Elegant Red Wine Poached Pear and Creamy Blue Cheese Crostini
Indulge in the sophisticated flavors of our Elegant Red Wine Poached Pear and Creamy Blue Cheese Crostini. This delightful appetizer features sweet, tender pears poached in a luscious red wine syrup, perfectly complemented by the rich creaminess of blue cheese. Served atop toasted baguette slices for a satisfying crunch, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a simple night in. Impress your guests with this beautiful and delicious recipe that beautifully balances sweetness and tang, creating a truly unforgettable tasting experience.
6
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Pears
1 (15 ounce) can (Bartlett preferred, drained and sliced into thin half-moon slices)
Dry Red Wine
1 cup (For poaching the pears)
Sugar
2/3 cup (For sweetening the wine reduction)
Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed for brightness)
Creamy Blue Cheese
6 ounces (I recommend Cambazola; softened for spreading)
Baguette
1 (Sliced at an angle for wider pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the dry red wine, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the mixture is slightly reduced and syrupy.
3
Gently add the pear slices to the wine mixture and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the pears to absorb the flavors and become tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Slice the baguette diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a greased baking sheet.
5
Spread a generous layer of softened blue cheese on top of each baguette slice, ensuring an even coating.
6
Using tongs, place 2 poached pear slices atop each blue cheese-covered baguette slice.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and toasty and the cheese is slightly melty.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your elegant crostini!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elegant Red Wine Poached Pear and Creamy Blue Cheese Crostini?
It is a sophisticated appetizer featuring pears poached in a red wine syrup, served with creamy blue cheese on toasted baguette slices.
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh Bartlett pears; just ensure they are peeled and poached until tender, which may take slightly longer than canned.
What type of red wine is best for poaching the pears?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah works best for this recipe.
What is Cambazola cheese?
Cambazola is a German triple-cream cheese that combines the creaminess of Brie with the sharpness of blue cheese.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use Gorgonzola Dolce or even a plain creamy Brie.
How should I slice the baguette?
Slice the baguette diagonally at an angle to create wider pieces with more surface area for the toppings.
Do I need to peel the pears?
The recipe uses canned pears which are already peeled; if using fresh, peeling is recommended for a smoother texture.
Can I use a sugar substitute for the wine reduction?
You can use honey or maple syrup, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile of the wine syrup.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for its brightness, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What kind of baguette is recommended?
A standard French baguette is ideal for achieving the perfect crunch when toasted.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to reduce the wine mixture?
It typically takes about 10 minutes of simmering to make the mixture slightly syrupy.
How long should the pears simmer in the wine?
Simmer the pear slices for 5 to 10 minutes until they absorb the wine's flavor and become tender.
How thick should the baguette slices be?
The baguette slices should be approximately 3/4-inch thick.
What is the total baking time for the crostini?
Bake the assembled crostini for about 15 minutes.
How do I know when the crostini are finished baking?
The bread should be golden and toasty, and the cheese should be slightly melty.
Can I prepare the poached pears ahead of time?
Yes, you can poach the pears and store them in the wine syrup in the refrigerator a day in advance.
Should the blue cheese be cold when spreading?
It is better to use softened blue cheese at room temperature for easier and more even spreading.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Can these crostini be served cold?
They are best served warm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature if necessary.
How should I store any leftover crostini?
It is best to store the components separately; the bread will become soggy if stored with the toppings already on it.
Can I reheat the finished crostini?
Yes, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crunch of the bread.
What drinks pair well with this appetizer?
This pairs excellently with the same dry red wine used for poaching or a crisp sparkling wine.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard baguette with a gluten-free baguette.
What if I do not have tongs to handle the pears?
You can use a slotted spoon or a fork to carefully place the pear slices on the bread.
Can I use white wine instead of red?
You can, but the color will be much lighter and the flavor will be more floral rather than robust.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
While the alcohol cooks off, the sophisticated flavors of blue cheese and red wine are usually preferred by adults.
Can I scale this recipe for a large party?
Absolutely, the ingredients can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate more guests.