Pear Brie Crostini Recipe

Baguette: A French bread that is sliced into ½ inch pieces to create the base for the crostini.

Brie cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.

Pears: Thinly sliced to add a sweet and juicy element to the crostini.

Honey: Drizzled over the top for a touch of sweetness.

Fresh thyme: Chopped and sprinkled to add a hint of earthiness and freshness.

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in this pear brie crostini, make sure to use a ripe pear that is firm yet slightly yielding to the touch. This ensures that the pear slices will hold their shape during baking while providing a sweet contrast to the creamy brie cheese. Additionally, lightly toasting the baguette slices before adding the toppings can add an extra layer of crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

• baguette - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta has a similar texture and can be sliced into pieces that are perfect for crostini.

• brie cheese - Substitute with camembert: Camembert has a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a good alternative to brie.

• pears - Substitute with apples: Apples provide a similar sweetness and crisp texture, which pairs well with cheese.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a different but complementary sweetness that works well with the other ingredients.

• fresh thyme - Substitute with fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary provides a similar aromatic quality and pairs well with both cheese and fruit.

• Allow the crostini to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the baguette slices soggy.
• Place the pear brie crostini in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The brie cheese and pears will maintain their freshness within this timeframe.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the crostini on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the baguette is crisp.
• For freezing, first flash-freeze the crostini by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the crostini to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Label with the date and store for up to 1 month.
• To thaw, place the crostini in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the baguette is crisp.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the baguette chewy and the brie overly runny.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover pear brie crostini on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the baguette is crisp.
• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the crostini inside. Toast for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the crostini on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Note that the baguette may not be as crispy as when using an oven.
• To reheat on the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the crostini in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the baguette is warm.
• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the crostini in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the baguette is crispy.

• Oven: used to preheat and bake the crostini until the brie is melted and bubbly

• Baking sheet: used to arrange the baguette slices for baking

• Knife: used to slice the baguette, brie cheese, and pears

• Cutting board: provides a surface for slicing the baguette, brie cheese, and pears

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the honey and chopped fresh thyme

• Small bowl: used to hold the honey for drizzling

• Spatula: used to transfer the crostini from the baking sheet to a serving plate

Pre-slice the baguette: Slice the baguette in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time when assembling the crostini.

Pre-cut the pears: Thinly slice the pears ahead of time and keep them in lemon water to prevent browning.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all your ingredients on the counter before starting to streamline the assembly process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.