Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey Recipe

Introduction

These Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey offer a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors atop crispy toasted bread. Perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant appetizer, they are quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g brie cheese, sliced
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cranberry sauce or compote
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crisp.
2. Step 2: While the crostini are still warm, place a slice of brie on each piece of bread. Add a thin slice of pear on top of the brie, then spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce over each crostini. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with fresh thyme leaves over low heat. Be careful not to boil it. Once warmed, drizzle the thyme-infused honey over each crostini just before serving.
4. Step 4: Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if you like, and serve the crostini warm or at room temperature for a perfect festive nibble.

Tips & Variations

• Use a ripe but firm pear such as Bartlett or Anjou to ensure it holds its shape nicely on the crostini.
• For added depth, try substituting the cranberry sauce with fig jam or pomegranate molasses.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, use aged brie or camembert instead.

Storage

These crostini are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store them, keep the toasted bread and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness. Leftover thyme honey can be stored in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-toasted crostini or crackers?

Yes, pre-toasted crostini or sturdy crackers can be used to save time. Just ensure they are crisp to support the toppings without becoming soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes brie cheese and honey, which are not vegan. You can substitute vegan cheese and use maple syrup infused with thyme as a vegan-friendly alternative.

Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini 1x

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Description

These Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey are an elegant and festive appetizer that combines creamy brie, sweet ripe pear, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy toasted walnuts on toasted baguette slices. The thyme-infused honey drizzled on top adds a fragrant, velvety sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and fruity flavors. Ideal for holiday parties or cozy gatherings, this simple yet sophisticated recipe delivers a delightful bite every time.

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Ingredients

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Crostini Base

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Toppings

• 200g brie cheese, sliced
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cranberry sauce or compote
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

Thyme Honey

• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for toasting the bread slices.
2. Prepare Crostini: Brush each baguette slice evenly with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp.
3. Add Brie: While the crostini are still warm, place a slice of brie cheese onto each toasted baguette round, allowing it to soften slightly.
4. Layer Pear: Top each piece of brie with a thin slice of ripe pear to add sweetness and texture.
5. Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce or compote over the pear layer.
6. Sprinkle Walnuts: Scatter roughly chopped toasted walnuts on top for a nutty crunch.
7. Make Thyme Honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm honey with fresh thyme leaves over low heat without boiling to infuse the honey with the herb’s aroma.
8. Drizzle and Garnish: Just before serving, drizzle the thyme-infused honey generously over each crostini. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature for a perfect festive nibble.

Notes

• You can prepare the thyme-infused honey ahead and store it in a jar for up to a week.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
• Use fresh, ripe pears for the best flavor and texture contrast.
• Ensure the brie is at room temperature for easier melting over the warm bread.
• Optionally, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: pear crostini, brie appetizer, cranberry sauce appetizer, thyme honey, holiday appetizers, festive snacks, easy baked crostini