Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers

These Pomegranate and Pear Crostini Appetizers are a cinch to prepare and doesn’t require any special serving utensils. Easy finger foods like this pear appetizer are perfect for holiday parties!

I was a partner of Bel Brands in 2013. I received compensation for creating this recipe; opinions are my own.

Creating Pear Crostini Appetizers

Spiced Pear and Pomegranate Crostini are the perfect solution for simple entertaining. They look far more special than a plate of fruit and cheese, but they’re really a cinch to prepare and don’t require any special serving utensils.

Think of them as a little hostess cheat to keep in your back pocket. You can try all sorts of different combinations from sweet to savory.

Crostini are fun to get creative with and the possibilities are endless. 

This recipe for Spiced Pear and Pomegranate Crostini has diced sautéed pears and pomegranate arils in a cinnamon maple sauce with just a touch of balsamic vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

They’re like a mini fruit and cheese plate on a piece of toasted bread.

What Are Crostini Appetizers?

Crostini are an Italian appetizer made with toasted bread slices garnished with various toppings.

Crostini can be sweet or savory, and the combinations truly are endless! You can use any variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces that you’d like.

Ingredients in Pomegranate and Pear Crostini

For this easy crostini appetizer, all you’ll need is:

• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Fresh pears
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Pure maple syrup
• Balsamic vinegar
• Pomegranate arils
• Cinnamon cream cheese

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this pear and pomegranate appetizer, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Pear Crostini Appetizers

Crostini appetizer might sound fancy, but the concept of crostini is actually pretty simple.

1. Thinly Sliced Bread

Start first with thin slices of toasted baguette. It is important to choose good bread — I like artisan loaves and baguettes.

Slice it thin, but not too thin. If it the bread is too thin it won’t be able to support your delicious toppings.

I find that about 1/2-inch thick slices work the best.

2. Toast the Crostini Bread

Brush the tops with olive oil before toasting. You can add extra flavor by rubbing the tops of the toasted bread orange zest for a citrus note.

Or, try flavored olive oils, like blood orange olive oil or herbed olive oils, when toasting the bread.

Place baguette slices on a large baking sheet, then toast.

3. Add the Toppings

Spread each of the little toasts with the cinnamon cream. Top with the prepared pear and pomegranate mixture and drizzle any extra maple balsamic glaze left in the pan.

4. Garnish the Crostini Appetizers

Garnishing this delicious appetizer for special occasions? Arrange the little bites single layer on a serving platter. Then, garnish each of the pear appetizers with:

• small sprigs of fresh thyme or fresh rosemary
• chopped nuts, like these glazed walnuts
• tiny orange twist

The above is simply a quick summary of this pear crostini recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for the Best Pear Crostini

Pear Crostini Appetizers FAQs

Got questions about how to make this pear and pomegranate appetizer recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

What type of pears should I use?

Bartlett pear, starkrimson, d’anjou, or bosc pears would all work in this recipe. The key is to choose a pear that while ripe, is also firm enough to cut into cubes and be cooked without turning to mush.

I don’t recommend asian pears for this crostini appetizer recipe.

What can I substitute for the cinnamon cream cheese?

If you can’t find cinnamon cream cheese at your grocery store, I recommend using creamy goat cheese or regular cream cheese in place.

Then, add a little sprinkling of cinnamon sugar on top of the cheese before adding the pear and pomegranate mixture.

Can the pear crostini topping be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can make the topping the day before, store it in the fridge in an airtight container, and reheat it gently on the stovetop just before assembling the crostini appetizer.

Should pear crostini be served warm or cold?

I recommend serving this pear crostini warm.

However, If you can’t serve this crostini appetizer warm, I think letting the pear and pomegranate come to room temperature would be ideal versus serving it chilled straight from the fridge.

Try these Pear Crostini Appetizers!

Next time you’re looking for an easy fall appetizer recipe, give this Pomegranate and Pear Crostini a try!

Did you love this simple pear crostini appetizer? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this easy pear appetizer!

More Crostini Appetizer Ideas:

Looking for more easy crostini recipes to serve as appetizers? Here are a few of my favorites below. You can also head over to the Recipe Index and browse the Appetizers and Snacks archives for even more tasty recipe ideas!

Grilled Summer Squash Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pesto is a great way to savor the abundance of zucchini and yellow squash during the summer months.

Take advantage of summer’s colorful and delicious produce and make this Roasted Tomato Crostini with Walnut Almond Pesto and Goat Cheese. Crostini is the pearfect appetizer to serve while sitting out on the patio on a summer evening.

You can enjoy this Roasted Peach Goat Cheese Crostini with Brown Sugar and Ginger recipe as a simple fruit dessert after dinner or serve it as an appetizer or snack. It is perfect for either occasion.

Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pesto Crostini is a great way to use up a big bunch of fresh garden basil at your next party. 

Ricotta cheese plus fresh tomatoes plus whole grain bread and a sprinkling of parmesan – these Herbed Ricotta and Tomato Crostini are divine!

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