp with Pistachio from California Grown
If you are looking for another dessert that is on the “healthier” side, this pear crisp is a great choice. Flavorful pear filling (loaded with vitamin C and potassium BTW), plus an olive oil based topping makes it a vegan and gluten-free option.
3. Homemade Beet and Pear Chips from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Now for a savory recipe, these easy and healthy chips are one of my kids’ favorite snacks. Just three ingredients and done in the oven make them one of my favorites too.
4. Rosé Poached Pears with Hot Fudge Sauce from This Mess Is Ours
Choose perfectly ripe pears for this recipe. You’ll know they’re ready because they tend to wrinkle a bit at the base of the stem. The rounded bottom of Bosc pears means they’ll gladly stand tall in a pool of hot fudge sauce without toppling over.
5. Arugula Pear Salad from The Delicious Life
A gorgeous way to enjoy fresh pears is in this colorful salad from my friend Sarah. She uses red onions, arugula, walnuts, and many different varieties of pears. You could use all Bosc pears if you’d like.
6. Pear-Cinnamon Coffee Cake from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Bosc pears really hold up to the use of strong spices like the cinnamon and nutmeg found in this rich coffee cake. This is my grandma’s recipe that includes generous amounts of streusel (my favorite part).
7. Balsamic Braised Beef with Pears from Britney Breaks Bread
Another savory way to incorporate more pears into your life is this succulent braised beef from my friend Britney. The combination of beef and pears with the tang of balsamic vinegar makes this dish unforgettable.
8. Spiced Pear-Cranberry Hand Pies from Salt & Wind
Rich buttery crust surrounds a tart cranberry and pear filling in these single-serving hand pies. Save this one for all your holiday entertaining menus.
9. Salted Honey Pear Crostata from Displaced Housewife
This crust is a mixture of butter and vegetable shortening for the perfect flaky texture but it is the combination of pears and salted honey caramel that really has me drooling.
10. Pear Frangipane Tart from Elina Saiache
Another stunner of a holiday dessert; sweet pears nestled in a nutty almond base. Make the tart crust in advance and keep in the refrigerator up to a week or until you are ready to bake.
More Recipe Collections You’ll Love
- 25 Best Chili Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again
- 12 Gin Cocktails
- 13 Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
- The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipes
- 17 Vegan Pasta Recipes
- Appetizers Worth Making
- 16 Easy and Delicious Vegan Lunches
Lean Into Autumn
And savor these special pears. I always love hearing from you and any feedback you might have. Leave me a comment below or share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @katesbestrecipes so that I can see! Also, sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter so you never miss a thing.
