7 pear recipes showcasing the fruit’s sweet and savory sides

Pear and Toasted Miso Upside-Down Cake, above. This cake from cookbook author Aran Goyoaga “can be pulled together in little time — say, when unexpected company shows up — but is enough of a showstopper to be prepared for special occasions,” assistant recipes editor Olga Massov wrote. “There’s a pleasurable tension between the sweetness of the caramel and pears and the umami of the miso, a tug-of-war that’s welcome on the palate and prevents the confection from being too sweet.”
Miso-Ginger Roasted Chicken and Pears. This sheet-pan recipe from Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger “highlights both the sweetness of the fruit as well as the savory side of the poultry, and brings sophisticated flavor with little effort,” she wrote.
Pear Clafouti. This variation on the classic French dessert comes from chef Daniel Rose by way of culinary icon Ina Garten. For flavoring, “pear brandy enhances the fruit’s natural flavor and grated star anise has a delightful aroma,” wrote pop culture reporter Sonia Rao.
Ricotta Toasts With Pear, Walnuts, Maple and Cinnamon. If you’re looking for an alternative to avocado toast for your next breakfast or snack, this creamy, fruity, nutty and slightly sweet recipe is it.
Poached Pears With Chocolate Sauce and Crystallized Ginger. This budget-friendly recipe from food writer Katie Workman makes for a festive dessert.
Fall Chopped Salad With Citrus Dressing. Follow recipes editor Ann Maloney’s lead and lean “into the season to make this complex and colorful chopped salad with a sweet citrus dressing, luscious pear, bitter radicchio and salty bacon.”
Apple and Pear Cake With Citrus and Nuts. This family recipe from staff writer Becky Krystal yields a plush and tender crumb. “While there’s some busy work involved in prepping the fruit, it’s simple and straightforward, and the batter can be stirred together by hand,” she wrote. “All the cake needs at the end is a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for an easy touch of elegance.”