Blue Cheese And Grilled Pear Crostini

The perfect pairing! Sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, all in one delightful bite. This Blue Cheese and Grilled Pear Crostini is an unexpected match made in heaven, where the pungency of blue cheese meets the sweetness of caramelized pears, all on top of a crispy baguette slice.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices (18-20 slices)
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 ripe but firm pears, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.

While the bread is toasting, grill the pear slices in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the pears with olive oil and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Once the bread is toasted, let it cool for a minute or two. Then, spread a small amount of blue cheese crumbles on each slice.

Top each slice with a grilled pear slice, followed by a dollop of the honey-balsamic mixture.

Garnish with chopped fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and relish the sweet and savory combination!

Notes

This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for a small gathering or party.

For the best results, use a combination of sweet and tart pears, like Bartlett or Anjou.

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet with the baguette slices, as you want them to toast evenly.

If you don’t have fresh thyme, feel free to omit or substitute with another herb like rosemary.

Blue cheese can be quite strong, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Also, be gentle when handling the grilled pear slices, as they can be delicate.

Balsamic vinegar adds a nice tanginess, but you can reduce the amount or omit if you prefer.

Lastly, consider making the honey-balsamic mixture ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 242
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 7g