Spring is officially here and the warmer weather means it’s time to get your grill on! When it comes to grilling, pears are often overlooked. But the fact is their hardy texture is ideal for standing up to the intensity of the grill, and as they cook, their delicious flavor is enhanced by the smoky flames and natural sugars are caramelized. Grilled pears can be prepared in both sweet and savory ways: think grilled pear halves topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or sliced grilled pears tossed in a summery salad. These 8 outrageously tasty recipes will help you turn up the heat with pears!

1. Grilled Pear and Lamb Flatbreads

Pears and meat are a winning combination. We often think of pork and chicken with fruit, but let’s not overlook lamb. That robust flavor is deliciously complemented by sweet, aromatic charred pears hot off the grill, and both partner perfectly with Middle Eastern flavors. Here we have a complete meal cooked almost entirely on the grill. Think of these flatbreads as a pizza of sorts, perfect for a patio party, and they’re as delicious hot as they are at room temperature.

2. Grilled and Fresh Pear Salad with Chile Oil and Togarashi

This flavorful Thai-inspired salad with grilled and fresh pears offers a delicious contrast in flavor and texture. Complex spice and chile blends together to brighten a meal, and we can say that we have personally served this up to rave reviews!

3. Grilled Stuffed Pears

Sweet and juicy pears are cooked on the grill until just tender and juicy, with a quinoa salad stuffing that evokes flavors of the Mediterranean. Extra-virgin olive oil, Spanish-style chorizo, and fresh mint add a bold, summertime flare, while white balsamic vinegar adds a sweet, fruity tang to complement the flavors found in the grilled pears. Serve these at your next backyard barbecue, for an outside-the-box appetizer or entrée.

4. Grilled Pears Stuffed with Mascarpone and Bacon

This recipe is truly addictive. A fresh pear is gently poached before tossing on the grill to be lightly caramelized. The dish is finished with a sweet-salty mascarpone and bacon mixture that bubbles as it melts. Did you know your grill could do this with pears?

5. Grilled Asian Shrimp Skewers With Pears

Grill up these fun and tasty Asian skewers with ingredients that artfully mix sweet and savory. Serve them as an appetizer or as an innovative side to your main course grillables!

6. Smoked Pears

All you need is a charcoal grill, wood chips, and a disposable aluminum pan for this recipe—no special equipment required and no risk of setting off the smoke alarm in your kitchen. The truly exceptional thing about this technique is that you don’t even have to get the grill out just to smoke the pears, since the pears are added to the grill after it’s used to cook something else, when the coals turn to embers. You can smoke as many pears as you’d like and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

7. Turkey Burger and Pear Sliders

Indulge in your burger craving without feeling guilty! Grilled fresh sweet pear and creamy Chèvre goat cheese help satisfy the foodie in all of us. These mini gourmet turkey and pear burgers will soon become a grilling favorite.

8. Grilled Pears with Gorgonzola Brie

Ah, pears and cheese: a classic combination.  Grilled pear halves are topped with a savory gorgonzola brie mixture and heated to melty goodness before serving atop peppery arugula seasoned with a spicy vinaigrette.  Only serve this dish if you want your dining companions to rave.