Caramelized Pear and Walnut Crostini with Whipped Ricotta
Oct 5
5 min read
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Caramelized Pear and Walnut Crostini with Whipped Ricotta is an elegant, flavorful appetizer combining creamy whipped ricotta, sweet caramelized pears, and toasted walnuts on crisp baguette slices. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, balancing sweetness and creaminess with a satisfying crunch. Ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Caramelized Pear and Walnut Crostini with Whipped Ricotta is a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances sweetness, creamy texture, and a crunch. This recipe starts with fresh bakery baguette slices that are lightly toasted to form the ideal base for layers of flavors. Ripe pears are gently caramelized in butter and honey with a touch of cinnamon and thyme, creating a golden, fragrant topping that sings of autumn and elegance. Meanwhile, walnuts are toasted to enhance their natural warmth and nutty aroma, providing another layer of complexity and richness. Fluffy ricotta cheese gets whipped with lemon zest and a hint of salt until light and spreadable, providing a creamy canvas for the fruit and nut topping. The toasted baguette slices are generously smeared with the whipped ricotta, heaped with the caramelized pears, and finished with a scatter of crunchy walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The result is a gourmet crostini that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or a sophisticated snack. Each bite offers creamy, sweet, and savory notes, making this dish irresistible and memorable. You can prepare some components in advance, and assemble them just before serving for freshness and best texture. Pair these crostini with sparkling white wine or a crisp cider to highlight the natural flavors.
Ingredients
- Baguette — 1, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Ricotta cheese — 1 cup
- Pear — 2, ripe but firm, thinly sliced
- Butter — 2 tablespoons
- Honey — 3 tablespoons, divided
- Walnuts — 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
- Lemon zest — 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon — 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh thyme — 1 tablespoon, plus more for garnish
- Salt — a pinch
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes until crisp and golden.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add pear slices, 2 tablespoons of honey, cinnamon, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are soft and caramelized (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta with lemon zest and a pinch of salt until smooth and airy (use a hand mixer or whisk).
5. Spread about a tablespoon of whipped ricotta onto each toasted baguette slice.
6. Top with caramelized pears and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
7. Drizzle remaining honey over each crostini and garnish with extra fresh thyme.
8. Serve immediately while the crostini are still crisp.