This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a fun twist on your usual appetizers! Crispy bread topped with sweet, spicy bacon and a sprinkle of green onions makes it absolutely irresistible.
I mean, who wouldn’t want fancy toast with bacon on top? Perfect for brunch or a party, these little bites never last long at my house. Trust me, you’ll want to make extras! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A crispy baguette adds a perfect crunch to this dish. If you don’t have a baguette, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best texture!
Bacon: Traditional pork bacon is used for its savory flavor. However, feel free to use turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is key for a creamy spread. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just adjust the quantity to maintain creaminess.
Herbs: Fresh thyme gives a lovely flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, parsley works too. Dried herbs can also be substituted in a pinch—just use less, as they are more concentrated.
How Do I Make Crunchy, Delicious Crostini?
Getting your crostini perfectly crunchy can be tricky, but it’s all about the preparation. Here’s what to do:
- Slice the baguette into even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Brush both sides lightly with olive oil—this helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Toast in a preheated oven until golden and firm, usually 8-10 minutes at 375°F is perfect.
- Keep an eye on them; if they start to get too dark, take them out to prevent burning.
Let them cool slightly before adding the cream cheese mixture, and you’ll have a crunchy base for your toppings!
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
For the Bacon:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (or parsley)
For Brushing:
- Olive oil, for brushing the baguette slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Million Dollar Bacon Crostini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and fabulous appetizer that you can whip up in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Bacon:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lay out the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the bacon, then add black pepper and cayenne pepper if you like a little spice.
2. Bake the Bacon:
Pop the bacon into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Watch it closely until it’s nice and crispy! Once done, remove it from the oven and place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess fat.
3. Toast the Baguette Slices:
While the bacon is baking, brush both sides of your baguette slices with olive oil. Place them on another baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh thyme (or parsley). Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste!
5. Assemble Your Crostini:
Time to put it all together! Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Then, top each slice with a piece or two of your caramelized bacon.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a bit more chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top for a touch of color. Serve these crostinis immediately and watch them disappear!
Enjoy this delightful combination of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors—perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While a baguette provides great crunch, you can substitute it with any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Just ensure it’s fresh for the best texture!
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bacon and the cream cheese mixture ahead of time. Store the bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toast the baguette slices fresh just before serving, and assemble with the cream cheese and bacon!
How Do I Store Leftover Crostini?
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To revive their crispness, you can re-toast the baguette slices in the oven before adding the toppings again.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or crispy sautéed mushrooms for a savory kick. The cream cheese mixture will still pair beautifully with these options!
