Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini

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These pear appetizers are topped with a drizzle of honey, rosemary, and pecans.  If you love pecans as much as I do, check out my Best Recipes Featuring Pecans. 

Goodbye Winter and hello Spring! I think the arrival of spring deserves a celebration, don’t you? It’s time to throw open the windows, fire up the grill and invite a few friends over for a spring soiree.

The days are warmer, the flowers are blooming and it’s the perfect time to host an appetizer party.  The star of my soiree is a delicious Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini. Trust me, these appetizers are pretty and a snap to put together.

When it’s time to plan the menu for a party, I make sure my appetizers are impressive yet simple to create. It’s the first bite of the evening and I want it to be spectacular without a whole lot of prep work. That’s why Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini is perfect for a spring get together.

You’ll only need a few ingredients to whip up Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini. A trip to my local Harris Teeter has everything I need to make these appetizers including Kaukauna® Cheese Spread Cups. For this recipe, I use the Sharp Cheddar. Kaukauna® Cheese Spread Cups are made with 100% real cheddar and is the ideal ingredient for spreading on toasted crostini.

Helpful Hint: Kaukauna® also comes in delicious logs and balls. Just add crackers and fruit to create a beautiful cheese tray.

Let’s make Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini! If you’ve never grilled pears before, you’re in for a treat.

Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini

For this easy recipe, you’ll need firm, ripe Bartlett pears, cut into 1/4 inch thick wedges, Sharp Cheddar Kaukauna® Cheese Spread Cups, toasted Baguette slices, chopped pecans, Rosemary, and honey.

Helpful Hint: If you don’t want to fire up the grill, use a grill pan on top of the stove. Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices. Lightly brush slices with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Once the Baguette slices are done, grill the pears over medium-high heat for one to two minutes on each side.

Spread 1/2 Tablespoon Sharp Cheddar Kaukauna® Cheese Spread onto each Baguette slice.

Top with grilled pear slices.

Add a drizzle of honey.

Sprinkle with chopped pecans and top with finely chopped Rosemary. It’s OK if some of the Rosemary misses the crostini and hits the plate. It just adds to the presentation.

The flavor of the cheese combined with the smokiness of the grilled pears complement each other beautifully. That’s one of the reasons why these Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini are my favorite appetizers. Plus, the presentation is beautiful without a lot of effort.

Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini

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Ingredients

• 3 Bartlett pears, cut into 1/4 inch wedges
• Kaukauna® Cheese Cup, Sharp Cheddar
• Baguette slices, toasted
• 1/2 cup roasted pecans, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Slice Baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices. Lightly brush with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side. Set aside.
2. Grill pear wedges over medium-high heat for one to two minutes on each side.
3. Spread each Baguette slice with 1/2 Tablespoon Sharp Cheddar Kaukauna® Cheese. Top with grilled pears, pecans and Rosemary. Drizzle with honey.

Whenever I’m hosting a spring get together, I like to use my favorite pastel table runner and plaid napkins. It lends a light and airy feel to my tablescape and is the perfect backdrop for an appetizer party.

Whether you’re planning an elaborate party to welcome the arrival of spring or a casual get together with a few of your closest friends, you’ll want to include delicious Sharp Cheddar and Grilled Pear Crostini appetizers. You’ll impress your guests and no one will have to know how easy these appetizers are to put together, thanks to Kaukauna® Spreadable Cheese. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for more inspiration.