Pear & Gouda Crostini with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Delicious, quick and easy crowd pleasing appetizer.
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients
Crostini
- 1 loaf French bread cut into 20 thin pieces
- 1 large ripe pear, diced fine
- 1/2 cup finely chopped and toasted walnuts
- 1/2 cup Crystal Farms® Shredded Gouda cheese Crystal Farms® Sharp Cheddar is also very delicious!
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsalmic vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard.
- 1 clove garlic minced.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Put an oven rack in the highest position and preheat the brolier to high. Slice the baguette into 20 thin slices.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Pay careful attention to the bread as it broils so it doesn't burn.
- Carefully turn the bread slices and broil the other side about 1 to 1 1/2 more minutes. Set bread aside.
- Peel, core and finely chop the pear and place it in a medium sized bowl. Toast the walnuts and then add to the diced pear. Add the cheese and the vinaigrette, then toss to mix. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of the topping over each bread slice. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Place the crostini on a serving platter an enjoy!
Notes
If you'd like to made use two types of cheeses with this recipe, divide the pear, walnut, vinaigrette mixture equally into two bowls and and 1/4 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese to one bowl, and 1/4 cup shredded Gouda to the other. Then continue the recipe as described.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 322mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g