These Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini are a tasty treat! Crispy bread is topped with sweet pears, salty prosciutto, and creamy gorgonzola—what a delicious combo!
Perfect for parties, they always impress guests. Just be careful not to eat them all yourself; they vanish quickly! I love serving them with a nice drink for a relax time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or Italian Bread: This gives the crostini its satisfying crunch. You can also use whole grain bread or gluten-free bread if needed. I love a nice crispy texture, so make sure to toast it well!
Pear: A ripe Bartlett or Anjou pear adds sweetness. If those aren’t available, try apple slices for a similar sweetness or even a fig spread for extra richness.
Prosciutto: This salty meat pairs perfectly with the sweet pear. If you’re looking for a substitute, pancetta or even smoked turkey works well. For a vegetarian option, you can use marinated artichokes for a different flavor.
Gorgonzola: Gorgonzola offers a creamy, tangy flavor. If you prefer something milder, use goat cheese or feta. They’ll give a nice creaminess while cutting down on sharpness.
Sage: Fresh sage adds a lovely herbal note. If you can’t find fresh sage, you can use thyme or omit it entirely without sacrificing much flavor.
How Do I Get the Bread Crispy without Burning It?
To achieve that perfect crunch, it’s all about timing and watching closely! Baking at 375°F allows even toasting without burning. Here’s how you can make sure it turns out great:
- Brush the bread slices lightly with olive oil for a golden color.
- Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet for even heat distribution.
- Keep an eye on them while they toast—about 8-10 minutes should be enough. You want them golden, not dark brown.
- If your oven tends to hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through cooking.
These tips will help you nail that crispy bread topping for your crostini! Enjoy!
How to Make Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
- 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- Fresh sage leaves (optional for garnish)
- Honey, for drizzling
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus about 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to whip up these delightful crostini. So, they’re quick and easy to make, perfect for a last-minute appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare your ingredients. This will make sure your bread gets perfectly crispy!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your sliced baguette or Italian bread and lay them out on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Just enough to coat them for that crispy goodness!
3. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the bread toast for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s golden and crispy—just the way we like it!
4. Slice the Pear:
While the bread is toasting, wash your pear and slice it thinly. It’s best to use a ripe pear for a sweet, juicy taste. Set those slices aside!
5. Sauté the Sage (Optional):
If you’re using sage leaves for garnish, grab a small pan and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the sage leaves lightly until they become crisp. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor! Set them aside when done.
6. Assemble the Crostini:
Once your bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble! Start by placing a slice or two of pear on each piece of bread. Then, drape a slice of prosciutto over the pear. Get creative—fold the prosciutto or let it hang for a rustic look!
7. Add Gorgonzola:
Sprinkle some crumbled gorgonzola cheese over the top of each crostini. The creamy tang of the cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the pear!
8. Garnish:
If you’ve sautéed sage, place a crisp leaf atop each crostini. If you didn’t use sage, skip this step!
9. Honey Drizzle:
Add a lovely drizzle of honey over each crostini. This adds that sweet finishing touch we love!
10. Season and Serve:
Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the crostini immediately while the bread is warm and enjoy these tasty little bites!
This recipe makes about 20 crostini and is perfect for entertaining or as an elegant appetizer. Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious dish!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor. Both will still provide a lovely creaminess to balance the sweet pears.
Can I Make Crostini in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the crostini ahead of time! Toast the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Assemble and add the toppings just before serving for the best texture!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add thinly sliced apples, fig jam, or even walnuts for extra crunch. The combination of sweet and savory is versatile, so mix and match to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the bread may lose its crispiness. To revive it, just pop the crostini back in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying!
