If you’re looking for the perfect summer snack, this is it. Toasty bread with melty Gouda gets topped with crisp slices of pear and apple for a burst of freshness. The warm cheese contrasts with the fresh fruit while keeping that satisfying crunch. Finished with honeyed nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and irresistible texture we can’t recommend enough.
Ingredients
- 1 pear, thinly sliced — D’Anjou pears are perfect here for their refreshing, subtly citrusy flavor
- 1 apple, thinly sliced — Fuji apples add the ideal crisp sweetness to this recipe
- 4 oz Gouda cheese, sliced or shaved (cream cheese works too)
- 12 baguette slices or crackers
- 2 tbsp mixed nuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- Optional: small pinch of cinnamon, fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the bread & cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, top each with a slice of Gouda, and bake for 5–7 minutes, until the bread is lightly golden and the cheese is just melted.
- Prepare the nut topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the mixed nuts for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drizzle with honey, stir to coat, and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add the fruit: Place a slice of pear or apple on each warm, cheesy crostini (alternate for variety).
- Add the crunch: Sprinkle the honeyed nuts over the fruit.
- Finish & serve: Optionally, dust lightly with cinnamon and garnish with fresh rosemary. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Servings: 12 crostini
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
