This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pears, the sharpness of Parmesan cheese, and the savory flavor of caramelized shallots on crispy crostini. Perfect for entertaining or as a fancy snack, these crostini are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- Baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the caramelized shallots and stir to combine.
- Top each crostini with a slice of pear, a spoonful of caramelized shallots, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Serve the crostini warm and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Crostini originated in Italy as a way to use up stale bread.
The combination of sweet pears, salty Parmesan, and umami caramelized shallots creates a perfect flavor balance.