These pear crostini are just made simply with fresh pears, baguette slices and goat cheese plus a drizzle of honey.

Guests will be impressed with every single bite of this pear appetizer.

My goat cheese appetizers, like this Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam or other pear appetizers, like this Pear & Walnut Baked Brie, are always a crowd favourite.

Thinly sliced pears pair beautifully with the creamy cheese. You get savory notes from the pinch of salt and pepper on the soft cheese and fresh thyme and it goes beautifully with the sweetness from the honey. Altogether this is a fancy appetizer which is simple to make!

Why you’ll love these pear appetizers

• It’s a quick and easy recipe to make!
• You can present the delicious appetizer as fully-made crostini OR as a ‘make your own’ crostini (see my notes in the ‘expert tips’ for options).
• It’s a great recipe for the holiday season since it takes just 15-20 minutes to make.
• There are easy substitutions to make for a variety of dietary needs.

This is a savory appetizer you need to make for your next gathering.

Ingredients Needed

Pears: ripe, sweet pears like Anjou or a Bartlett pear are my favourite to use for this easy pear appetizer.

Baguette: bread slices from a french baguette makes the best type of crostini by toasting it with a bit of olive oil.

Goat cheese: a soft goat cheese is a lovely pairing with fruits, especially with the ripe pears. If goat cheese isn’t for you but you still like the sound of this recipe, see below for delicious cheese substitute ideas.

Seasonings: a pinch of salt and pepper adds to the savory flavor of this appetizer.

Fresh herbs: fresh thyme makes a perfect garnish for these pear appetizers but you could also use fresh rosemary.

Nuts: to add a bit of crunch, toasted sliced almonds or walnuts are lovely or try chopped almonds!

Honey: a touch of sweetness from the honey brings the whole appetizer together.

Step by step process to make these savory pear appetizers

Step 1: Make the crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices, about 20-24 slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

Step 2: Spread about 1/2-1 tbsp of goat cheese per crostini and add a pinch of pepper. Add the thin slices of pear (about 2-3 slices per crostini) on top of the goat cheese followed by a pinch of almonds or walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Finish with a garnish of fresh thyme or rosemary for a final touch!

Step 3: Alternatively, you could serve this as a deconstructed appetizer with the softened goat cheese, pear slices, crostini and honey as a part of a cheeseboard with the sliced almonds or walnuts and thyme as garnishes. Each guest could make their own to suit their tastes!

Expert tips to make this crostini recipe

• To make this appetizer even more quickly, make the crostini ahead of time and fully cool. Then, store in an airtight container until ready to use. I recommend making them only 1 day ahead of time.
• I like to use green pears for this recipe. However, to make this a very festive appetizer you could use red and green pears.
• If you want to take this appetizer to the next level, try adding a slice of prosciutto between the goat cheese and pears.
• These crostini are beautiful as a part of a cheeseboard or cheese plate. In that case, I would serve them deconstructed with the softened goat cheese, pear slices, crostini and honey as a part of the cheeseboard.
• If you’re serving this appetizer as the only appetizer of your evening, estimate about 4-5 crostini per person. If this is an appetizer amongst other options, you can count on about 2-3 pieces per person.

FAQ

What if I don’t like goat cheese?
Substitutes for goat cheese include ricotta cheese, cream cheese, a slice of brie cheese or even a sharp cheddar cheese would be delicious. If you need to use a dairy-free or vegan cheese, something akin to goat cheese like a cream cheese or ‘goat’ cheese that’s spreadable works too.

Can I make this with a different fruit?
While I would recommend this recipe be made with ripe pears, you could try to use apple slices instead. Apples would go well with the other flavours of goat cheese, honey and almonds too.

How can I make this gluten free?
Make these gluten free by using a gluten-free baguette or other gluten-free bread of your choice.

More easy appetizer recipes to love from the blog:

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Easy Garlic Bread Bites

Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Appetizer with Crostini

Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer

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Easy Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey

Make these pear appetizers in under 20 minutes! Crostini topped with goat cheese, sliced pear, toasted almonds & honey are the perfect bite.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword berry crostini, pears

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 20 -24 pieces

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces (about 20-24 pieces)
• 175-225 g softened goat cheese (about 6-8oz goat cheese)
• ground pepper
• 2 ripe pears, sliced thin
• 1/4-1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• honey to drizzle
• fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

• Make the crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices, about 20-24 slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.
• Spread about 1/2-1 tbsp of goat cheese per crostini and add a pinch of ground pepper. Add the thin slices of pear (about 2-3 slices pear per crostini) on top of the goat cheese followed by a pinch of almonds or walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Finish with a garnish of fresh thyme or rosemary for a final touch!
• Alternatively, you could serve this as a deconstructed appetizer with the softened goat cheese, pear slices, crostini and honey as a part of a cheeseboard with the sliced almonds or walnuts and thyme as garnishes. Each guest could make their own to suit their tastes!

Notes

• To make this appetizer even more quickly, make the crostini ahead of time and fully cool. Then, store in an airtight container until ready to use. I recommend making them only 1 day ahead of time.
• I like to use green pears for this recipe. However, to make this a very festive appetizer you could use red and green pears.
• If you want to take this appetizer to the next level, try adding a slice of prosciutto between the goat cheese and pears.
• Substitutes for goat cheese include ricotta cheese, cream cheese, a slice of brie cheese or even a sharp cheddar cheese would be delicious. If you need to use a dairy-free or vegan cheese, something akin to goat cheese like a cream cheese or 'goat' cheese that's spreadable works too.
• Make these gluten free by using a gluten-free baguette or other gluten-free bread of your choice.

The post Easy Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

This goat cheese dip is packed with flavour and you only need a couple of key ingredients to make it.

Perfect for entertaining or simply as a snack!

This easy cheese appetizer is delicious in the Winter because you get a bite of freshness in each bite and on the flip side, it’s refreshing in the Spring & Summer too!

Why you’ll love this goat cheese dip

• It’s made with 5 main ingredients, all of which are easy to find.
• It takes less than 5 minutes to make!
• You can serve with crackers or crostini.
• It’s delicious ANYTIME of year!
• If you have any leftovers, it’s delicious spread on a bagel or toast!

Ingredients needed for this goat cheese pesto appetizer

Goat Cheese:  Softened goat cheese is the best when paired with pesto sauce.

Pesto:  You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto in this recipe; both pack lots of flavour!

Sun Dried Tomatoes: These have a sweet-tart flavour that pair perfectly with the pesto and fresh cucumbers.

Cucumbers: Brings a cooling freshness to this dip.

Walnuts: Adds a wonderful crunch to each bite!

This recipe is truly so simple to make; it comes together in 5 minutes.

Step by step process for this appetizer

Step 1:  Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. With the back of spoon, swirl pesto into the goat cheese.

Step 2: Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts.

Step 3:  Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil.

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Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer

This goat cheese pesto appetizer is delicious anytime of year! With sundried tomatoes, walnuts & basil too, it can be made in no time.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword goat cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 150-200 g softened goat cheese
• 2 tbsp basil pesto sauce
• 1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Garnish: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

Instructions

• Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. With the back of spoon, swirl pesto into the goat cheese.
• Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts.
• Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil.
• Serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

• If goat cheese isn't for you, try softened cream cheese or even hummus instead.
• Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers and a balsamic glaze drizzle - mix it up according to your tastes!
  

faq

What if goat cheese isn’t my favourite?
If goat cheese isn’t for you, try softened cream cheese or even hummus instead.

What else can I serve with this goat cheese appetizer?
Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers and a balsamic glaze drizzle – mix it up according to your tastes!

How can I make this appetizer for more people?
Make the goat cheese pesto dip the centrepiece of a charcuterie board and then surround it with delicious add-ons like olives, fresh tomatoes, breadsticks, prosciutto or salami for example.

How can I make crostini?
Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

Expert tips for making this goat cheese appetizer

• If walnuts aren’t your favourite, try pine nuts or almonds.
• Make sure to take the goat cheese out to soften at least 15 minutes prior to making the appetizer but if you need to soften it quickly, add 1 tbsp of milk to help when stirring / smoothing out the goat cheese.
• Easily substitute the goat cheese for softened goat cheese or even hummus!

Storage

Keep the goat cheese pesto appetizer in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More easy appetizer recipes to love from the blog:

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Garlic Bread Bites

Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Dip

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

All you need is goat cheese (or cream cheese), strawberry jam, fresh basil and a pinch of pepper.

Whip up this festive appetizer in just 5 minutes when you have guests coming over!

Goat cheese and cream cheese are such versatile ingredients for appetizers; I love that you can add delicious jam flavours to them.

Like my super popular Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans recipe, this recipe is just divine for entertaining. If you have a larger group coming over simply double the recipe on one serving dish or make two plates – it’s totally up to you. You could even pair it with this Winter Cranberry Aperol Spritz!

Why you’ll love this goat cheese dip

• It takes only 5 minutes to make!
• You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious appetizer.
• It’s a quick party food you can whip up when last minute guests come over!

Ingredients Needed

Goat Cheese (or cream cheese): Use your choice of softened goat cheese or cream cheese if you prefer.

Honey: Honey is added to the cheese just to add a touch of sweetness.

Strawberry Jam: A perfect topping, strawberry jam with basil in the most divine sweet and savoury combination. If strawberry jam isn’t your favourite, you could try blueberry jam instead.

Fresh Basil: Adds a touch of freshness!

Ground Pepper: Don’t skip the pinch of ground pepper, it brings all of the flavours together and helps keep this appetizer on the more savoury side.

Step by Step process for this easy and quick goat cheese dip

Step 1: To a low bowl or plate, spread softened goat cheese (or cream cheese) mixed with honey.

Step 2: Next spread a layer of strawberry jam.

Step 3: Sprinkle over fresh basil and then a few pinches of ground black pepper.

Step 4: Serve with crackers or crostini.

Print

Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Dip

A festive goat cheese dip appetizer made with strawberry jam, honey and fresh basil. A perfect dip for entertaining any time of year!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword dip, goat cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 250-300 g softened goat cheese or cream cheese
• 1 tbsp liquid honey
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 2 tbsp minced fresh basil
• pinch ground pepper
• crostini or crackers for serving

Instructions

• To a low bowl or plate, spread softened goat cheese (or cream cheese) mixed with honey. 
• Next spread a layer of strawberry jam.
• Sprinkle over fresh basil and then a few pinches of ground black pepper.
• Serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

• Want to make your own crostini? Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.
• Want to try a different jam? Blueberry jam would also be delicious!

FAQ

How can I make crostini?

Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes and then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

What else can I serve with this goat cheese dip?

I love having this appetizer with crackers or crostini, but you could also serve it as the centrepiece to a cheeseboard!

expert tips to make this strawberry basil goat cheese dip

• If you forget to take out the goat cheese (or cream cheese) to soften ahead of time, simply add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time and stir until softened. You may need a few tablespoons to get to a spreadable consistency.
• Don’t skip out on the pinch of ground pepper because it balances out the sweetness of the strawberry jam flavour just wonderfully.
• Make sure to use fresh basil (rather than dried), it makes a huge difference!

Storage

Keep the goat cheese with strawberry jam in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 1 day.

More holiday recipes to love from the blog

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Snickerdoodle Blondies

Winter Spiced Old Fashioned

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Dip appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

This warmed goat cheese appetizer takes just 5 minutes to prepare and you can make it ahead of time.

Perfect for entertaining!

I love using creamy goat cheese all year round, like in this blueberry goat cheese crostini! So I knew I had to make a quick and easy version for the holidays.

To me, this goat cheese dip is perfect for when you’re entertaining and have guests over. It is ready in under 10 minutes and while it looks fancy, I promise it is so easy to make! How about pairing it with this apple cider bourbon cocktail?!

Why you’ll love this goat cheese appetizer:

• You only need 7 ingredients to make this!
• It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and then another 5 minutes to warm up the fig jam topping.
• You can prepare this ahead of time so it’s a quick party food!
• It pairs beautifully with crostini or crackers!

Ingredients Needed

Goat Cheese & Fresh Thyme: Goat cheese and thyme is one of my favorite flavor combinations, but you could swap it out for rosemary if you prefer.

Honey: If you don’t have honey in your pantry then you can substitute it for maple syrup.

Fig Jam: Not a fan of fig jam or don’t have any on hand? In a pinch you can swap it out for apricot jam, cranberry sauce or my pear-cranberry chia jam!

Pecans: Feel free to swap out pecans for chopped walnuts.

Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil: Gives a savoury note along with the balsamic vinegar.

Step by Step Process for this goat cheese appetizer

• Step 1: Spread the softened goat cheese in a shallow bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil.
• Step 2: In a small pan, whisk the honey, fig jam and balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Heat for about 5 minutes.
• Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for another 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Drizzle or spread this fig jam topping over the goat cheese.
• Step 5: Sprinkle over your chopped pecans and thyme sprigs.
• Step 6: Add a pinch of sea salt and serve with crostini or crackers. Enjoy!

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Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

A simple holiday appetizer, this easy goat cheese dip with fig jam and pecans is sure to please all your guests! Make it in under 10 minutes!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword goat cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 300 g softened goat cheese  (about 0.66lb, 10oz or 1 1/4 – 1 1/3 cups goat cheese)
• 1/2 cup fig jam
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• crostini or crackers for serving

Instructions

• To a low bowl or plate, spread goat cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
• In a small pot warm honey, fig jam, balsamic over medium heat, whisking to combine. Heat for about 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Drizzle or gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese.
• Top with fresh thyme leaves (remove the leaves from the sprigs) and pecan pieces.
• Add a pinch of sea salt and then serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

• Want to make your own crostini? Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.
• Want to make this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time? Warm up the fig jam mixture on the stove and then let it cool completely. Once you're ready to serve, gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese. It won’t be warm but it will still be delicious.
• Feel free to swap out pecans for chopped walnuts.

FAQ

How do I make this ahead of time?

Want to make this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time? Warm up the fig jam mixture on the stove and then let it cool completely. Once you’re ready to serve, gently spread the fig jam mixture over the goat cheese. It won’t be warm but it will still be delicious.

How can I make crostini?

Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

What else can I serve with this goat cheese dip?

I love having this appetizer with crackers or crostini, but you can also serve it with crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery or just serve with bread!

Expert Tips to make this goat cheese appetizer

• If you’re making crostini in the oven, keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! You want it golden and toasted.
• I recommend using fresh herbs rather than dried herbs for this dip, it makes all the difference!
• The best thing about goat cheese is how versatile it is, it goes with so many flavors! So feel free to swap out the herbs, nuts and jam depending on your tastes or what you have in the pantry.

Storage

Keep the goat cheese drizzled with the fig jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

More holiday appetizers to love from the blog

Blueberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer

Festive Market Cheeseboard

A Sparkling New Years Eve Party Menu

Decadent Hot Chocolate Board

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.