Pineapple Crostini with Honey and Cream Cheese
An Italian-inspired appetizer with a tropical twist, this Pineapple Crostini with Honey and Cream Cheese is perfect for light snacking or as an elegant starter for your next gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ciabatta bread (cut into smaller slices) | 1 loaf (sliced) |
| Pineapple (roundels) | 5 slices |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 200 grams |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~22 g |
| Fat | ~6 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sugar | ~12 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Let it heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for toasting the bread. -
-
Prepare the Ciabatta Bread:
Slice the ciabatta bread into smaller pieces. Arrange these slices on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of each slice. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture. -
Toast the Bread:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for about 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. -
Make the Cream Cheese Spread:
While the bread is toasting, take your Britannia cream cheese and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the teaspoon of honey to the cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. The honey will add a touch of sweetness, perfectly complementing the richness of the cream cheese. -
Assemble the Crostini:
Once the toasted bread slices are ready, spread a generous layer of the honey-infused cream cheese on top of each piece. Be sure to cover each slice evenly for the best flavor. -
Add the Pineapple:
Place a roundel of fresh pineapple on top of each slice of cream cheese. The sweet and juicy pineapple adds a refreshing tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly tangy cheese. -
Garnish:
Garnish your Pineapple Crostini with a sprinkle of fresh coriander (dhania) leaves. You can also drizzle a little extra honey over the top for added sweetness and a lovely glossy finish. If you prefer, you can use dry herbs for a different flavor profile. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Pineapple Crostini with Honey and Cream Cheese is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chocolate or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and delicious appetizer.
Additional Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: This appetizer is perfect for brunch or as a pre-dinner snack. It pairs wonderfully with light white wines or iced tea.
- For a Vegan Option: Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Storage: These crostinis are best served fresh, but you can store any leftover cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy your delightful Pineapple Crostini with Honey and Cream Cheese, bringing a sweet, tropical twist to your Italian-inspired meals!
