Last Updated on January 3, 2021 by Sweet and Savoury Pursuits
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Built on the classic combination of fruit, cheese and nuts, this Pear and Brie Crostini is a delicious, elegant and simple to make pear appetizer.
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Have you ever been to a dinner party where all they served were appetizers? Well I love such parties. I think it's so much fun to be able to sample so many different nibbles and experience all the various flavours and textures.
Some of my favourite appetizers are those that combine both sweet and savoury elements in the same bite. This baked Pear and Brie Crostini does exactly that.
How to make this Pear Appetizer
This is such an easy appetizer to prepare. To make it, start by slicing a baguette into one-half inch rounds. Place the slices of bread onto a baking sheet and brush the tops with a little olive oil.
Toast the bread under the broiler for a couple of minutes or just until the bread is golden. If you like you can do this step up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply let the crostini come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container on the countertop.
To finish making the appetizer, add a slice of brie on top of the crostini and then top the brie with a slice of pear. Put the tray of crostini under the broiler until the cheese starts to melt. Remove from the oven and then drizzle with the honey and balsamic syrup.
How to Serve:
Top each crostini with toasted crumbled walnuts, a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a dash of freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately.
Variations that can be made to the recipe:
- Ready-made Melba toast can be used instead of homemade crostini.
- Camembert can be used instead of brie cheese.
- You can substitute the pears with apples.
- Pecans can be used instead of walnuts. And if there's a nut allergy, pumpkin or pomegranate seeds can be used instead of nuts.
- Substitute fresh thyme for finely chopped fresh rosemary.
With a season full of special occasions upon us, it's great to have delicious, elegant and yet simple to make appetizers in our repertoire.
Include this heavenly baked brie with pears crostini along with these easy to make Maple Spiced Walnuts on your menu next time you entertain and you'll be sure to impress.
Enjoy!
More Easy Appetizers
- Smoked Salmon and Boursin Crostini
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip
- Mixed Spiced Nuts
If you make this recipe let me know how it went for you in the comment section below. I'd love to know if you made any variations to the recipe and how it worked out. And if you take a picture, share it with me on Instagram by tagging #sweetandsavourypursuits, I love to see your photos!
Pear and Brie Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 6 oz brie rind trimmed
- ½ cup walnuts toasted* and coarsely chopped
- 1-2 pears halved, cored, and thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme optional
- freshly ground pepper optional
Instructions
- Start by placing a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high.
- Set the slices of baguette on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little olive oil.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and toast the bread until they are crispy and lightly golden on top, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the honey with balsamic vinegar, add the salt and stir. Set aside.
- Layer the crostini with a slice of cheese topped by a slice of pear.
- Broil until the cheese starts to melt.
- Pull out of the oven and drizzle with the honey and balsamic syrup.
- Add a few pieces of crumbled walnuts, a sprinkling of thyme and a dash of freshly ground pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- *Toast the walnuts in a 350ºF oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they are fragrant, let cool and chop coarsely.
- Camembert can be used instead of brie.
Nutrition
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Did Doughty says
How far in advance can you make the bread for bruschetta?
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Hello, up to 3 days ahead of time. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Also, if there is a lot of humidity in your home you may need to crisp up the bread a bit before topping. Hope that helps!
Fae's Twist & Tango says
These costinis are to die for. I love the combination and the honey-balsamic drips. Yum!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you Fae, it really is a delicious combination!
Cindy says
What a great appetizer! Looks so elegant and the taste would be amazing. Brilliant!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks so much Cindy!
Mike says
OMG, this looks absolutely scrumptious! How do you think this would work with blue cheese or gorgonzola and walnuts? I love toasted blue cheese and almonds.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks! I think it would be delicious with blue cheese and even more so combined with walnuts 🙂
Nicky Corbishley says
oh yum! I've just found a new addition to my xmas canapes list!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Hi Nicky, you're right they would make a great Christmas or New Year's canapé :). Thanks!
Good Food Everyday says
Simone and beautiful, love it
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks!
K. / Pure & Complex says
I've never been a huge bread eater, but I will change my tune to try this. This looks absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing this
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Hi, what's great about crostini, is that you can slice the bread real thin, this way there is hardly any bread at all and you will mainly taste the toppings. Hope you enjoy it!
thehungrymum says
What perfection on a plate! I heart brie and could inhale a plate of this right now.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks! I agree brie is delicious 🙂
Liz says
I have been dreaming of Brie for sometime and now I come across this lovely recipe You've motivated me to make some crostini. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks Liz, and it's my pleasure!
tastasty says
Love the combination with pear and brie! 🙂
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you!
Lily says
I love party foods too, though I think I end up eating more because I just keep munching the whole night, your crostini look amazingly delicious, the pear and brie is one thing, but then to add the honey and balsamic, walnuts and pepper, oh my, I think I'm in heaven:)
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks Lily. I completely agree that we end up eating more, but it so much more fun to sample a bunch of different appetizers.
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This crostini looks absolutely perfect! Love these classic flavours, amazing!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks Jessica!
davegon says
Wow. I love the look of these, and I bet they taste even better!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks, they were delicious!
nancyc says
I love this combination of pear and Brie–it sounds wonderful!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you Nancy! Fruit and cheese pair so well together.
Serena says
Beautiful presentation!
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you so much Serena!
lapetitepaniere says
Very nice combination 🙂
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thanks!
skd says
I love appetizers too.This one looks delicious.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Appetizers are the best
HostessAtHeart says
Wow I love everything about this! I like grazing get togethers too.
Sweet and Savoury Pursuits says
Thank you so much for stopping by!