When the chill of autumn sets in and the leaves begin to transform, I find myself longing for cozy evenings filled with warm flavors and comforting gatherings. One of my favorite ways to usher in this season is with a cheerful platter of Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey. This delightful appetizer brings together the crunch of a perfectly toasted baguette, the sweetness of ripe pears, and the earthy nuttiness of walnuts, all topped off with a spicy, sweet drizzle of hot honey.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these easy but impressive bites that are sure to charm your guests and elevate any holiday gathering. Whether served at a festive party or a simple family dinner, these crostinis add a touch of elegance and warmth that’ll make everyone feel right at home. Let’s dive into this joyous blend of flavors and make your next gathering a delicious success!
Why Love Parmesan Crusted Crostini?
Simplicity, made with just a few straightforward ingredients, these crostinis are a breeze to assemble!
Flavor explosion! The harmony of sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and a kick from hot honey will have your taste buds dancing.
Customizable to suit everyone’s palate, easily swap ingredients like cheese or nuts for your favorites!
Perfect for entertaining, this appetizer is ideal for any gathering, from holiday parties to cozy dinners.
Quick prep time, ready in just 20 minutes, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones!
Parmesan Crusted Crostini Ingredients
• Get ready to impress with this delightful dish!
For the Crostini Base
- French baguette – A perfect crispy canvas; you can use any crusty bread for variety.
- Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – Offers a savory crunch; substitute with aged cheddar for a different flavor.
For the Toppings
- Bartlett pears – Juicy and sweet; any ripe pear or even apples can be used for a crisper option.
- Toasted walnuts – Adds a delightful crunch; feel free to swap with pecans or skip nuts for a nut-free treat.
- Hot honey – Drizzles beautifully for a twist of sweetness and spice; create your own by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce.
- Flaky sea salt – Elevates the flavor balance; it complements the sweetness of pears perfectly.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Crostini
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This essential step ensures your crostinis will bake evenly and won’t stick.
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Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese evenly onto the prepared parchment paper. Aim for a fine layer to create that crunchy, savory topping we all love!
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Arrange baguette slices directly on top of the grated cheese. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
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Cool slightly, then flip each baguette slice over carefully. This allows the creamy cheese to be on the underside, giving each bite a deliciously cheesy surprise.
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Top each slice with pear slices and sprinkle on toasted walnuts. Add a generous drizzle of hot honey and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
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Serve immediately for the best texture and taste. Your guests will adore the delightful crunch and sweet-savory combination on each crostini!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Parmesan Crusted Crostini
Room Temperature: Enjoy crostini right away for the best texture as they can lose crispness quickly. Serve fresh within 30 minutes for optimal taste.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that they will lose their crunch but still taste delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unassembled crostini components—baked baguette slices, grated cheese, and toppings—separately for up to 2 months. Assemble and bake directly from frozen when ready.
Reheating: To revive the crostini, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through, then top with pears, walnuts, and hot honey before serving.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey?
Elevate your gathering with perfectly paired accompaniments that enhance every delightful bite of your crostini.
- Crisp Side Salad: A light salad with arugula and a lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery freshness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the crostini.
- Savory Cheese Platter: Combine different cheeses—think brie, aged cheddar, and gorgonzola—for a rich variety that invites guests to explore contrasting flavors.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Complement your crostini by serving extra toasted slices with olive oil and sea salt. It’s a crunchy delight that everyone will love.
- Spicy Roasted Nuts: For a fun texture contrast, offer a bowl of mixed roasted nuts seasoned with chili and herbs. Their crunchiness and spice will entice your guests.
- Zesty Fruit Compote: A side of tangy fruit compote, perhaps featuring figs or cranberries, adds a sweet-tart element that pairs well with the savory crostini.
- Light White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio enhances the meal, with refreshing acidity that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Decadent Chocolate Truffles: Finish the evening on a sweet note! These truffles provide a luxurious end to your gathering and match the sophisticated flavor profile of the crostini.
These pairing suggestions create a feast of flavors and textures, ensuring that your Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey shines on any table!
Make Ahead Options
These Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the baguette and pre-grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. Additionally, the pears can be sliced and tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, making them ready up to 3 days ahead of time. When it’s time to serve, simply bake the cheese-topped baguette slices as directed and finish with your prepped pears, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of hot honey. With these simple make-ahead steps, you’ll save time and still serve a delicious, impressive appetizer that’s just as delightful!
Expert Tips for Parmesan Crusted Crostini
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Grate Wisely: Use a microplane or box grater for finely grating cheese to ensure even melting and a crispy texture.
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Perfectly Toasted Nuts: Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for enhanced flavor. Watch carefully; they can burn quickly!
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Best Fresh: Enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey immediately after making for optimal crunchiness and flavor.
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Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to customize! Use different cheeses, like aged Gouda, or replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
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Work Ahead: Prepare toppings a few hours before serving. Slice pears and toast walnuts in advance to make assembly a breeze!
Parmesan Crusted Crostini Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful crostini and customize them to suit your taste!
- Savory Addition: Add thin slices of prosciutto to bring a delicious salty contrast to the sweetness of the pears.
- Nutty Twist: Swap out walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile that still adds crunch.
- Cheese Choice: Use aged Gouda or Gruyère for a richer taste that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Fruit Switch: For a sweeter touch, replace pears with figs or even sliced apples for that perfect autumn flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Top with fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate flavor and bring a lovely aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or replace hot honey with a spicy jalapeño-infused honey for extra heat.
- Vegan Version: Use nut-based cheese and omit the honey or opt for a vegan honey substitute to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Serve on gluten-free bread for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy!
Let your imagination run wild as you explore these delightful variations!
Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe FAQs
What type of bread works best for crostini?
Absolutely! A French baguette is my go-to for that perfect crunch, but feel free to experiment with any crusty bread you love. Think ciabatta, sourdough, or even whole grain for a unique twist!
How should I store leftover crostini?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their delightful crunch, but the flavors will still shine through!
Can I freeze the components of the crostini?
Certainly! For freezing, I recommend separating the baked baguette slices, grated cheese, and toppings. Freeze each component individually for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply assemble and bake straight from frozen!
What if my pears aren’t ripe enough?
Don’t worry; you can ripen pears quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. If you are in a hurry, using thinly sliced apples instead is a great alternative that still offers a nice crunch and sweetness!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! For a nut-free option, you can simply opt to leave out the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds. Always check that your honey is pure and free from allergens if you’re serving to someone with dietary restrictions.
Why did my cheese not crisp up properly?
A common issue could be over-grating or uneven distribution of cheese. Make sure to finely grate the cheese, and spread it evenly on the baking sheet. If it’s clumped up, it won’t melt and crisp as beautifully! Use a microplane for best results.
Irresistible Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear and Hot Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese evenly onto the prepared parchment paper.
- Arrange baguette slices directly on top of the grated cheese. Bake them for about 8-10 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then flip each baguette slice over carefully.
- Top each slice with pear slices and sprinkle on toasted walnuts. Add a drizzle of hot honey and finish with flaky sea salt.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.