Spiced Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Recipe

Introduction

These Spiced Pomegranate and Pear Crostini combine sweet, tart, and warm flavors for a delightful appetizer or snack. Crisp toasted baguette slices are topped with creamy cinnamon cheese and a fragrant fruit topping that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 Baguette, thinly sliced (1/2 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, for brushing
• 2 large ripe but firm Pears, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 cup Pomegranate Arils
• 1 package Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream (or 6 ounces Cinnamon Cream Cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven or toaster oven. Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp.
3. Step 3: Spread each toasted slice generously with the cinnamon cream cheese and set them aside.
4. Step 4: In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
5. Step 5: Add the diced pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and the pears are warmed through.
6. Step 6: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils, mixing gently to combine.
7. Step 7: Spoon the fruit mixture on top of the prepared baguette slices using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid.
8. Step 8: Lightly drizzle a small amount of the syrup from the pan over the crostini for extra flavor.
9. Step 9: Serve and enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving.
• Substitute the pears with apples or quince for a different fruit flavor.
• If you don’t have cinnamon cream cheese, mix regular cream cheese with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a little honey.
• Use fresh baguette for the best crispiness, and slice just before toasting.

Storage

These crostini are best served fresh and immediately after assembling. If you need to store components, keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The fruit topping can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours but may soften the bread if assembled too early. Reheat fruit gently before serving, and always add the cream cheese and topping just before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these crostini ahead of time?

You can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to assemble the crostini just before serving to keep the bread crispy and prevent sogginess.

What can I use if I don’t have pomegranate arils?

If pomegranate arils aren’t available, dried cranberries or fresh red currants can add a similar burst of tartness and color.

Spiced Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 139 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spiced Pomegranate and Pear Crostini recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors atop crisp baguette slices. Featuring warm sautéed pears with cinnamon and maple syrup, topped with fresh pomegranate arils and creamy cinnamon cheese spread, this appetizer is perfect for festive gatherings or elegant snacks.

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Ingredients

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For the Crostini Base

• 1 Baguette, thinly sliced (1/2 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, for brushing
• 1 package Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream (or 6 ounces Cinnamon Cream Cheese)

For the Fruit Topping

• 2 large ripe but firm Pears, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 cup Pomegranate Arils

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baguette slices: Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden finish once toasted.
2. Toast the baguette slices: Toast the sliced baguette until crisp and golden brown to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
3. Apply the cinnamon cream: Spread each toasted baguette slice generously with the Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream or cinnamon cream cheese, and set aside.
4. Heat the butter: Melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, preparing to cook the pears.
5. Sauté the pears: Add diced pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the pears are warmed through.
6. Add vinegar and pomegranate: Stir in balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils, combining well to create a bright, spiced fruit topping.
7. Assemble the crostini: Spoon the fruit mixture onto each prepared baguette slice using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid. Lightly drizzle with some of the syrup mixture for added sweetness and sheen.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy the crostini fresh to retain the contrast of crispy bread and warm, spiced fruit topping.

Notes

• Use firm pears to avoid mushy textures during sautéing.
• Substitute cream cheese for Laughing Cow® if preferred, adding a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
• Ensure baguette slices are toasted just until crisp to maintain contrast with creamy and juicy toppings.
• Serve immediately to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• For a vegan option, use vegan cinnamon cream cheese and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spiced Crostini, Pear Crostini, Pomegranate Appetizer, Cinnamon Cream Cheese, Holiday Appetizer, Easy Crostini Recipe