If you love a dish that sings with sweet, creamy, spicy, and crunchy notes all at once, you absolutely must try this Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe. It’s a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of caramelized pineapple, oozy burrata, and that unforgettable kick from spicy honey is downright addictive. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that makes every bite feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is where the magic begins in this Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe. Each item is simple and accessible, yet crucial for balancing the bold and delicate flavors that make this dish shine.
- Sourdough baguette slices: Choose fresh, sturdy slices to hold all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Olive oil: A light brush adds crispness and a subtle fruity aroma when grilling the bread.
- Burrata cheese: This creamy, soft cheese melts gently on the warm crostini, providing a luscious texture.
- Fresh pineapple: When grilled, it caramelizes beautifully, lending a juicy sweetness with smoky notes.
- Unsalted butter: Used for searing pineapple, it enhances richness and helps create a golden crust.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Honey: Mixed with spices and warmed, it adds a luscious, sticky sweetness with a fiery twist.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Gives warm spice and depth to the honey sauce.
- Red chili flakes: Introduces just the right amount of heat to make the dish lively and bold.
- Fresh mint or basil (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and color for a beautiful finish.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled last, it delivers a satisfying crunch and subtle saltiness.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Sourdough
Start by heating your grill or grill pan. Brush the sourdough slices lightly with olive oil on both sides — this ensures they crisp beautifully without drying out. Grill each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side until you see perfect grill marks and the bread turns golden and crunchy. This grilled base is crucial because it provides a sturdy, flavorful platform for all those wonderful toppings.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pineapple
Now, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the pineapple wedges in the pan and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and caramelized. This step intensifies the pineapple’s sweetness and adds a slightly smoky dimension that pairs exquisitely with the creamy burrata. Don’t forget a pinch of sea salt sprinkled over to lift the flavors right on the spot.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Honey
Warm the honey gently in a small pan along with freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes. Keep the heat low enough to avoid boiling—just warm enough to blend the flavors and make the honey fluid and fragrant. This spicy honey drizzle will be the show-stopping finish for your crostini.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crostini
Top each grilled sourdough slice with torn pieces of burrata, adding the rich, creamy cheese that melts ever so slightly against the warm bread. Then, place a caramelized pineapple wedge on top. Generously drizzle the warm spicy honey over each crostini, letting the sweetness and heat mingle in every bite.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Final Touches
For an optional but delightful finish, scatter fresh mint or basil leaves over the crostini. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to bring a satisfying crunch and highlight all the layered flavors. Serve these beauties immediately while everything is still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh mint or basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a matter of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes. Flaky sea salt sprinkled at the end adds texture and heightens the overall flavor experience, making the dish vibrant and absolutely crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as an appetizer or a light snack, but it pairs excellently alongside crisp salads, grilled meats, or charcuterie boards. Consider fresh arugula salads with a lemon vinaigrette or simply your favorite cured meats to complement the crostini’s luscious layers and keep the meal balanced and memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual crostini on a wooden board garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. You could also thread pineapple wedges on skewers and drizzle with spicy honey as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres at a party. Sharing this Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe in creative styles will surely impress your guests and spark great conversations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers—grilled crostini and caramelized pineapple on one side and burrata in another to preserve its creaminess. Keep the spicy honey in a small jar at room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Burrata’s delicate texture can change unfavorably, and the crostini may lose their crunch. Instead, plan to make it fresh or enjoy any leftovers within a day or two.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, briefly warm the crostini in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back their crispness. Reheat the spicy honey gently in a small pan and serve pineapple at room temperature or warm lightly in the skillet. Add fresh burrata and herbs just before serving for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough is ideal for its flavor and sturdiness, you can substitute with baguette, ciabatta, or even a rustic country loaf. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Is burrata necessary or can I use another cheese?
Burrata brings a unique creaminess that’s central to this recipe, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or even ricotta cheese can work as alternatives—though the texture and richness will be slightly different.
How spicy is the spicy honey drizzle?
The spicy honey balances sweet and heat in a subtle but exciting way. You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes to make it milder or bolder depending on your taste preferences.
Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes! You can grill the bread and caramelize the pineapple ahead of time and keep them separate in airtight containers. Prepare the spicy honey in advance as well and warm before serving. Add burrata and fresh herbs just before assembling to keep everything fresh.
What drinks pair well with Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly sparkling rosé. For non-alcoholic options, a citrusy iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lime will complement the flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of this Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe feels like a celebration of flavors and textures that’s both simple and refined. I can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering or a cozy night when you want something special but easy to make. Once you try it, I promise this recipe will become one of your favorites to share over and over again.
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Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey offer a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors. Crispy grilled sourdough slices are topped with caramelized pineapple, creamy burrata cheese, and a warm drizzle of honey infused with black pepper and chili flakes. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack, finished with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt for added aroma and texture.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 small sourdough baguette, sliced into ½-inch slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 1 ball burrata (approx. 125g), torn into small pieces
- ½ fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into bite-sized wedges
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
Spicy Honey
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh mint or basil leaves
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Grill the sourdough slices: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the sourdough slices with olive oil. Place them on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they develop crisp grill marks and become crunchy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Caramelize the pineapple: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the pineapple wedges and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until the fruit is golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the flavor. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the spicy honey: In a small pan, gently warm the honey along with the freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes. Heat until the honey becomes fragrant and fluid, about 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors well. Do not boil.
- Assemble the crostini: On each grilled sourdough slice, place torn pieces of burrata cheese. Top with a caramelized pineapple wedge. Drizzle generously with the warm spicy honey.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, add fresh mint or basil leaves on top for a fresh herbal note. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to add texture and enhance the taste. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use ripe and sweet pineapple for the best caramelization and flavor.
- Adjust the chili flakes in the honey to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil add brightness but are optional.
- Serve crostini immediately to maintain crispness of the bread and creaminess of the burrata.
- Can be prepared with other types of soft cheese if burrata is unavailable, such as fresh mozzarella, though burrata is recommended for creaminess.
