This Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey is an irresistible appetizer that looks as stunning as it tastes. It brings together the creamy richness of Brie, the natural sweetness of ripe pears, and the tart brightness of cranberry sauce—all topped with a drizzle of warm, aromatic thyme honey. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavor: sweet, tangy, creamy, and lightly crisp. I once made this using sourdough baguette slices instead of French bread, and it added the most wonderful rustic texture. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for an elegant starter for a dinner at home, this crostini is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make. The crostini combine festive flavors and textures, making them ideal for the holidays or any special occasion. The thyme-infused honey adds an elegant touch that elevates every ingredient, transforming a few humble components into something gourmet. They’re make-ahead friendly, quick to assemble, and look beautiful on any serving platter—making you look like a pro host with minimal effort.
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Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey – Elegant, Sweet, and Perfectly Savory
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 crostini
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey is an elegant appetizer combining the creamy richness of brie, the sweetness of pear, and the tartness of cranberry sauce — all drizzled with fragrant thyme-infused honey on crispy toasted baguette slices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or classy hors d’oeuvres.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Toast in the oven for 7–8 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm honey over low heat. Add thyme leaves and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain if desired.
- Place a slice of Brie on each toasted crostini, then top with a pear slice and a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
- Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the Brie begins to soften and melt slightly.
- Drizzle with thyme-infused honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or sea salt flakes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra texture, toast baguette slices with a sprinkle of butter or brush with garlic oil.
- Substitute fig jam or apricot preserves if cranberry sauce isn’t available.
- Use honeycomb pieces for an elevated presentation.
- Pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or rosé.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Baguette
Thinly sliced and toasted until crisp—it forms the perfect base for your toppings.
Brie Cheese
Soft, creamy, and luxurious. It melts just enough over the warm bread, creating a luscious layer beneath the fruit and honey.
Pear
Use ripe but firm pears such as Bosc or Bartlett. Their sweetness complements the rich Brie beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce
A touch of tartness adds brightness and balance. You can use homemade or store-bought whole-berry cranberry sauce.
Honey
The natural sweetness ties everything together. When infused with thyme, it becomes aromatic and sophisticated.
Fresh Thyme
Adds a subtle herbal note that enhances both the honey and the fruit without overpowering.
Olive Oil
Brushed onto the baguette slices to help them crisp perfectly in the oven.
Salt (optional)
A tiny sprinkle brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Directions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast the baguette slices. Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven.
- Prepare the thyme-infused honey. In a small saucepan, warm honey over low heat with 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme. Let it infuse for 5–7 minutes, then remove from heat and discard the thyme sprigs.
- Assemble the crostini. Top each toasted baguette slice with a thin slice of Brie cheese, followed by a few slices of pear. Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
- Warm slightly. Return the crostini to the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the Brie begins to soften and the pears warm slightly.
- Drizzle and garnish. Remove from the oven and drizzle each crostini with the warm thyme-infused honey. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Serve. Serve warm or at room temperature for the perfect bite-sized appetizer.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 20 crostini, serving 6–8 people as an appetizer.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Crostini are best served fresh, but you can make parts of the recipe ahead of time. Toast the baguette slices and prepare the thyme-infused honey up to one day in advance. Store toasted bread in an airtight container and honey at room temperature. Reheat assembled crostini for 2–3 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven before serving to gently warm the Brie. Avoid refrigerating fully assembled crostini—they’ll lose their crispness.
Variations and Customizations
Fig & Brie Crostini: Swap pear and cranberry sauce for sliced figs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Apple Variation: Replace pears with crisp apple slices for a tart, refreshing bite.
Goat Cheese Alternative: Substitute Brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for added texture.
Caramelized Pears: Sauté pear slices in butter and a touch of brown sugar before assembling for deeper flavor.
Spicy Honey: Infuse the honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick.
Holiday Flair: Use pomegranate arils as garnish for a pop of color and juicy sweetness.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based brie-style cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
Mini Sandwich Style: Add another slice of baguette on top to make elegant, bite-sized sliders.
Savory Twist: Replace cranberry sauce with caramelized onions for a more savory, gourmet flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can toast the bread and prep the toppings in advance—assemble just before serving.
Can I serve them cold?
Yes, they taste delicious at room temperature, though the Brie softens beautifully when slightly warm.
What type of honey works best?
Use mild honey such as clover or wildflower—it won’t overpower the other flavors.
Can I use dried thyme?
Fresh thyme gives the best aroma, but you can use a pinch of dried thyme if needed.
Do I need to peel the pears?
No, the peel adds color and texture—but you can peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
Can I use brie with the rind?
Yes, the rind is edible and adds subtle earthy notes to the crostini.
How do I prevent soggy crostini?
Toast the bread well and assemble right before serving.
Can I use French bread instead of a baguette?
Yes, any firm, crusty bread works well—just slice it thinly.
Can I make the honey ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store thyme-infused honey in a sealed jar for up to two weeks.
What drinks pair best with this?
A crisp white wine, rosé, or sparkling cider pairs beautifully with these flavors.
Conclusion
These Pear, Brie & Cranberry Crostini with Thyme-Infused Honey are everything an appetizer should be—beautiful, easy, and unforgettable. The creamy Brie melts into the crispy toast, the pears add sweetness, and the cranberry sauce brings a festive tartness that’s perfectly balanced by fragrant honey. Elegant yet approachable, they’re perfect for the holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become your signature appetizer for every celebration.
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