Pear Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Crostini

Imagine this: a crispy slice of toasted baguette, topped with creamy goat cheese, juicy-sweet pears, and salty prosciutto. That’s what you’re getting with this Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Crostini. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, super easy to put together, and makes for a show-stopping appetizer. I love serving this at gatherings, especially during the fall when pears are at their peak, but trust me—this works year-round, too!

Hook: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a casual dinner with friends, this crostini is what you need to bring your appetizer game up a notch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✨ It’s Quick and Easy: These crostini take less than 15 minutes to make, from prep to plate. Talk about instant gratification!
• 🎉 Perfect for Entertaining: They look fancy, but trust me, they’re deceptively simple. Guests will think you spent way more time on these than you actually did!
• 🍐 Flavor Bomb: You get sweetness from the pear, tang from the goat cheese, and a delightful salty hit from the prosciutto. A little bite of heaven.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Baguette: A good, crusty baguette is key for that perfect crunchy base. If you don’t have a baguette, any crusty bread will do.
• Goat Cheese: Go for a soft, spreadable variety. If you don’t love goat cheese, you can swap in cream cheese, ricotta, or even blue cheese.
• Pears: I love using ripe Bosc or Bartlett pears because they hold their shape and have a lovely sweetness. Just make sure they’re ripe, but not mushy!
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced and full of that salty goodness, prosciutto adds wonderful depth to the crostini. Feel free to swap with bacon or another favorite cured meat.
• Honey: Just a drizzle is all you need. It elevates the sweetness and balances out the saltiness of that prosciutto.
• Optional Garnish: Fresh thyme or arugula for a little pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, slice your baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2. Toast the bread: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Spread the goat cheese: Once the crostini are slightly cool, spread a generous layer of goat cheese over each slice. You want to do this while the bread is still warm so the cheese gets a little melty!
4. Add the pear slices: Thinly slice the pear (no need to peel unless you prefer it that way!) and lay two or three slices on top of each crostini.
5. Top with prosciutto: Tear the prosciutto into bite-sized strips and place on top of the pear slices.
6. Finish with a drizzle of honey: Just a light drizzle of honey over each crostini adds the perfect sweetness.
7. Optional garnish: Finish with fresh thyme for a touch of herbaceous flavor, or arugula for a peppery kick. Serve immediately!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Use a serrated knife: When slicing your baguette, a serrated knife will help you get neat, even cuts without squishing the bread.
• Room temperature goat cheese: Let your goat cheese sit out for a few minutes to soften. This makes it much easier to spread smoothly.
• Serve right away: These crostini are best served fresh for that ideal combination of crispy and creamy.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Vegetarian Option: Simply skip the prosciutto, and this crostini is still an impressive bite! You can add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based cheese and agave syrup instead of honey.
• Serving Idea: Pair these crostini with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco for an elegant appetizer course.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes and no. You can prep the components in advance—slice the bread, cheese, and pears—but I recommend assembling these crostini just before serving so the bread stays crispy.

How do I store leftovers?
If you have any (though I doubt it!), store the components separately. You can toast the bread and keep it in an airtight container, but remember that goat cheese and pears are best fresh.

Can I freeze crostini?
Unfortunately, this recipe doesn’t freeze well. The crispiness of the bread and texture of the toppings won’t hold up after freezing.

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