Indulge your taste buds with a sophisticated twist on a classic appetizer: Blue Cheese Crostini with Pecans and Honey! This delightful Italian-inspired dish combines the rich, tangy flavors of blue cheese with the crunch of toasted pecans and a drizzle of sweet honey, creating a perfect harmony of savory and sweet. With just 25 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can impress your guests at your next gathering or enjoy a gourmet snack at home. Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s sure to leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- Baguette, sliced
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Pecans, chopped
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the crostini are perfectly toasted and warm when served.
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even toasting.
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on one side. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the oiled side of the baguette slices to enhance their flavor.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the baguette slices are toasting, prepare the topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and chopped pecans. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for a minute.
- Top each toasted baguette slice with a generous spoonful of the blue cheese and pecan mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure it adheres to the bread.
- Drizzle a small amount of honey over each topped crostini. The sweetness of the honey will complement the tangy blue cheese and crunchy pecans beautifully.
- For an extra touch, you can return the topped crostini to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the cheese slightly, but this step is optional.
- Remove the crostini from the oven (if warmed again) and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve immediately while they are warm and crispy.
- Enjoy your Blue Cheese Crostini with Pecans and Honey as a delightful appetizer or a savory snack!
Tips
- Choose the Right Baguette: Opt for a fresh, crusty baguette for the best texture. A day-old baguette can also work well if you want to avoid waste.
- Uniform Slicing: When slicing the baguette, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even toasting. This will help each piece achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the baguette slices while they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them golden brown, not burnt!
- Mixing the Topping: When combining the blue cheese and pecans, don’t overmix. You want the pecans to remain chunky for added texture.
- Honey Drizzle: For a more intense flavor, consider warming the honey slightly before drizzling. This will make it easier to pour and enhance its sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these crostini with a glass of red wine or a crisp white for a delightful appetizer experience.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the baguette slices and the cheese mixture ahead of time. Just assemble and bake right before serving for maximum freshness.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like thyme or chives, on top of the crostini before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 261kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
