Pear Arugula Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

This appetizer is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Toasted bread topped with goat cheese, arugula, pear, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze—is your mouth watering yet? While each element of this crostini has its own distinct flavor they all compliment one another very well for an explosion of flavor in your mouth.

The toasted bread adds a delicious crunch and the perfect base for these amazing toppings. You can choose whatever type of bread that you desire but we highly suggest french bread or a baguette. If you select a french bread we recommend cutting it in half so that you can manage it easily. We added a cool, creamy goat cheese and a peppery arugula. Goat cheese is very spreadable much like cream cheese, but it has a stronger and tangier flavor. One serving of goat cheese contains 6 grams of protein and also has nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and copper which promote bone health. This crostini is also topped with a juicy sweet pear and a balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze is really what elevates this appetizer from ordinary to extraordinary by adding an intense flavor of both sweet and tangy.

To allow for the appropriate amount of browning it is best to brush the bread with a fat. We used olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats that are known for many benefits such as reducing inflammation. While healthy fats are a better option than saturated fats they are still high in calories. These crostinis are an appetizer so we wanted to make sure that we weren’t overdoing it with calories. Instead of brushing olive oil onto the slices of bread, we used an olive oil cooking spray. This allowed for a very even coating of olive oil as well as keeping the bread from soaking up too much oil.

WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.