Pear, Prosciutto and Cheese: The Perfect Fall Combo

Every fall, we start talking about the same ingredients. Pumpkin, apples, butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Don't get me wrong, I love them all, but I think we're overlooking one of the best ingredients of the season.

Pears!

And while they're delicious on their own, I especially love pairing them with something savory. Give me a ripe pear, a little prosciutto and some really good cheese, and I'm a happy chef.

There's something about that combination of sweet, salty and creamy that just works. It's simple enough to throw together when friends stop by, but it can also be the starting point for a beautiful fall dinner.

Let's Talk Pears

I think pears get a little lost in the excitement of apple season. We go apple picking, make apple pies, drink apple cider and somehow forget that pears are having their moment too.

What I love about pears is their sweetness doesn't overpower everything else on the plate. They're wonderful fresh, but they also hold their own when you start adding savory ingredients.

Bosc pears are one of my favorites for cooking because they hold their shape when roasted or sautéed. Anjou pears are great for slicing into salads or serving with cheese, while Bartlett pears are especially juicy and sweet when ripe.

Here's a little tip when you're shopping. If you're planning to slice pears for an appetizer or salad, choose ones that still have a bit of firmness. Save those softer, really ripe pears for cooking.

And don't be afraid to heat them up! A little butter, fresh thyme and a warm skillet can turn a pear into something pretty spectacular.

A Little Prosciutto Goes a Long Way

If you've never paired fruit with prosciutto, you're missing out.

Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that's sliced paper thin. It's salty, delicate and has a wonderful savory flavor that balances the sweetness of fruit.

You've probably seen it wrapped around melon during the summer. Well, pears are its fall counterpart, and personally, I think they deserve just as much attention.

You can use prosciutto straight from the package, draped over pear slices or tucked into a sandwich, but I also love crisping it up. A few minutes in a skillet or oven gives it a delicious crunch that's perfect for salads, soups and flatbreads.

Just remember that prosciutto already brings plenty of salt to the party, so taste before adding more.

Now for My Favorite Part: The Cheese

This is where things get fun because different cheeses bring something completely different to the combination.

Brie is soft, buttery and especially delicious when warmed. Add pears and prosciutto, and you've got an appetizer that will disappear pretty quickly.

Goat cheese brings a tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of pears. It's wonderful in salads or spread onto toasted baguette slices.

Gorgonzola is a great choice if you like stronger cheeses. Pair it with sweet pears, toasted walnuts and a little honey, and you've got something special.

Fontina melts beautifully, making it perfect for flatbreads and savory tarts. And don't overlook a good aged Parmesan for a little salty, nutty flavor.

My advice? Try a couple of different cheeses and see what you like. You might be surprised which combination ends up being your favorite.

So, What Should We Make?

You could absolutely arrange sliced pears, prosciutto and cheese on a board and call it a day. There's nothing wrong with that! But if you're in the mood to do a little cooking, here are some of my favorite ideas.

Pear, Prosciutto and Brie Crostini

Slice a baguette, brush lightly with olive oil and toast until golden. Add a piece of Brie and warm just enough to soften. Top with thinly sliced pear, a little prosciutto, fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey.

It's a beautiful appetizer that doesn't require spending the entire afternoon in the kitchen.

Fall Pear and Prosciutto Flatbread

Start with pizza dough or prepared flatbread and brush with olive oil. Add thinly sliced pears and Fontina cheese, then bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Finish with torn prosciutto, fresh arugula and a little balsamic glaze. Serve as an appetizer or make a couple for a casual dinner with friends.

Arugula, Pear and Prosciutto Salad

Start with peppery arugula, then add sliced pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese and crispy prosciutto.

Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and a little honey for a simple dressing. This salad is wonderful alongside roasted chicken or as the first course at a fall dinner party.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Pears and Gorgonzola

For something a little more substantial, try stuffing chicken breasts with sautéed pears, Gorgonzola and fresh thyme. Wrap them in prosciutto and roast until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice or mashed potatoes. It's a great dinner party dish that feels special without requiring a dozen different ingredients.

Baked Brie with Pears and Crispy Prosciutto

Warm a wheel of Brie in the oven until soft in the center. Meanwhile, sauté diced pears in butter with fresh thyme and a touch of cinnamon.

Spoon the pears over the Brie, add crispy prosciutto, toasted pecans and a drizzle of honey. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.

Just make sure you get a bite before it disappears!

Bring This Combo to Your Fall Table

Fall is such a great time to entertain, and you don't need an elaborate menu to make a gathering special.

A beautiful board with sliced pears, a couple of cheeses, prosciutto, toasted nuts, honey and good bread can be just as enjoyable as a fancy appetizer. Add a bottle of wine and a few friends, and you've got the makings of a great evening.

Or take those flavors through an entire meal. Start with a pear and goat cheese salad, serve prosciutto-wrapped chicken for dinner and finish with a pear tart for dessert.

The next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market, grab a few pears, some prosciutto and a cheese you love. See what you can create!