Roasted Pear, Walnut & Honey Crostini

Introduction

This roasted pear, walnut, and honey crostini is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that make a perfect appetizer or light snack. The creamy ricotta balances the warmth of roasted pears and the crunch of toasted walnuts, all accented by fragrant thyme and honey. It’s simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

A single slice of toasted bread with a dark golden-brown crust and a slightly burnt edge forms the base. On top, there is a creamy white cheese spread evenly with a smooth texture, layered with chunks of light brown walnuts scattered on it. A caramelized golden-brown pear slice lies diagonally across, glistening with a shiny glaze and dotted with small green herb leaves, possibly thyme. This open-faced toast rests on a clean, pink background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pears, peeled and cored, then cut into eighths
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, plus 1 tsp
2 tbsp honey
Small handful of thyme sprigs, leaves picked
250g ricotta
1 large baguette, sliced on the diagonal
60g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Place the pear slices in a roasting tin that fits inside the air fryer. Drizzle with olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, half of the honey, and most of the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Roast the pears in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
Step 3: While the pears roast, whisk the ricotta until smooth and creamy; set aside.
Step 4: Mix the remaining 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with the remaining honey and the rest of the thyme leaves. Season lightly to create a thyme honey drizzle.
Step 5: Toast the baguette slices under a hot grill until both sides are golden and crisp. Allow them to cool slightly.
Step 6: Spread each toasted slice with a generous layer of smooth ricotta. Top with the warm roasted pears and drizzle over any cooking juices from the pears.
Step 7: Scatter the toasted walnuts on top, then finish with a drizzle of the thyme honey. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ricotta with creamy goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Use a regular oven at 200°C if you don’t have an air fryer; roast pears for 20-25 minutes.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before serving to enhance the flavors.
For extra freshness, add a few baby arugula leaves on top before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted pears and ricotta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toast the baguette slices fresh before serving again. Reheat pears gently in the oven or air fryer to warm through without drying out. Assemble crostini just before eating for the best texture and flavor.