Caramelized Pear Brie and Walnut Crostini

This elegant crostini offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for a sophisticated winter appetizer. The creamy, melted Brie pairs beautifully with the warm, buttery caramelized pears and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze cuts through the richness, creating a truly complex and delightful bite.

Cheese & Dairy

Ingredients

baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
tablespoons olive oil
oz wheel of Brie cheese, rind on, sliced
large firm pear (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), cored and diced
tablespoon unsalted butter
tablespoon brown sugar
1/4-Pinch of sea salt
tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduction)
Pinch of sea salt

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes
minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
While the bread toasts, prepare the caramelized pears. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pear and brown sugar, and cook for 5 minutes
minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and lightly caramelized.
Top each toasted crostini with a slice of Brie cheese and a spoonful of the warm caramelized pears. Return the crostini to the oven for 3 minutes
minutes, or until the Brie is soft and just beginning to melt.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the toasted walnuts. Finish each crostini with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze and a tiny pinch of sea salt before serving.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For a perfect pairing, serve this crostini with a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a dry sparkling Prosecco, which will complement the sweetness of the pear and the richness of the Brie.

From the Tini Crostini Collection