I have a couple close friends that just get me. We have a unspoken agreement when it comes to our get togethers: when I ask “wanna do a games night?” they just know that I really mean “let’s hang out and chat, drinks some wine, wear stretchy pants and eat our faces off”. Just a few people hanging out, catching up, who won’t judge me when I go makeup-less or wear sweatpants or say stupid things like “who wants another drink”.
These get togethers only happen every so often, since we all have our own “grown up lives” and “responsibilities” that seem to be unending. It’s crazy how difficult it is to get the schedules of a few people aligned. We end up having to plan our get togethers at least a month in advance.
Remember youth, when all you had was time?
When I have that group of friends over there’s a big portion of the night devoted to FOOD. Usually it’s a potluck, since potlucks make life so much more fun and exciting, but I always have to make something, and it always has to be yummy comfort food that goes well with said stretchy pants and wine. There’s no foie gras or knife-and-fork-pizza allowed in my house. We’re talking full on, get your hands dirty finger food.
Like I said, there’s no judgments, so why not?
Take changes! Make mistakes! Get messy! Ms. Frizzle said it best.
This appetizer is definitely something to bust out on those kinds of evenings. It’s not something you serve when your guests are sitting in front of a nice table setting with cute little doilies and placeholders (those nights can be fun too). This is something you serve to those huddled around the living room coffee table, drink in hand, coaster optional.
Imagine a warm sourdough loaf filled and stuffed with sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, tangy green onions and oodles of melty, creamy brie.
Definitely a crowd pleaser. A crowd pleaser begging to be devoured with reckless abandon, fingers first, napkins at the ready. You could use a fork, if you really wanted to/if you’re not quite as close to the people you’re sharing it with, but what’s the fun in that? Sometimes you just have to jump in and get a little dirty to have a good time.
And I mean that in a strictly food-related way.
It couldn’t be any simpler to put together, either. It takes about 5 minutes to assemble before you toss it in the oven to get all melty, but you could easily assemble it beforehand, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until everyone’s ready. The pears, cheese, and walnuts will all wait patiently.
Simply start with a large sourdough loaf and slice it lengthwise, then widthwise, and stuff the crevices with diced pears, walnuts, and slices of brie. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper, then bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it’s as melty as you desire. Top with some green onions and there you go.
Finger food heaven.
| Ridiculously Easy Pear, Brie & Walnut Pull-Apart Bread | Print |
- 1 large sourdough loaf
- 1 bosc pear, peeled and diced into small pieces
- 300g brie cheese, sliced
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped, to serve
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cut the bread in a grid without cutting through the bottom.
- Layer cheese, pears, and walnuts in between the slices. Bake for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and green onions.
This pull apart bread looks incredibly delicious, definitely craving all of its cheesy goodness right now – I am loving the addition of pear especially!
Thanks, Thalia! It’s carby, cheesy heaven, with a bit of fruit thrown in – that makes it a balanced meal, right? 😉
This was the sleeper at our Christmas Eve dinner, it was such a success! It was so good with the perfect blend of flavors and is a great appetizer that truly is easy, Thank you so much for blogging about it!
Thanks so much, Hatbox Rose! I’m so glad you liked it!