Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini isn’t just an appetizer it’s a bite of memory, autumn, and warmth. My love for food began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where ripe pears from the orchard met her stash of pungent cheeses and homemade bread. That combination sweet, creamy, salty, and crisp etched itself into my palate.
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After years spent cooking in street stalls and rustic bistros around the world, I’ve seen how this simple dish translates across cultures: sweet fruit, sharp cheese, and good bread always win hearts. This version is a reader favorite for its rich, cozy flavor perfect for fall gatherings, elegant entertaining, or a quiet snack with a glass of wine.
In this post, we’ll walk you through making the perfect Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini at home, with easy step by step instructions, expert tips, possible variations (including gluten free), and smart storage ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this one’s for you.
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Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini isn’t just an appetizer it’s a bite of memory, autumn, and warmth. This rich, cozy bite combines sweet pears, creamy blue cheese, crisp bread, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for fall gatherings, elegant entertaining, or a quiet snack with a glass of wine.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced thinly
- 2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)
- 150g creamy blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Danish Blue)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, toasted)
- A few fresh thyme sprigs or arugula leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay out baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Slice pears thinly (about 1/4-inch). Leave skin on for color and texture.
- Optional: Sauté slices in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes to soften and enhance sweetness.
- Spread or crumble blue cheese on each toasted slice.
- Top with 1–2 pear slices.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and thyme leaves if using.
- Drizzle with honey just before serving.
Notes
Choose ripe but firm pears and quality blue cheese. For a twist, try fig jam or add prosciutto. Gluten-free? Swap baguette for roasted sweet potato rounds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and seasonal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 French baguette, sliced thinly
- 2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)
- 150g creamy blue cheese (like Gorgonzola or Danish Blue)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, toasted)
- A few fresh thyme sprigs or arugula leaves (optional for garnish)
Pro tip: If you’re making a large batch, double the ingredients and toast the bread in two batches to keep everything crisp.
How to Make Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini
1. Toast the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay out baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Toast in the oven for about 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Pears
- Slice the pears thinly (about 1/4-inch slices). Leave the skin on for color and texture.
- Optional: Lightly sauté the slices in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes to soften them and bring out their sweetness.
3. Assemble the Crostini
- Spread or crumble the blue cheese on each toasted slice.
- Top with 1–2 pear slices.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a few thyme leaves if using.
4. Finish with a Drizzle
- Drizzle each crostini with a bit of honey just before serving.
Tips for Success
Making this Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini dish is simple, but here are some chef-level tips to make it exceptional:
- Choose ripe but firm pears. Overripe pears will be mushy; under-ripe ones won’t deliver enough sweetness.
- Use fresh bread. A crusty baguette works best. If your bread is too soft, it won’t hold the toppings.
- Balance the flavors. Blue cheese is salty and strong; the honey and pear add sweetness to balance it. Taste and adjust!
- Use quality blue cheese. Gorgonzola Dolce is a mild, creamy option. Roquefort or Stilton are sharper if you want a bolder bite.
Want to take things up a notch? Try it with fig jam or serve alongside this Pumpkin Soup Served in Mini Pumpkins for a cozy fall dinner.
Variations to Try
1. Gluten Free Version
Simply swap out the baguette for a gluten free alternative or use thinly sliced sweet potatoes roasted until crisp.
2. With a Streusel Twist
Yes, seriously! Top with a tiny pinch of cinnamon pecan streusel and broil for 1 minute. It’s inspired by the seasonal flavor in our Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
3. Add Prosciutto
For a more savory bite, add a thin slice of prosciutto under the pear before drizzling the honey.
4. Cream Cheese Swap
Not into blue cheese? Whipped goat cheese or cream cheese can be used as a milder base.
5. Add a Touch of Spice
Top with freshly cracked pepper or a whisper of chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Love unexpected pairings like this? Our Brie and Fig Flatbread Appetizer is another crowd pleasing option you’ll want to bookmark.
How to Store Leftovers
These crostini are best fresh, but if you need to prep ahead or save leftovers:
| Component | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Toasted baguette | Airtight container, room temp | Up to 2 days |
| Assembled crostini | Airtight container, fridge | 1 day (bread will soften) |
| Pear slices | Airtight container, fridge | 1–2 days |
| Blue cheese | Wrapped tightly, fridge | Up to 5 days |
Pro tip: Reheat the crostini under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to re-crisp the bread before serving.
Pair it with a fall salad like our Strawberry Spinach Salad or something heartier like Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner or just craving a rich, savory sweet snack, Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini offers the perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. I hope you’ll make it part of your fall kitchen story, just like it became part of mine.
For more appetizer inspiration, check out our Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread or Heavenly Summer Peach Bars because seasonal cooking is all about sharing delicious moments.
What type of pear works best for crostini?
Bosc and Anjou pears are ideal they’re firm, sweet, and hold their shape well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Toast the bread and slice the pears ahead. Assemble just before serving to keep the texture perfect.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
Try goat cheese, brie, or cream cheese as alternatives. You can even try the base from our Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary.
Is there a vegan option?
Absolutely. Use vegan cheese and maple syrup instead of honey. Add crushed roasted nuts for that creamy crunchy contrast.