Savory Brie and Pear Crostini
Elevate your snack game with these Savory Brie and Pear Crostini. This delightful recipe combines the rich, creamy flavor of Brie cheese with the succulent sweetness of fresh pears and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect as an elegant appetizer for gatherings or a gourmet addition to your lunch spread, these bites are easy to make and utterly irresistible. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends.
4-8 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
unsalted butter
1/2 tablespoon (melted)
Italian bread
8 slices (sliced)
Brie cheese
8 ounces (sliced)
fresh pear
1 (cored and sliced 1/4-inch)
Instructions
1
In a small pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped walnuts to the melted butter and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4
On each slice of Italian bread, layer equal amounts of the toasted walnuts and fresh pear slices. Top each with a slice of Brie cheese.
5
Arrange the assembled crostini on a baking sheet.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Brie and Pear Crostini?
It is an elegant appetizer featuring melted Brie cheese, fresh pear slices, and buttery toasted walnuts on Italian bread slices.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The core ingredients are walnuts, unsalted butter, Italian bread, Brie cheese, and fresh pears.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make between 4 and 8 servings.
What type of bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of Italian bread for the base of the crostini.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, while walnuts provide a specific nutty crunch, you could substitute them with pecans or almonds if preferred.
What is the best way to prepare the walnuts?
Walnuts should be chopped and then toasted in melted unsalted butter for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long do the crostini need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 10 minutes or until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
How should the pear be sliced?
The fresh pear should be cored and sliced into pieces approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but unsalted is recommended to better control the overall saltiness of the snack.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and a short baking time.
What is the texture of the finished crostini?
The finished dish offers a harmony of creamy cheese, succulent fruit, and a nutty, toasted crunch.
Can I substitute the Brie cheese?
If Brie is unavailable, Camembert is a similar soft-ripened cheese that would work well.
Should I peel the pear before slicing?
The recipe does not require peeling; simply core and slice the fresh pear.
How do I prevent the crostini from browning too much?
Keep a close eye on them during the 10-minute bake time to ensure the Brie melts without over-browning the bread.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer as it contains no meat products.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served warm immediately after baking, but you can toast the walnuts and slice the fruit in advance.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 5 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include appetizer, snack, gourmet snack, and baked bites.
Can I add a sweetener like honey?
While not in the original recipe, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze would complement the Brie and pear beautifully.
What should I do if the walnuts start to brown too quickly in the pan?
Remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent burning, as they will continue to toast slightly while cooling.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Apples are a great alternative if you do not have fresh pears available.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as an elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings.
What size should the Brie slices be?
You should use 8 ounces of Brie, sliced thin enough to fit on the bread and melt quickly.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian bread with your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread slices.
How long should I let them cool before serving?
Let them cool for just a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly and isn't too hot to eat.
Can these be reheated?
They are best fresh, but can be reheated briefly in a low oven to restore the cheese's meltiness.
What color should the toasted walnuts be?
They should be lightly browned and fragrant after about 2 minutes of toasting.
Should the bread be toasted before adding toppings?
The recipe suggests layering toppings on the bread and baking them together rather than pre-toasting the bread.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specifically defined, but the recipe makes enough for 4 to 8 people as an appetizer.