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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baguette slices: Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden finish once toasted.
- Toast the baguette slices: Toast the sliced baguette until crisp and golden brown to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
- 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.
- Heat the butter: Melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, preparing to cook the pears.
- 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.
- Add vinegar and pomegranate: Stir in balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils, combining well to create a bright, spiced fruit topping.
- 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.
- 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
