Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini Recipe
Introduction
These Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini make for a sophisticated and easy appetizer. The combination of ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and a touch of honey on toasted baguette slices creates a perfect balance of flavors to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Remove the toasted baguette slices and top each with a piece of crumbled blue cheese and a thin slice of pear.
- Step 4: Drizzle honey over each crostini and garnish with fresh arugula leaves.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm toast and fresh toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use a honey with floral notes, like clover or wildflower, to complement the blue cheese.
- Swap arugula for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal touch.
- Try using a less pungent blue cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For extra texture, add toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving.
Storage
These crostini are best served fresh. If needed, store the toasted baguette slices separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep sliced pears and blue cheese refrigerated and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these crostini in advance?
You can toast the baguette slices and crumble the blue cheese ahead of time and store them separately. However, assemble the crostini right before serving to keep the toast crisp and the pears fresh.
What type of pears work best for this recipe?
Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou are ideal since they hold their shape well when sliced and provide a nice balance of sweetness to the tangy blue cheese.
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Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini offer a sophisticated appetizer with the perfect balance of ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, sweet honey, and a fresh arugula garnish atop toasted baguette slices, ideal for entertaining or a stylish snack.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Toppings
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
- Toast Baguette: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven, then top each slice with a generous piece of crumbled blue cheese followed by a thin slice of pear.
- Drizzle Honey: Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the crostini to add a touch of sweetness that complements the cheese and pears.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing each crostini with fresh arugula leaves for a peppery bite, then serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to hold their shape when sliced thinly.
- Blue cheese varieties such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton work well for their distinct flavors.
- For a nutty crunch, optionally sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness of the crostini.
- Can be prepared ahead by toasting baguette slices and storing separately before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: pear crostini, blue cheese appetizer, honey crostini, elegant appetizers, party snacks, toasted baguette recipes
