Today I’m sharing a Brie and Pear Crostini appetizer that would be perfect to serve during the holidays. This appetizer can be prepared in just a few minutes and I love the pretty presentation. I try to choose simple menu options when possible during the holiday season so I’ll have more time to spend with family and friends and less time in the kitchen.
First, something personal {about staying present this season}
“Tis the season.” A phrase we’ve longed used to mark this time of year, seems to invoke the child-within and happiness for most. Life seems to speed up, getting a little crazy at times, and slow down all at the same time. Some are as eager for the holiday season to start while others are wanting it to hurry and pass. It certainly is an emotionally charged time of year that presents with opportunities for self reflection and is a reminder of past memories, both good and not so good. I try to keep the self talk mainly positive. When I turn inward and start thinking (my husband says I sometimes need to stop thinking so much, ha) I consider how I might grow in a more positive direction without getting too worked about about mistakes and things from the past. All that should-have, could-have is in the past so there comes a time when you just need to move on. Focusing on moving forward and finding joy where you’re at right now seems like a good idea. It’s the little things, the smell of pine, a mug of hot chocolate, and doing your favorite traditional holiday activities that should take priority. So carry on, take a couple deep breaths if you feel stressed and get plenty of fresh air each day. As we begin this holiday season, remember the reason for the season and I say to you (and myself) be present.
We host small gatherings all the time and although it’s a lot of work (shopping, cooking, and cleaning) I receive so much enjoyment from feeding people, particularly my family. This time of year I typically choose recipes that I’ve made before and that are fairly simple to prepare. Brie and pear crostini is one of those standard recipes and is any easy recipe to ask someone to bring as an appetizer if they would like to contribute.
How to make Brie and Pear Crostini
This recipe is simple and there are really only a few steps. You can lightly toast baguette slices or purchase some that have already been toasted from your local market. I added a slice of brie to each slice but you can also spread a dairy free cream cheese on if you would like to provide a vegan option. We all get super busy this time of year and sometimes forget to think about your guest’s food preferences.
Slice up a few pears and add a slice to the baguette with brie. I used the anjou variety because I thought the red was pretty for Fall. If you’d like something a little sweeter and not so crunchy, try bosc or bartlett pears.
You can certainly leave as is or you can add a drizzle of local honey and roasted walnuts or pecans.
If you are serving wine, a crispy Sauvignon Blanc is a tasty accompaniment.
You also might like our 5 minute cheese plate for impromptu entertaining!
Brie and Pear Crostini
a simple appetizer that is delicious and can be prepared in just a few minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Baguette
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Pears I used the anjou variety however you can use bartlett or bosc if you'd like
- 8 ounces Brie or Vegan Cream Cheese *vegan option
- 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts, roasted
- 2 or 3 tbsp Honey
- Rosemary garnish is optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Chop walnuts and place on a parchment lined baking tray. Toast walnuts until slightly brown, about 5 minutes. When roasted, remove from oven and set aside.
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Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Slice baguette into 12 or more thin slices. Brush each slice with olive oil and toast until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Olive oil doesn't like high heat so keep your temperature between 350-375 degrees F.
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On each piece of toasted baguette, add a slice of brie followed by a thin slice of pear.
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Drizzle only over each crostini and top with crushed walnuts or pecans.
Recipe Notes
This is the perfect holiday appetizer and also one that is fairly standard so it's easy for a guest to bring if they'd like to contribute. Serve with white wine if desired.
Today I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite bloggers to share lots of holiday appetizer ideas! Make sure to check them out!
Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread – Zevy Joy
The Best Artichoke Dip Recipe – Happy Happy Nester
Baked Feta with Crostini Appetizer – Satori Design for Living
Cranberry Meringue Roulade – Jennifer Maune
Brie and Pear Crostini – Lemon Grove Lane
Cranberry Brie Pastry Puffs – My Sweet Savannah
Sparkling Cranberry & Brie Bites – Maison De Cinq
Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer – Modern Glam
Easy Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Board – Hallstrom Home
Easiest Baked Ravioli Appetizer – Taterots & Jello
Seared Ahi Tuna Recipe – My 100 Year Old Home
Savory Sausage and Mushroom Bruschetta – Twelve On Main
Proscuitto Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers – The Happy Housie
18 Responses
So much of what you said resonates with me. Finding joy in the moment of where you’re at, as well as being kind to yourself… This perspective has served me well through these more challenging times. Last holiday season I let go of perfection, slowed down and savoured the simple moments. It was definitely one of the best I’ve had.
This crostini looks delicious too!
Thank you Shauna! Slowing down and living more simply is so liberating. Xx
OMG so gorgeous, Leslie! I pinned them to my recipe board so I can make them for the holidays. Thank you!!
xoxo
thank you Jennifer – headed over to visit:)
This is a gorgeous appetizer for the holidays!
thank you Rhonda!
I know it will taste as wonderful as you have styled it!
thank you for visiting!
Looks absolutely amazing and perfect for the holidays!
Thank you Janine!
Gorgeous photos! And this recipe looks and sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing! Pinned.