featured 79085

Gorgonzola and Pear Tart Recipe: Savory-Sweet Rustic Tart

Make the most decadent and delicious Gorgonzola Pear Tarts using the viral upside-down puff pastry tart method. In this sweet-and-savory recipe, thinly sliced pears are layered with honey and tangy gorgonzola, then enclosed beneath a flaky sheet of puff pastry. Once baked, the tarts turn a beautiful golden brown and have a bakery-quality finish.

Close-up of golden-brown puff pastry tarts topped with sliced pears and drizzled with honey, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.
Whitney headshot.

Turn your kitchen into a French bakery!

My husband once bought a huge block of gorgonzola and that inspired this new favorite appetizer. I love pears and gorgonzola together, and when I tried the upside-down puff pastry tart technique, the result was this easy, elegant tart.

These tarts work as an appetizer, a special breakfast, or a simple snack. They balance sweet and savory—honey and pears paired with the funky umami of gorgonzola—all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry.

—Whitney
Ingredients on a wooden table include honey, gorgonzola cheese, fresh thyme leaves, salt, pepper, an egg, pears, and puff pastry sheets.

Key ingredients

Below are a few notes on ingredients and choices. The full ingredient list with measurements appears in the recipe card.

  • Fresh pears – Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work well. Bartletts are slightly tangy and pair beautifully with gorgonzola.
  • Gorgonzola – A softer, creamier blue cheese than some varieties. Chill it well and slice while cold. You can substitute a standard blue cheese if you prefer a more pungent flavor.

Instructions

Step-by-step photos are included below to make the process simple. For the full recipe card, see the recipe section.

sheet of puff pastry dough cut into 6 rectangles on a dark cutting board
Cut a sheet of thawed puff pastry into 6 equal rectangles.
sliced pears on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet
Arrange 4–5 overlapping pear slices for each tart.
sliced pears topped with honey on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet
Drizzle honey over the pear stacks.
sliced pears topped with honey, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet
Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
sliced pears stacked up on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Top with another layer of pear slices.
slices of gorgonzola cheese on top of sliced pears and honey on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet
Add a slice of gorgonzola on each stack.
unbaked tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Cover each stack with a puff pastry rectangle and seal the edges with a fork.
unbaked tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet brushed with egg wash
Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish.
baked upside-down tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Bake until puffed and golden, about 15 minutes.

Variations

If you enjoy the pear–gorgonzola–thyme combo, try these twist ideas for other flavor profiles:

  • Apples, cheddar, and rosemary
  • Caramelized onions, gruyere, and thyme
  • Figs, brie, and thyme
  • Peaches, goat cheese, and thyme
  • Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil (swap honey for balsamic glaze)
  • Strawberries, goat cheese, and basil

Try a variation and share which one you liked best.

Golden brown pear tarts topped with fresh thyme, placed on a white plate.
Close-up of golden-brown puff pastry tarts topped with sliced pears and drizzled with honey, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.

Gorgonzola Pear Puff Pastry Tarts

These Gorgonzola Pear Tarts are a sweet-and-savory appetizer made with the upside-down puff pastry tart trick. Thin pear slices, honey, and gorgonzola are baked beneath puff pastry until golden and flaky.
Servings: 6 tarts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: French, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
  • 2 pears, thinly sliced
  • 6 teaspoons honey, plus more to finish
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, thinly sliced
  • 1 egg, whisked

Equipment

  • Baking sheet (lined with parchment)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for 30–60 minutes.
  2. Lightly flour a board, roll the pastry slightly thinner, and cut into 6 equal rectangles.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Arrange 4–5 overlapping pear slices in a row on the parchment; repeat to make six stacks, leaving 2–3 inches between each.
  5. Drizzle ~1 teaspoon honey onto each pear stack, then sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Top each stack with another layer of pears and a slice of gorgonzola. Place a puff pastry rectangle on top and press edges with a fork to seal.
  7. Brush each pastry top with the whisked egg and bake for about 15 minutes, until puffed and golden.
  8. Cool 3–5 minutes, then carefully flip each tart with a spatula. Drizzle extra honey and garnish with thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • The tarts keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. Reheat briefly in an air fryer or oven before serving, or enjoy cold.
  • For extra sweetness, drizzle more honey after baking. For a more savory result, skip the finishing honey.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 358 kcal
Carbohydrates 34 g
Protein 8 g
Fat 22 g

More puff pastry recipes

Frozen puff pastry is a great shortcut. Try these other easy, flaky recipes when you’re craving pastry goodness.

img 79085 16

Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Puff Pastry

img 79085 17

Apple Danish

img 79085 18

Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites

img 79085 19

Apple Strudel with Brie