Pear and Brie Crostini – A Delicious and Elegant Appetizer

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, these Pear and Brie Crostini are the perfect choice! The combination of creamy Brie cheese, juicy Anjou pears, and fragrant herbs on a crispy baguette, drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a casual gathering, these crostini will delight your guests.

Ready in just 16 minutes, this appetizer is not only quick to prepare but also looks elegant on any serving platter.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette (about 25 inches long)
• 10 oz Brie cheese
• 1 Anjou pear
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons balsamic reduction

Directions

1. Preheat the Broiler

Set your oven to broil to get the baguette slices golden and crispy.

2. Slice the Baguette and Brie

Cut the baguette into ½-inch thick slices on a slight diagonal for a larger surface area. Thinly slice the Brie cheese and the Anjou pear for layering later.

3. Make the Garlic Olive Oil

In a small bowl, combine the crushed garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This garlic-infused olive oil will add extra flavor to the crostini base.

4. Toast the Baguette

Lightly brush each side of the baguette slices with the garlic-infused olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.

Broil the slices for about 2 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. Flip the slices and broil the other side for another 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

5. Add Brie and Broil

Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and top each one with a slice of Brie. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes, just until the Brie begins to melt and become soft.

6. Add Pear and Herbs

Remove the crostini from the oven and top each one with 2 slices of pear. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and thyme. Return the crostini to the oven for another 1 minute, just until the herbs become fragrant.

7. Finish with Balsamic Reduction

Remove the crostini from the oven and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic reduction for a tangy finish, and sprinkle with extra herbs if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Bread Choice: You can use a French baguette or any crusty bread that holds up well to broiling and toppings.
• Balsamic Reduction: If you don’t have balsamic reduction on hand, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrup.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the toasted baguette slices ahead of time and assemble them with the toppings just before serving.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 crostini
• Calories: 150 kcal per crostini

Why You’ll Love These Pear and Brie Crostini

These Pear and Brie Crostini are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. The rich, melted Brie paired with the crisp, juicy pear creates a delicious contrast, while the rosemary and thyme add an earthy freshness. The crispy baguette base provides the perfect texture, and the balsamic reduction gives the crostini a final touch of tangy sweetness.

Whether you’re serving these at a holiday party or a casual get-together, they’ll impress your guests with their flavor and elegance. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the party!

Print