Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s snack-worthy, sophisticated, and absolutely craveable, then you’re in for a treat with this Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe. I absolutely love how the crispy, cheesy base pairs with juicy pear slices, crunchy walnuts, and that sweet heat of hot honey. It’s like an effortless party appetizer that will have your guests asking for seconds – and trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe lies in its beautiful balance of textures and flavors, all coming from simple, quality ingredients that you can find easily at any grocery store. When shopping, choose ripe but firm Bartlett pears and good-quality Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor.

• French baguette: A slightly stale baguette works wonderfully since it toasts better and holds the toppings without getting soggy.
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting and flavor depth; avoid pre-grated powders.
• Bartlett pears: These have just the right softness and sweetness to contrast with the salty cheese.
• Toasted walnuts: Toast them yourself for extra crunch and a rich, nutty taste that pre-packaged can’t match.
• Hot honey: This magical drizzle brings sweet heat — if you can’t find hot honey, combine honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne.
• Flaky sea salt: Adds that final touch of texture and a bright finish to elevate all the flavors.

Variations

I love rolling with seasonal variations or switching up nuts and honey types. Feel free to get creative — this recipe is forgiving and personalizable, so you can make it your own every single time.

• Cheese Swap: I sometimes swap Parmigiano Reggiano for aged Pecorino Romano when I’m after a sharper, tangier bite.
• Nut Alternatives: Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully if you want a different crunch or flavor nuance.
• Fruit Choices: Tried this with thin slices of apple or figs — both bring their own sweetness and texture and keep that harmony with the cheese and honey.
• Heat Level: Adjust the hot honey spice level or drizzle regular honey and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for controlled heat.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Cheese Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, here’s a fun trick I discovered: instead of just spreading cheese on the bread, grate the Parmigiano Reggiano directly onto the parchment in a flat, even layer. This creates a crispy, flavorful cheese crust underneath your baguette that’s pure magic! Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater for the best texture.

Step 2: Toasting the Crostini

Place your baguette slices diagonally on top of the cheese layer — I like to press them lightly so the cheese adheres. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown. This part is key: keep an eye on the oven because the cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers.

Step 3: Adding Pear, Walnuts, Honey & Salt

Flip the bread over so the cheesy crust is on the bottom and the smooth toasted bread is facing up. Now gently top each crostini with one or two thin, tender pear slices, a sprinkling of toasted walnuts, and then the best part — a generous drizzle of hot honey. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The salt might seem like a tiny touch, but trust me, it unlocks all the flavors like magic.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the crostini already packs so much flavor. A little fresh thyme or microgreens sprinkled right before serving is a favorite touch for me — it adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements everything perfectly.

Side Dishes

This crostini pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. When I serve these at a get-together, I love putting out a charcuterie board alongside for guests to build their own bites — it’s always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try arranging the crostini on a wooden board with small bowls of extra hot honey and toasted nuts for toppings. I once layered the crostini on a large slate with edible flowers to jazz things up visually — your guests will definitely be impressed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), keep the toasted crostini base separate from the toppings in an airtight container to avoid sogginess. The bread will stay crisp for a day or two at room temperature.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the crostini after it’s been topped with pears and honey, but you can absolutely freeze the baked cheese crusted baguette slices. Freeze them flat in a single layer, then reheat in a toaster oven until crispy before adding fresh toppings.

Reheating

Reheat the crostini in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350ºF for 5 minutes or until crisp again. Then add your fresh pear slices, nuts, and drizzle the hot honey just before serving. This helps keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely recommend trying this Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe as soon as you can. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly fast. Every time I’ve made it, it’s prompted compliments and requests for the recipe, and it’s become my go-to when I want to impress with minimal stress. So grab a baguette, fire up your oven, and enjoy a little bite of crispy, sweet, savory joy!

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