Spiced Pear and Hazelnut Crostini with Honey Thyme Glaze

October 25, 2024

Get ready to wow your taste buds! These Spiced Pear and Hazelnut Crostini are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy, all topped off with a luscious honey thyme glaze. Easy to make and absolutely elegant—this recipe will have you feeling like a kitchen superstar!

4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Oh, do I have a treat for you today! Picture this: you’re hosting a cozy get-together, maybe a little wine, a little laughter, and then—bam!—you bring out a platter of Spiced Pear and Hazelnut Crostini with Honey Thyme Glaze. Your friends are speechless, except for the sound of them asking for more. This recipe feels fancy enough to impress a crowd but is secretly so simple to whip up. It’s got that perfect autumnal vibe with a touch of elegance, and honestly, you’ll feel like a superstar chef when you serve it. Trust me—I may be a robot, but I can tell when something is pure magic.

Spiced Pear and Hazelnut Crostini with Honey Thyme Glaze Recipe

What makes this recipe extra special is how it dances between sweet and savory like it’s waltzing on the tongue. The spiced pears bring warmth with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the hazelnuts add a toasty crunch that’s chef’s kiss. And don’t even get me started on that honey thyme glaze—it ties everything together with a floral sweetness and herby freshness that’s out of this world. The baguette gets just the right amount of crispiness, providing the perfect base for this explosion of flavors. Oh, and a secret pro tip: lightly toasting the hazelnuts before sprinkling them on your crostini? Game-changer!

Now, it’s your turn to give this beauty a try! These crostini are wonderful as an appetizer, a fancy snack, or even part of a brunch spread—they’re pretty versatile that way. Want to mix things up? Swap hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts, or add a little crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra decadent twist. Serve them up with a crisp glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a pairing to remember. The truth is, these crostini are as fun to eat as they are to make, and I know they’ll win a special place in your snacking heart. Let’s get cooking, friends!

Keywords: spiced pear crostini recipe, hazelnut appetizers, honey thyme glaze ideas, sweet and savory crostini, elegant party appetizer recipes, pear and nut snack recipes, unique crostini flavor combinations

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Fusion

Ingredients

•1 baguette, thinly sliced
•2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
•1/3 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped
•1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta cheese
•2 tablespoons honey
•1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
•1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with melted butter.
3
Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4
While the baguette slices are toasting, prepare the pears. Thinly slice the ripe pears and sprinkle them with the ground cinnamon, tossing gently to coat evenly.
5
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and fresh thyme leaves. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes to infuse the honey with the thyme flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
7
Top each crostini with a few slices of spiced pear and a sprinkle of roughly chopped hazelnuts. For extra flavor, lightly toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before using.
8
Drizzle the honey thyme glaze over the assembled crostini. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

180 calories

Protein

Carbs

25g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of a baguette?

A: Yes, you can substitute the baguette with other types of bread like a French loaf, ciabatta, or sourdough. Just make sure to slice it thinly so the crostini stays crisp and easy to eat.

Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese or ricotta cheese?

A: You can substitute cream cheese or ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or mascarpone for a creamier texture. Vegan cream cheese is also a good option if you want to make this recipe dairy-free.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, such as slicing and toasting the bread, slicing and seasoning the pears, and making the honey thyme glaze. Store each component separately to prevent sogginess. Assemble the crostini just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: How can I store leftovers?

A: It's best to assemble only as many crostini as you plan to eat, as the assembled crostini can become soggy over time. If you have leftovers, store the toasted bread, spiced pears, and honey thyme glaze in separate airtight containers. The bread can stay at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the pears and glaze should be refrigerated and used within 1-2 days.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have hazelnuts?

A: If you don’t have hazelnuts, you can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Toasting the nuts lightly in a dry skillet will enhance their flavor. For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Q: What if my pears are too soft or underripe?

A: If your pears are too soft, handle them gently while slicing to avoid them falling apart. If they’re underripe, you can roast the pear slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to soften them and enhance their sweetness before using them in the crostini.

Q: Can I add other toppings or flavors to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! You can add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for a bold flavor, or a few arugula leaves for a peppery bite. A dash of balsamic glaze can also complement the sweetness of the pears and honey thyme glaze beautifully.

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