Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers Recipe

Introduction

These Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors atop a crispy baguette. Perfect for entertaining, they combine creamy cinnamon cheese with warm, spiced fruit and bursts of juicy pomegranate.

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: Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Toast the sliced baguette until golden and crisp.
3. Step 3: Spread each toasted slice generously with the cinnamon cream cheese and set aside.
4. Step 4: Melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Add the diced pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and warmed through.
6. Step 6: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils, mixing gently.
7. Step 7: Spoon the fruit mixture on top of each prepared baguette slice using a slotted spoon to drain excess syrup.
8. Step 8: Lightly drizzle the crostini with a small amount of the remaining syrup mixture and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the crostini before serving.
• If cinnamon cream cheese is unavailable, you can blend plain cream cheese with a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of honey as a substitute.
• Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming too mushy when sautéed.

Storage

These crostini are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the baguette. If needed, store the prepared fruit topping separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before assembling. Toast the baguette slices just before serving to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the fruit topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pear and pomegranate mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm it slightly before assembling the crostini.

What if I don’t have pomegranate arils?

You can substitute with fresh cranberries or dried cherries for a similar tartness and color contrast, though the texture will differ slightly.

Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

Delicious and elegant Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers combine the crispiness of toasted baguette slices with a creamy cinnamon-flavored cheese base, topped with a warm, spiced pear and pomegranate mixture. These crostinis offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, making them an ideal appetizer for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 crostini servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 Baguette, thinly sliced (1/2 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, for brushing

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

Cheese Spread

• 1 package Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream (or 6 ounces Cinnamon Cream Cheese)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Brush the tops of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil to ensure they toast evenly and get a golden crust.
2. Toast the Baguette: Toast the sliced baguette until they are crispy and golden, either in a toaster oven or under a broiler.
3. Spread the Cheese: Generously spread each toasted baguette slice with Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream or cinnamon cream cheese and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Pears: Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the peeled and diced pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant and the pears are warm.
5. Finish the Fruit Mixture: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils, allowing the flavors to combine and the pomegranate to slightly soften.
6. Assemble the Crostinis: Using a slotted spoon, spoon the warm fruit mixture on top of each prepared baguette slice, then lightly drizzle with some of the remaining syrup mixture for extra sweetness and shine.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the crostinis right away to maintain the crispiness of the bread and freshness of the toppings.

Notes

• Use firm but ripe pears to avoid mushy topping.
• Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth to the fruit topping.
• For a vegan version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• These crostinis are best served immediately to keep bread crisp.
• Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Keywords: pomegranate crostini, pear appetizers, cinnamon cream cheese crostini, holiday appetizers, fruit crostini