Description
Rustic pear crostini delights palates with elegant Italian-inspired simplicity. Crisp bread slices topped with creamy cheese and caramelized pears invite friends to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 baguette (about 25 inches long)
- 10 oz (283 g) Brie cheese
- 1 Anjou pear
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2–3 tbsps balsamic reduction
- 2 tbsps fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite broiler to maximum intensity, positioning rack 4 inches from heat source.
- Bread Transformation: Slice baguette diagonally into half-inch pieces using a serrated knife, creating uniform crostini foundations.
- Ingredient Preparation: Delicately slice Brie into thin segments and julienne pears into translucent ribbons while mincing garlic for aromatic oil blend.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, creating a fragrant herbal emulsion to generously coat each baguette slice.
- Toasting Stage: Broil bread slices for approximately 2 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp, developing a robust texture.
- Cheese Melting: Layer Brie segments across toasted surfaces, returning to broiler for an additional 2 minutes until cheese gently surrenders its form.
- Herb and Fruit Finale: Crown melted cheese with pear slivers, sprinkle rosemary and thyme for botanical complexity, then broil one final minute to integrate flavors and warm fruit.
- Presentation: Elegantly drizzle balsamic reduction and garnish with fresh herb sprigs, transforming simple crostini into a culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Slice Bread Precisely: Use a sharp serrated knife to create uniform half-inch diagonal slices for even toasting and consistent texture.
- Watch Broiler Carefully: Keep a close eye during toasting to prevent burning, as broilers can quickly char bread and cheese.
- Choose Ripe Pears Wisely: Select firm yet slightly soft pears that will provide a sweet, juicy contrast without being too mushy or hard.
- Herb Infusion Technique: Crush garlic and herbs gently to release maximum flavor when blending with olive oil for a more aromatic base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg