Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe

This Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers recipe is one of those absolute gems you’ll pull out whenever you need an appetizer that grabs attention and totally wows the palate. Juicy, sweet pear, buttery Brie, peppery arugula, and earthy walnuts all get hit with a tangy balsamic glaze—each bite is simple to make, stunning to serve, and positively addictive. It’s the kind of party food that keeps guests circling back for more, and it always vanishes in a flash at my table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of high-quality ingredients, Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers come together effortlessly. Each part plays a unique role—don’t be afraid to hunt down your favorites, as their flavors really shine in every bite!

• Pears: Choose ripe but slightly firm pears for a sweet juiciness that holds its shape on the skewer—Bartlett or Anjou are both fantastic options.
• Brie Cheese (~8 ounces): Creamy, mellow Brie is easy to cube, and the rind adds just the right amount of structure and character.
• Baby Arugula (~2 cups): This peppery green adds vibrant color and a flavorful contrast to the sweet fruit and creamy cheese.
• Raw Walnuts (~1/4 cup, chopped): A quick chop gives just the right crunch and a lightly bitter finish that balances all the creaminess.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzling over the top brings everything together with deep, tangy sweetness; if you don’t have glaze, a good-quality balsamic vinegar works too.

How to Make Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Cube the Pears

Start by slicing the pears into quarters, scooping out any seeds or the core, and removing the stems. Cut the quarters into even, 1/2-inch cubes—aim for pieces big enough to skewer but not so big they overwhelm your other ingredients. The fresh juiciness of the pear is the first thing you’ll notice when you take a bite!

Step 2: Cube the Brie Cheese

Cut your block of Brie cheese into similar 1/2-inch cubes, leaving the rind on for less stickiness and extra flavor. The creamy cheese holds its shape well but is soft enough to practically melt in your mouth alongside the sweet fruit.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Grab 4-inch skewers or picks and thread on a cube of pear, a small bunch of arugula (you can fold the leaves in half to make a compact bundle), and a cube of Brie—try to slide the skewer through the cheese rind for less mess. Place each finished skewer on your serving platter as you go. This simple assembly sets the stage for a beautiful, savory-sweet appetizer!

Step 4: Add the Walnuts and Drizzle

To finish, gently press a few pieces of chopped walnuts onto the Brie cubes. Their craggy edges make them cling nicely. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze over the whole tray. The glaze adds a tangy depth that makes every bite come alive!

How to Serve Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers

Garnishes

A few pretty touches go a long way here. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts over the tray, or add some finely shredded lemon zest for a burst of color and aroma. If you want a restaurant-worthy look, scatter extra baby arugula and a few halved pears around your platter as edible décor—guests can nibble as they wish!

Side Dishes

Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers shine as an appetizer, but they complement so many sides. Serve these alongside a bright citrus salad, a crusty baguette, or a platter of prosciutto for a beautiful grazing spread. You can even pair them with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup to round out a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, try arranging the skewers upright in a jar with arugula at the base, or fan them out in circles on a round platter for a stunning look. For parties, mix and match them with other cheese and fruit combos, or add tiny edible flowers for an extra special finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have a few Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers left after your gathering, wrap them loosely in plastic or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The pears may release some juice, but the flavors remain bright and delicious, especially if you avoid adding the balsamic glaze until just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe—pears and Brie both lose their lovely texture once thawed, and the arugula will wilt. If you’re looking to save time, simply prep the ingredients separately and assemble the skewers fresh on the day you plan to serve them.

Reheating

Since Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If they’ve been refrigerated, set them out about 20 minutes before serving so the cheese softens and the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I make Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and assemble the skewers up to a few hours in advance. Just leave off the balsamic glaze and nuts until right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

What type of pears work best for this recipe?

Choose pears that are ripe but still slightly firm, like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou. Their texture holds up well when threaded and they balance the savory and sweet flavors beautifully.

Can I substitute another cheese for Brie?

Yes, though the rich creaminess of Brie is hard to beat, Camembert or a mild goat cheese also work well in Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers, adding their own unique notes to each bite.

How can I make this recipe nut-free?

Simply leave off the walnuts, or substitute toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. The skewers will still be delicious and safe for anyone with nut allergies!

Is there a vegan alternative for this dish?

You can use a plant-based brie or a creamy vegan cheese, and the rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly. Just be sure to check the balsamic glaze for any added animal products, although most are vegan by default.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how delightful these Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers turn out every time. They’re joyful to make and even more fun to eat. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s elegant, easy, and delicious, you simply have to give these a whirl—your guests (and your taste buds) will be so glad you did!

Print