If you’re craving a delightful appetizer that offers the perfect blend of savory, sweet, crunchy, and spicy all in one bite, look no further than the Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe. This irresistible crowd-pleaser combines golden, crunchy cheese-crusted bread with juicy slices of pear, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of fiery hot honey that takes your taste buds on a joyful ride. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together so easily, making it a go-to for entertaining or simply treating yourself to an elevated snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role in the overall flavor and texture. From the nutty Parmesan creating that unbeatable crust to the fresh pears adding natural sweetness, every element contributes harmony to this delicious bite.
- French baguette: Choose a fresh baguette sliced diagonally to create a sturdy yet crisp base for the crostini.
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated for a rich, salty crust that crisps beautifully under the bread.
- Bartlett pears: Thin slices bring juicy sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory cheese.
- Walnuts: Toasted and roughly chopped for a crunchy texture and their warm, earthy flavor.
- Hot honey: A drizzle of this sweet and spicy honey adds exciting heat and depth.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance all the flavors and provide a subtle crunch.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key to preventing anything from sticking and makes the cleanup process effortless. Almost like magic, this simple preparation lays the groundwork for your crispy, golden crostini to come.
Step 2: Create the Parmesan Cheese Layer
Take your grated Parmigiano Reggiano and spread it evenly on the parchment paper using a microplane or the smaller holes of a box grater. This layer will bake into a delightfully crispy, cheesy crust. The evenness here is important so that every crostini will have a consistent crunch and that perfect salty, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake the Bread
Place the baguette slices carefully on top of the cheese layer, letting the cheese peek out slightly. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the cheese beneath the bread to develop a gorgeous golden color and crispy texture — this is where the magic of the Parmesan crust happens.
Step 4: Top with Pears, Walnuts, and Hot Honey
Once cool enough to handle, flip each crostini so the crispy cheese crust is on top. Layer one or two thin Bartlett pear slices on each piece, sprinkle with your toasted walnuts, and then generously drizzle with hot honey. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and spice perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Immediately for Best Texture
The Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe is best enjoyed fresh while the crust remains crispy and the hot honey is still warm and inviting. The combination of textures — crunchy, juicy, nutty, and silky — all come together in the perfect bite you won’t be able to stop eating.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the visual and flavor appeal, consider adding a little fresh herb on top like a small thyme leaf or a tiny sprig of rosemary. It adds fresh earthy notes and a pop of green to brighten the plate. A quick little grind of black pepper can also add an unexpected but delightful layer to this dish.
Side Dishes
Because these crostini are so flavorful and textured, they work beautifully alongside crisp salads — think peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad. They also pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards featuring mild cheeses and cured meats, offering a balance of richness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of arranging crostini traditionally on a platter, try stacking them in a tiered presentation or arranging them fan-style on a wooden board for a rustic yet elegant look. You might also serve them with small bowls of extra hot honey or toasted nuts on the side, inviting guests to customize each bite to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Because the crust loses its crunch with moisture, avoid refrigerating them if possible. Store pears and walnuts separately if you plan to keep them longer.
Freezing
This crostini is best enjoyed fresh for maximum texture and flavor, so freezing isn’t recommended. The pears and hot honey don’t freeze well, and the bread and cheese crust can become soggy when thawed.
Reheating
To revive day-old Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe, warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350ºF for just a few minutes until the crust crisps back up. After reheating, add fresh pear slices, walnuts, hot honey, and sea salt as you would normally serve for best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmigiano Reggiano?
You could experiment with aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar salty, nutty flavor, but the distinctive crispiness and aroma of Parmigiano Reggiano truly elevate the crostini experience.
Is hot honey difficult to find or make?
Hot honey is widely available in most grocery stores or online, but you can also easily make your own by gently warming honey with a pinch of red chili flakes—perfect for controlling the spice level exactly how you like it.
Can I prepare the crostini without pears?
While pears provide a wonderful fresh sweetness, you can substitute with thin slices of apple or even figs for a seasonal twist, though the flavor combination will slightly differ.
What type of walnuts works best?
Raw walnuts that you toast yourself bring out the richest flavor and crunch. Toasting enhances their oils and aroma, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the French baguette for your favorite gluten-free baguette or sturdy gluten-free bread to enjoy all the flavors without compromising texture.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried the Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe yet, you’re truly in for a treat. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy and quick to put together. The combination of crispy cheese, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and spicy honey is utterly addictive, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a cherished go-to for every occasion.
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Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Parmesan Crusted Crostini topped with fresh Bartlett pear slices, toasted walnuts, and drizzled with spicy hot honey. This appetizer offers a delightful balance of crispy cheese, sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and a hint of heat, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 French baguette, cut diagonally into ½ inch slices
- ¾–1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (about 3 ounces grated)
Toppings
- 2 Bartlett pears, cores removed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare the cheese crust: Using a microplane or the small side of a box grater, finely grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in an even layer directly onto the parchment paper, creating a crispy, cheesy base for the crostini.
- Bake the crostini: Arrange the baguette slices on top of the grated cheese layer. Bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese beneath turns golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble with toppings: Once cool enough to handle, flip each crostini so the cheese crust is on top. Add one to two thin slices of Bartlett pear on each, sprinkle with toasted walnuts, drizzle with hot honey, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Serve fresh: Enjoy these crostini fresh from the oven to experience the perfect combination of crispy cheese, fresh sweetness from the pears, spicy honey, and crunchy walnuts.
Notes
- Use a sharp microplane or fine grater for the cheese to ensure even melting and crisping.
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant, stirring once.
- Hot honey can be substituted with regular honey if you prefer less spice.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the cheese crust will soften if left out too long.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
