If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering appetizer that effortlessly combines sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements, the Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe is your new best friend. This dish dazzles with juicy, caramelized pineapple atop crisp sourdough, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of honey infused with a subtle spicy kick. It’s a bright, indulgent bite that perfectly balances fresh and bold flavors, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a special treat to enjoy solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to this Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the buttery richness of burrata, the tangy sweetness of pineapple, or the subtle heat in the honey drizzle. These components come together to create layers of flavor and texture that are absolutely irresistible.
- Sourdough baguette: Provides the perfect sturdy, crusty base with a hint of tang.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the bread, helping it crisp beautifully on the grill.
- Burrata (approx. 125g): Its creamy interior brings smoothness and richness that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh pineapple: Peeled and sliced, this fruit caramelizes into a juicy, sweet treasure.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a golden, savory touch to the grilled pineapple.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances sweetness.
- Honey: The base of the spicy drizzle, offering sweetness with a fragrant aroma.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild peppery twist to the honey.
- Red chili flakes: Bring the unexpected heat that perfectly complements the honey’s sweetness.
- Fresh mint or basil (optional): For a bright herbal lift that adds freshness.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): For a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor at the end.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Sourdough
Start by heating up your grill or grill pan so it’s nice and hot. Brush each slice of sourdough baguette with olive oil on both sides—that’s the secret to getting that perfect golden crust. Grill the slices for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re crisp, slightly charred, and beautifully marked with grill lines. This texture is what brings life to the crostini and holds all the toppings just right.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pineapple
While your bread is grilling, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the pineapple wedges and sear them until each side takes on a gorgeous golden color, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. The heat melts the pineapple’s natural sugars into a rich caramel glaze. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to brighten the flavors and enhance the sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Honey Drizzle
In a small pan, warm the honey gently along with freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes. Heating it just enough to become fluid with a fragrant aroma releases all the spice’s warmth without overpowering the honey’s natural sweetness. This spicy honey drizzle is the magic touch that ties the whole dish together with a lively zing.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crostini
Now comes the fun part: layering! Top each grilled sourdough slice with tender pieces of torn burrata cheese, making sure to get some of its creamy center in there. Place a caramelized pineapple wedge on top, then generously drizzle the warm spicy honey over everything. This contrast of textures and temperatures creates an unbelievable bite bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling fancy, add fresh mint or basil leaves on top for a herbal pop of color and freshness. Finally, sprinkle some flaky sea salt for that delightful crunch and burst of savory goodness. Serve your Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe immediately while it’s warm to enjoy all those layers at their best.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these crostini with fresh herbs like mint or basil not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the burrata. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a subtle crunch and enhances the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a seasonal summer slaw to keep the meal light and refreshing. It’s also a fantastic appetizer to accompany grilled meats or seafood, offering a sweet and creamy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Try serving your Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe on a large wooden board paired with extra fresh herbs, edible flowers, or even a scattering of toasted nuts for added texture. Present them as a canapé at parties or as part of a vibrant charcuterie spread to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover grilled crostini components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the toasted sourdough and caramelized pineapple apart from the burrata and honey drizzle to preserve textures and flavors. Reassemble just before serving for the best experience.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the burrata’s delicate texture and the fresh pineapple’s juiciness do not freeze well. To maintain the best taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy leftover grilled pineapple and toast, gently reheat them in a warm oven or on a skillet to regain some crispness and warmth. Avoid heating the burrata; instead, add it fresh after reheating other components to keep that creamy goodness intact. Drizzle the spicy honey again before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough baguette is ideal for its crisp texture and flavor, you can experiment with ciabatta, French bread, or even a sturdy multigrain loaf. Just be sure the bread is thick enough to hold up to the toppings without getting soggy.
Is burrata necessary, or can I substitute it?
Burrata is definitely the star cheese here because of its creamy interior, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can work as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is the honey drizzle?
The honey drizzle strikes a lovely balance with a gentle heat from red chili flakes and black pepper—it’s warming rather than fiery. You can easily adjust the chili flakes up or down depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the burrata for a plant-based cheese alternative or a creamy nut-based spread. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and ensure the bread and butter substitutes fit your dietary needs.
What wine pairs well with this appetizer?
A crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy notes of this crostini. The acidity cuts through the richness of burrata and balances the caramelized pineapple beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something uniquely satisfying about the Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey Recipe—it’s simple yet sophisticated, sweet yet spicy, and creamy yet crunchy. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or treating yourself to a special bite, this recipe never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect harmony of flavors for yourself!
Print
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Grilled Pineapple Crostini with Burrata & Spicy Honey combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into an elegant appetizer. Crispy grilled sourdough slices are topped with creamy burrata cheese, caramelized pineapple wedges, and a warm drizzle of honey infused with black pepper and chili flakes. Garnished with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt, these crostini make a perfect balance of textures and tastes, ideal for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Bread and Oil
- 1 small sourdough baguette, sliced into ½-inch slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese
- 1 ball of burrata (approx. 125g), torn into small pieces
Pineapple and Butter
- ½ fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into bite-sized wedges
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
Spicy Honey Drizzle
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh mint or basil
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Bread: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush each sourdough slice with olive oil to ensure crisping and prevent sticking. Grill the bread slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are crisp and have nice grill marks. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize the Pineapple: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the pineapple wedges and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they become golden and caramelized. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the pineapple to enhance the flavors and set aside.
- Prepare the Spicy Honey: In a small pan, gently warm the honey with freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes. Heat just until the mixture is fragrant and fluid, being careful not to boil it. This will create a spicy and sweet drizzle.
- Assemble the Crostini: On each grilled sourdough slice, place torn pieces of burrata cheese, followed by a caramelized pineapple wedge. Drizzle the warm spicy honey over the top to add sweet heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish each crostini with fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbaceous note. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to add texture and depth. Serve immediately while the crostini are warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill to achieve those desirable grill marks and smoky flavor.
- For a milder spicy honey, reduce or omit the chili flakes according to taste.
- Fresh pineapple is preferred for the best caramelization and flavor; canned pineapple will not caramelize as well.
- Serve crostini immediately after assembly to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Leftover spicy honey can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week and used as a glaze or drizzle on other dishes.
