Looking for an appetizer that's easy to make but still feels special? These Goat Cheese Crostinis with Pear and Prosciutto are one of my go-to bites for the holiday season or any gathering. They're simple to put together but have a ton of flavor, just like these steak and burrata crostinis, and mushroom crostinis with scallions whipped ricotta.
Each bite has a little bit of everything-creamy goat cheese, sweet pears, salty prosciutto, and a touch of heat from spicy honey. Plus, they look as good as they taste. Trust me, your guests will keep coming back for more!
For other fun bite recipes, check out these Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Bites or these mini sausage lamb rolls.
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Notes on Ingredients
- Baguette: A baguette makes perfectly sized, round crostini. You can also use a day-old baguette for better toasting.
- Goat Cheese: Let the goat cheese come to room temperature for easier spreading and smoother mixing with the other ingredients.
- Bartlett Pears: I love using Bartlett pears for their juiciness and sweetness, but feel free to use another variety if preferred.
- Prosciutto: I like to tear the prosciutto into small pieces (about 4-5 per slice) and gently scrunch one side to create a fanned effect for a more elegant presentation.
*see full list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe card below.
How to Make these Goat Cheese Crostinis with Pear and Proscuitto
1. Make the Crostini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the baguette into ¼-inch rounds, arrange on two baking sheets, drizzle with 3 tablespoon olive oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Goat Cheese Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine 8 oz goat cheese (softened), 1 grated garlic clove, ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combines.
3. Make the Spicy Honey: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper (a little goes a long way!).
4. Assemble the Crostini: Spread a thick layer of the goat cheese mixture on each crostini, add a thin slice of pear, top with prosciutto (torn into pieces), and finish with a drizzle of the spicy honey. Serve and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
- Bread: Feel free to use any type of bread you prefer instead of a baguette
- Cheese: Swap the goat cheese for whipped cream cheese, ricotta, or a plant-based alternative.
- Fruit: Try apples, figs, or stone fruits like peaches when they are in season.
- Sweetener: Use plain honey and omit the cayenne, or try a balsamic glaze for a tangier flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Toast the baguette slices and prepare the goat cheese spread a few hours in advance. Store them separately to keep the crostini crisp. You can also make the goat cheese spread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it soften to room temperature before using.
- Assembly Timing: Add the goat cheese, pears, and prosciutto just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Slicing Pears: If you're not serving these goat cheese crostinis with pear and prosciutto right away and want the pears to keep their color, drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the slices to prevent oxidation.
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Thanks so much!
Isabelle
Goat Cheese Crostinis with Pear and Prosciutto
Equipment
- bread knife
- sheet pans
Ingredients
- 1 baguette thinly sliced (about ½ inch)
- 4 ⅓ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons for the crostini + 2 teaspoons for the goat cheese
- 8 oz goat cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 garlic clove grated
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- A pinch of salt
- 2 Bartlett pears thinly sliced (about ¼ inch)
- 4 oz prosciutto torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon honey
- pinch of ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make the Crostini: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the baguette into ¼-inch rounds, arrange on two baking sheets, drizzle with 3 tablespoon olive oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine 8 oz goat cheese (softened), 1 grated garlic clove, ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combines.
- Make the Spicy Honey: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper (a little goes a long way!).
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a thick layer of the goat cheese mixture on each crostini, add a thin slice of pear, top with prosciutto (torn into pieces), and finish with a drizzle of the spicy honey. Serve and enjoy!
Save This Recipe! 💌
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Newel Tasting Table says
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Made this for a family holiday dinner and everyone loved it and went in for more!