Elegant, crisp, and bursting with sweet-savory flavor, these Pistachio Pear Crostini feature golden toasted baguette slices topped with silky whipped Brie, juicy pear slices, fresh blackberries, crunchy roasted pistachios, and a drizzle of fragrant honey. Perfect for holiday entertaining, brunch spreads, or an impressive appetizer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 (12 crostini)
Calories: Approximately 315 kcal per serving
Ingredients π
For the Crostini
π₯ 1 French baguette, sliced into 12 even pieces
π« 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
π§ ΒΌ tsp kosher salt
For the Whipped Brie
π§ 225 g (8 oz) Brie cheese, rind removed
π§ 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
π₯ 2 tbsp heavy cream
π 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
β« ΒΌ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Topping
π 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
π« Β½ cup fresh blackberries
π― 3 tbsp honey
π 1 tbsp roasted pistachios, finely chopped
πΏ 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
π 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Optional Garnish
πΏ Fresh thyme sprigs
π Extra chopped pistachios
β« Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions π©βπ³
Toast the bread:
Preheat the oven to 200Β°C / 400Β°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking tray, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 8β10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden.
Prepare the whipped Brie:
Add the Brie, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend for 1β2 minutes until smooth, creamy, and airy. Chill briefly if desired for a firmer spread.
Slice the fruit:
Cut the pears into thin slices and gently rinse and dry the blackberries so they stay fresh and glossy.
Assemble the crostini:
Spread a generous layer of whipped Brie over each toasted baguette slice. Top with several pear slices and 2β3 fresh blackberries.
Finish with toppings:
Drizzle honey evenly over each crostini, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon zest.
Garnish and serve:
Finish with extra thyme, additional pistachios, and a light crack of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while the crostini remain crisp.
Helpful Notes & Variations π‘
- Choose ripe but firm pears so the slices hold their shape beautifully.
- Toast the baguette until crisp to prevent it from softening under the creamy Brie.
- Roasted pistachios provide the best nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- For extra sweetness, replace the honey with hot honey or lavender honey.
- Add a few slices of prosciutto for an elegant sweet-and-savory variation perfect for entertaining.
