Matthew
Delight your guests this festive season with a simple yet elegant appetizer, the Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini.
This delectable starter features sweet roasted pears, creamy blue cheese, and a drizzle of honey served on top of crispy crostini bread.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, this appetizer is a surefire way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Yield: 24 crostini
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, cut into 24 thin slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pear slices and brown sugar, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pears are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Top each crostini with a spoonful of blue cheese, followed by a slice of caramelized pear. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with walnuts and fresh thyme leaves.
- Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve your delicious Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini immediately.
Tips and Tricks:
- You can prepare the crostini and caramelize the pears up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers, and assemble just before serving.
- If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try using goat cheese or brie instead.
Nutritional Information:
| Amount per serving: | Calories: | Total Fat: | Cholesterol: | Sodium: | Total Carbohydrates: | Protein: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 crostini | 95 | 4g | 5mg | 190mg | 12g | 3g |
Substitution Options:
- For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free baguette or crackers.
- If you prefer a vegan option, replace the blue cheese with a vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Wine Pairing:
Pair this Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling to complement the flavors of the dish.
