These Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini are perfect little bites of joy! Crispy bread topped with sweet pears, savory prosciutto, and tangy gorgonzola makes a yummy snack or appetizer.
What’s better than crunchy bread and sweet fruit? I love serving these at gatherings because they disappear fast! They’re easy to make, and you’ll feel like a chef in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or Italian Bread: A crusty loaf gives the best texture. If you can’t find baguette, any sturdy bread works—like sourdough or ciabatta. I enjoy a slightly chewy bread to hold all those toppings!
Gorgonzola Cheese: The blue cheese adds a unique tang. If you prefer a milder taste, you can swap it for feta or goat cheese. I often use goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Prosciutto: This salty cured meat enhances the flavors nicely. If prosciutto isn’t available, try thinly sliced salami or turkey for a different twist. Both offer a great taste!
Pear: Ripe, sweet pears add a refreshing contrast. If pears aren’t in season, you can use apples instead; they’ll add a different crunch and sweetness!
Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances the savory elements. For a sugar-free option, maple syrup works well, too. I love the extra flavor it adds!
How Do You Make the Perfect Crostini?
Creating the ideal crostini comes down to toasting the bread just right! You want it crispy outside but still slightly tender inside. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven and arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush with olive oil—this helps them crisp up and adds flavor.
- Keep a close eye while toasting, as baking times can vary. Look for a golden-brown color.
- Let them cool for a minute after toasting. This makes the toppings stick better.
Following these steps will help you create delicious crostini that stand up to the toppings without getting soggy. Enjoy making these simple yet tasty treats!
How to Make Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette or crusty Italian bread, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 6-8 thin slices of prosciutto
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp honey
- Fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes in total—5 minutes to prepare your ingredients and another 15 minutes to assemble and bake. Perfect for a quick and classy appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for toasting the bread perfectly!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your sliced baguette or Italian bread and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil; this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven!
3. Toast the Bread:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread slices for about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be golden and crisp, so keep an eye on them. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Add the Gorgonzola:
Now, spread a generous amount of crumbled gorgonzola on each toasted bread slice. Don’t be shy—this is what gives it that creamy flavor!
5. Add the Prosciutto:
Next, drape a slice of prosciutto over the gorgonzola on each crostini. The salty prosciutto perfectly complements the creamy cheese!
6. Top with Pear:
Place a thin slice of pear on top of the prosciutto. The sweetness of the pear adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
7. Drizzle with Honey:
Now, take a moment to drizzle each crostini with a bit of honey. This step really enhances the flavors, making every bite irresistible!
8. Garnish:
Lastly, sprinkle a few fresh rosemary leaves on top and crack some black pepper for added flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your crostini are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, salty, sweet, and herby flavors. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!).
Enjoy these delightful crostini that marry creamy, salty, sweet, and herbaceous flavors for a perfect bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While gorgonzola adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder taste. Both will work beautifully with the other ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Crostini?
While it’s best to enjoy these fresh, you can store leftover toppings separately. Keep the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, and store the toppings in the fridge. Just assemble and toast again for a fresh bite!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make vegan crostini, swap the gorgonzola for a vegan cheese and replace prosciutto with roasted or marinated vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. A drizzle of agave can replace the honey too!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can prepare the toasted bread and toppings ahead of time. Store the toasted bread in an airtight container and keep the toppings refrigerated. Assemble just before serving to ensure freshness!
