This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a fun twist on your usual snacks! With crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and spicy cayenne, it’s sure to wow everyone at your next gathering.
I mean, who doesn’t love bacon? These little bites are perfect for sharing—or not. Sometimes I just keep them all for myself! 😄 The best part? They’re super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette creates that perfect crispy base for the crostini. If you don’t have a baguette, you can use ciabatta or any crusty bread. Sourdough can add a nice tang if you enjoy that flavor.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives you maximum flavor and crunch. If you want it healthier, turkey bacon works as a lighter substitute, but keep an eye on cooking times as it cooks faster!
Cream Cheese: The creaminess of cream cheese is essential here. If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese. For a vegan version, look for plant-based cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory touch. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano can bring a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast can work for a vegan alternative.
Maple Syrup: This adds just the right amount of sweetness. Honey or agave syrup are solid substitutes if you’re out of maple syrup.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Bacon?
Crispy bacon makes these crostini special, so let’s get it right! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Arrange bacon in a single layer without overlapping. This allows each slice to crisp up evenly.
- Start with a cold oven and heat it up with the bacon inside. This helps render the fat better, especially with thick-cut bacon.
- Keep an eye on your bacon. Cooking times can vary, so check on it after 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Let the bacon rest on paper towels after baking to help it stay crispy by absorbing excess grease.
Enjoy making these delicious crostinis, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite flavor combinations!
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for brushing the baguette slices)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes total to prepare. You’ll spend some time baking the bacon and toasting the bread, then just assemble everything together—easy and oh so delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting that bacon crispy and toasting the baguette just right.
2. Bake the Bacon:
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Once done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled slightly, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Baguette:
While the bacon is baking away, take your baguette slices and lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides. Arrange them on a separate baking sheet ready for toasting.
4. Toast the Baguette:
When your bacon is done, put the baking sheet with the baguette slices into the oven and toast them for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even toasting until they’re golden and crispy. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool slightly.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the chopped chives or parsley, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Crostini:
Now it’s time to spread the creamy mixture generously onto each toasted baguette slice. Don’t be shy! Get a nice layer on there!
7. Add the Bacon:
Top each slice with a few pieces of the crispy bacon that you prepared earlier. This adds that savory crunch that everyone loves!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with the remaining chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Arrange all the crostini on a serving platter, and they are ready to impress your guests!
Enjoy Your Creation!
These Million Dollar Bacon Crostinis are a delightful mix of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or even rye for a unique twist. Just ensure it’s sliced thick enough to hold the toppings!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the bread may lose its crispiness, but you can reheat the crostinis in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to help revive them.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a plant-based bacon substitute. The creamy cheese mixture will still provide great flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the crostini. However, for the best flavor, assemble the crostinis just before serving.
