Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey
This Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey is a quick and elegant appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices baked with golden Parmesan, topped with juicy pear, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, this crostini recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ripe but firm pear thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 –3 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Optional: fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange baguette slices in a single layer.
- Create the Parmesan Crust
- Lightly brush each slice with olive oil.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan generously on top.
- Gently press cheese onto bread to help it adhere.
- Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is melted and lightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Toast the Walnuts
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble
- Top each crostini with pear slices.
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts over pears.
- Drizzle lightly with hot honey.
- Finish with cracked black pepper and optional fresh thyme.
- Serve
- Serve immediately while crostini are crisp and slightly warm.
Notes
- Use pears that are ripe but still firm for clean slicing.
- Toasting walnuts enhances flavor and crunch.
- Avoid overdrizzling honey to keep crostini crisp.
- Assemble just before serving for best texture.
- For extra richness, add a thin layer of ricotta or goat cheese under the pears.