These brie cheese crostini are delicious, easy-to-make appetizers that are great for any holiday or special occasion. Crisp slices of bread are topped with melted brie cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and sliced pears. Serve warm for a snack that’s sure to impress your guests!
Need an appetizer to ring in the New Year?
These brie cheese crostini with caramelized onions and pear slices are an easy yet elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. One of the joys of hosting is seeing the look of delight on your guests’ faces when they bite into something new they’ve never experienced and come away raving about how good it tastes.
For this reason, I always prepare a variety of pre-dinner snacks and this is always in the rotation. Not only are they easy to make, but there are endless flavor combinations you can tailor to whoever is coming over!
What is Crostini?
Crostini means “little toasts” in Italian. Crostini are thin, small slices of bread which are toasted until crisp, then piled with various toppings.
Difference between crostini and bruschetta?
Both crostini and bruschetta are of Italian origin and have the same basic formula: a slice of toasted bread served with a sweet or savory topping. The difference has to do with the bread type, cooking method, and size.
Bruschetta is made using thick slices of Italian or sourdough bread. The slices are typically grilled over a fire until they exhibit a nice crunchy char. In contrast, the bread used to make crostini are smaller, round, and of a finer textured bread, like a baguette. The bread is cut into thinner slices and is toasted on a baking sheet in the oven.
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Perfect combination of sweet and savory
These brie cheese crostini are an excellent balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and smooth. Crispy bread is paired with creamy melted brie cheese. This flavor combination is then balanced with tart pears and the sweetness of caramelized onions. Who doesn’t love bread, cheese, and fruit!? The combination is truly mouthwatering!
Some quick tips
- The bread should not be sliced too thick or too thin. ½ inch to ¾ inch is the perfect thickness. If it’s too thin it won’t be able to support all of the toppings.
- Prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. The onions can be caramelized a day or two in advance. Also, the crostini toasts can be made ahead to save you time.
- However, wait to assemble the crostini until right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Cut the baguette on a diagonal to get more surface area for toppings!
- When the bread is golden on top and sounds sort of hollow when you give them a little tap, they’re done!
Endless topping combinations
Crostini toasts are perfect for get togethers or parties because they’re easy to eat without utensils. They’re also fun to customize with endless topping combinations. This pear brie crostini combination is one of my favorites but here are some other suggestions:
- Other fruit or jam
- Goat cheese, feta, blue cheese, ricotta
- Eggplant caponata
- Hummus
- Tomatoes and basil
- Marinated or roasted vegetables
- Cured meats or smoked salmon
- And so much more!
Why you’ll love these brie cheese crostini
You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip these easy crostini recipe up. However, you will feel like a master chef when you serve it! They make an effortlessly beautiful presentation, are a real crowd pleaser, and are absolutely delicious! Add this delicious, elegant recipe to your appetizer repertoire to make for special occasions year-round!
If you love these crostini…
Then try more of my favorite recipes!
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Apple Crisp
- Garlic Ginger Tofu
- Asian Salmon Burger
- Healthy Banana Oat Pancakes
Brie Cheese Crostini with Pear and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion cut in half and thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1 loaf baguette cut into ½ inch slices
- 6-8 oz Brie cheese rind removed, sliced
- 1 pear thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 3-4 pieces cooked bacon chopped small (optional)
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat a medium pan over low-medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the onions, stirring occasionally. After approximately 15-20 minutes, when the onions are just starting to brown, add the garlic and sprinkle the sugar over the onions. Stir well to combine. Continue to sauté for a total of 30-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The onions are done when they are a rich, browned color. *
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the baguette slices on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with remaining tablespoon olive oil (use more if you run out). Place in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.
- Remove the toast from the oven. Add a slice of brie cheese on each toast, then a slice of pear. Then add 1-2 teaspoons of the cooked onions on top of each slice. Place back in the oven for 3-4 minutes, until brie is warmed and melted.
- Once cheese is melted, remove from the oven and sprinkle each slice with bacon (if using) and fresh thyme. Drizzle lightly with honey (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
*Caramelizing onions is a slow process, you shouldn’t rush. Cook them low and slow. As soon as the onions start sticking to the pan, let them stick a little and brown, but then stir them before they burn. You want the onions to release all their sugar and turn a deep brown color. Cut the baguette on a slight angle to get more surface area for topping! You know the slices of bread are crisp when the bread is golden on top and sounds sort of hollow when you give them a little tap, they’re done!
What’s your favorite appetizer to make for the holidays? Share in the comments below. Also, be sure to stay in touch and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
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