A sophisticated toast featuring creamy goat cheese, juicy pear slices, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of golden honey—perfect for entertaining or an elegant appetizer. This crostini delivers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors in every bite, beautifully layered atop crisp toasted bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pear, walnut, and goat cheese crostini is simple yet refined. The creamy tang of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe pears and the crunch of toasted walnuts, while honey ties it all together with a glossy finish. Elegant and quick to prepare, it’s a fantastic choice for cocktail parties, festive gatherings, or a light starter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• crusty sourdough or French baguette, sliced and toasted
• soft goat cheese (or whipped goat cheese)
• ripe pear, thinly sliced
• chopped walnuts
• honey
• fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
2. While the toast is still warm, spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each slice.
3. Arrange thin slices of pear over the goat cheese, slightly overlapping.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves on top.
5. Drizzle with honey.
6. Finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2 crostini (easily scalable), serving 1–2 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (for toasting bread)
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Prosciutto: Top with thin slices of prosciutto for a salty contrast.
• Use Blue Cheese: Swap goat cheese for gorgonzola or blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Balsamic Finish: Replace honey with a balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet twist.
• Nut Swap: Use pecans or almonds in place of walnuts.
• Spiced Pears: Lightly sauté pear slices in butter with cinnamon for a warm, aromatic version.

Storage/Reheating

This dish is best assembled and enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

To prep ahead, you can toast the bread and slice the pears in advance (toss pears with a little lemon juice to prevent browning). Assemble just before serving.

Leftover assembled crostini do not store well due to the moisture from the cheese and fruit softening the bread.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, mascarpone, brie, or ricotta can be used if you prefer a milder flavor than goat cheese.

How can I prevent the pear slices from browning?

Toss them lightly with lemon juice after slicing to maintain their color.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Absolutely. Simply scale the ingredients and prepare several toasts in advance for easy serving.

What kind of pear is best for this recipe?

Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape well and pair beautifully with goat cheese.

Can I make the crostini gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free bread or baguette alternative.

Should I peel the pears?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds color and texture, but peeled pears offer a softer bite.

Can I toast the bread in advance?

Yes, toast the bread up to a few hours ahead. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or a balsamic glaze are good alternatives for different flavor profiles.

Can I make these into bite-sized appetizers?

Yes, use a baguette and cut into small rounds for easy finger food.

Are these crostini vegetarian?

Yes, all the listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

Pear, walnut, and goat cheese crostini with honey is a beautifully balanced appetizer that combines texture, flavor, and elegance in every bite. Whether served at an upscale dinner party or enjoyed as a simple personal treat, this dish offers a harmonious combination of sweet and savory that never fails to impress.

Pear, Walnut & Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 crostini
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Toasting
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Un toast sophistiqué composé de fromage de chèvre crémeux, de tranches de poire juteuses, de noix croquantes et d’un filet de miel doré, parfait pour recevoir ou comme apéritif élégant.

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Ingredients

• 2 tranches de pain au levain croustillant ou de baguette française, grillées
• 1/3 tasse de fromage de chèvre mou (ou fromage de chèvre fouetté)
• 1 poire mûre, coupée en fines tranches
• 2 cuillères à soupe de noix hachées
• 1 cuillère à soupe de miel
• Feuilles de thym frais, pour la garniture
• Poivre noir fraîchement moulu

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Instructions

1. Faites griller les tranches de pain jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient dorées et croustillantes.
2. Étalez une épaisse couche de fromage de chèvre sur chaque tranche pendant qu’elle est chaude.
3. Disposer les tranches de poires dessus, en les faisant légèrement se chevaucher.
4. Parsemer de noix hachées et de thym frais.
5. Arrosez de miel et terminez par un peu de poivre noir.

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Notes

• Utilisez des poires mûres mais fermes pour une meilleure texture et une meilleure douceur.
• Essayez de réchauffer légèrement le fromage de chèvre pour qu’il soit plus facile à tartiner.
• Cette recette peut être doublée ou triplée facilement pour les fêtes.
• Facultatif : ajoutez quelques feuilles de roquette pour une touche poivrée.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crostini
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg