Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini
I’m all about holiday appetizers, in fact, Topher and I love making a few different appetizers and making them a meal and watching a movie while snacking on some delicious small bites. These Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostinis are the perfect small bite, they are salty, sweet, crunchy, creamy, and very easy to make. You may be aware by now that I love whipped feta, but this whipped goat cheese is tangy and delicious when paired with the pear *ahem, excuse the pun*!
These appetizers are going to be a hit at your next Christmas or New Year’s party (even if it’s just you and your partner or kids haha!). One of the best parts of this appetizer is that all the elements can be prepared ahead of time and then just assemble them a few minutes ahead of serving and you’ll be golden.
Topher and I are making new traditions every year and this year is no exception. We used to live in Toronto and we’d go to my Aunt and Uncle’s for Christmas Eve, nowadays, we stay in the County for Christmas Eve and have a quiet evening with some appetizers (like these crostini) and we’re making pierogis this year and we’ll watch a Christmas movie! Sounds good to me!!
More appetizers you need to try:
What you need for Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini:
Goat cheese
Chili flakes
Honey
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Thyme
Baguette (or pre-made crostini)
Proscuitto
Pear
How to make Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini:
I love these crispy bites so much, let’s make them!
You can either use pre-made crostini (baked slices of baguette) or you can easily make your own. To make your own crostini, thinly slice your baguette and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle your slices of baguette with olive oil and bake them until golden at 375ºF. This should take 7-10 minutes. Let your crostini cool until ready to use. You can also store your crostini in a container for up to a week.
Next up we’ll make the whipped goat cheese, this is the best part! Simply add your goat cheese to a food processor along with the honey, olive oil, seasonings, lemon zest, and thyme, and whip it for 4-5 minutes or until it’s super smooth and fluffy.
I love topping these crostini with crispy prosciutto. To make crispy prosciutto, all you do is cook the prosciutto in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned on both sides about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the prosciutto to a paper towel to drain any grease and then crumble the crispy prosciutto.
Now, let’s put everything together and make these Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini. Start by evenly spreading the whipped goat cheese on each crostini. Top each crostini with thinly sliced pear and sprinkle with crispy prosciutto. Serve and enjoy!!
Lastly, when you make these Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini, be sure to leave a comment on Instagram! Above all, I love to hear from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favourite!
Whipped Goat Cheese and Pear Crostini
Author: ElizabethServings: 20 crostini
Ingredients
1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 113-gram log of goat cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon thyme leaves
1 tablespoon honey
6 slices prosciutto
2 pears, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Space baguette slices out on a baking sheet and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on the slices. Toss to coat the bread in oil. Bake for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Set aside.
2. To make the whipped goat cheese add the goat cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, thyme, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blitz until smooth and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
3. For the crispy prosciutto, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until crisp and golden. Transfer cooked prosciutto to a paper towel.
4. Assemble the crostini, spoon whipped goat cheese evenly on the crispy baguette slices. Top with sliced pear. Crumble the crispy prosciutto on top.
5. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt and thyme leaves. Serve and enjoy!
