These Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini are a fancy snack that’s super easy to make! Crispy bread gets topped with sweet pears, salty prosciutto, and creamy gorgonzola for a burst of flavor!
Every bite is like a tiny party for your taste buds! Whenever I serve these, everyone wants the recipe. It’s a perfect way to impress friends without going too wild in the kitchen! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or Rustic Italian Bread: Use a crusty bread for the best crunch. If you can’t find baguette, ciabatta or even sourdough work well! I like sourdough for its tangy flavor.
Pear: Bosc or Anjou pears are great for their sweetness and firmness. If they’re out of season, try apple slices or even figs for an interesting twist!
Prosciutto: This cured meat adds a lovely saltiness. If you’re looking for something less salty, try using thinly sliced turkey or chicken breast instead.
Gorgonzola: This blue cheese brings a nice creaminess. If you’re not a fan, use feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. I often go for goat cheese, as it pairs beautifully with pears.
Honey: It’s optional, but it adds a delicious sweetness. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re out of honey!
How Do I Toast the Bread Perfectly?
Toasting bread is a key step that ensures your crostini holds up well. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the bread and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet without overlapping.
- Brush each slice generously with olive oil. This helps achieve a golden color and crispy texture.
- Toast for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch them closely, as oven times can vary!
- Let them cool slightly after toasting. This helps them stay crispy when you add toppings.
Your goal is to have perfectly crunchy bases that won’t get soggy from the toppings! Enjoy making these delicious crostini at your next gathering!
How to Make Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
For the Toppings:
- 1 ripe but firm pear (such as Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
- 4 oz prosciutto slices
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp cream cheese or ricotta (optional, for spreading)
- Fresh thyme or sage leaves for garnish
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking. With just 25 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful platter of crostini ready to serve! Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the crostini don’t stick.
2. Toast the Bread:
Place the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides to ensure they get nicely golden and crisp. Once the oven is ready, toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are just right.
3. Cool the Toasts:
After toasting, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help keep the bread crispy when you add toppings.
4. Add the Creamy Base:
If you want some extra creaminess, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta on each crostini. This is optional but highly recommended!
5. Layer on the Pears:
Place the thinly sliced pear pieces evenly on top of each crostini. The sweet and juicy pear pairs wonderfully with the salty prosciutto!
6. Add the Prosciutto:
Take the prosciutto slices and fold them gently. Place one folded slice on top of the pear on each crostini to add that salty flavor.
7. Crumble the Gorgonzola:
Sprinkle crumbled gorgonzola cheese generously over the prosciutto. This creamy cheese adds a rich taste that balances the sweetness of the pear.
8. Garnish and Season:
Add a fresh herb garnish by placing a small thyme or sage leaf on each crostini. For an extra touch, drizzle lightly with honey and season with freshly ground black pepper if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These crostini are best served immediately while the bread is still crisp. Enjoy them as a fabulous appetizer at your next gathering or simply as a delicious snack!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your elegant Prosciutto Pear Gorgonzola Crostini!
Can I Make These Crostini Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free bread instead of a traditional baguette. There are many delicious gluten-free options available that would work perfectly for this recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Gorgonzola Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese as alternatives. Both will provide a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor that pairs nicely with the pears and prosciutto.
How to Store Leftover Crostini?
While crostini are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the bread crispy, store the toppings separately and assemble before serving again. Enjoy within 2 days for the best flavor!
Can I Prepare the Toppings in Advance?
Yes, you can slice the pears and prepare the prosciutto and gorgonzola ahead of time! Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to toast the bread and assemble the crostini. This makes it super easy for entertaining!
