Description
Pear and brie crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring creamy brie, sweet ripe pear, and fresh herbs layered on crisp garlic-toasted baguette slices, finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Perfect for gatherings, it delivers a gourmet bite with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette (about 25 inches long), sliced diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces
- 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced into thin pieces
- 1 medium ripe pear (such as Anjou or Bosc), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2–3 tablespoons balsamic reduction, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Mix olive oil and crushed garlic in a small bowl to create garlic oil.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into ½-inch thick slices (20–24 pieces).
- Brush both sides of the bread slices with garlic oil and place on the baking sheet.
- Broil one side for about 2 minutes until golden, then flip and broil the other side for 2 minutes.
- Place a slice of brie on each toasted bread slice and broil for 2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
- Add two thin pear slices on each crostini and sprinkle with rosemary and thyme.
- Broil again for 2–3 minutes to soften pears and crisp edges.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with balsamic reduction, and garnish with extra herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes; avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
- Toss pears in lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping ahead.
- Variations include using apples, goat cheese, or camembert, or topping with nuts or honey drizzle.
- A sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
