This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a tasty treat that combines crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of spicy flavors. Serve it on toasted bread for a perfect snack!
You won’t be able to stop eating these—trust me! I love to whip them up for brunch, and they always impress my friends. Who could resist that crispy goodness? 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A fresh baguette gives a nice crunchy base. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free baguette or crusty bread alternatives like gluten-free rolls.
Bacon: Regular bacon works beautifully for this recipe, but turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon can be used as a substitute if you’re looking to reduce fat or avoid meat!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate dietary preferences.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: If you’re out of sour cream, yogurt works perfectly! You can also use a dairy-free yogurt as a substitute.
Chives and Parsley: Fresh herbs add flavor, but if you don’t have chives, green onions are a fine alternative. For parsley, try cilantro for a different twist.
How Do I Get My Bacon Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving crispy bacon is key to this dish. Here’s how you do it:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleaning.
- Arrange bacon slices without overlapping; even spacing helps them crisp up.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C); watch them closely after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Drizzle with maple syrup right after baking for a sweet finish. This adds extra flavor and helps them shine.
Let the bacon cool slightly before using, as it will continue to crisp up a bit more off the heat.
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick
- Olive oil for toasting
Time Needed
This recipe will take you approximately 30 minutes in total—15-20 minutes for baking the bacon and about 10 minutes for preparing the crostini. It’s a quick and easy dish to assemble, perfect for a delightful appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for your bacon and toasted bread.
2. Bake the Bacon
Lay out the bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat. While the bacon is still warm, drizzle it generously with maple syrup. Let it cool and get crispy while you prepare the rest.
3. Toast the Baguette
While the bacon bakes, take your baguette and lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Once your bacon is out, pop the baguette slices in the oven and toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), finely chopped chives, black pepper, and, if you like, a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Use a fork or hand mixer to mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Crostini
Take your toasted baguette slices and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each one. The creamy base will be delicious under the crispy bacon!
6. Add the Bacon
Once the cream cheese base is on, top each crostini with a slice or two of the now maple-glazed bacon. Don’t be shy, pile it on for that million-dollar taste!
7. Garnish and Serve
Finish off your crostini with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve your Million Dollar Bacon Crostini immediately while they’re still warm and enjoy!
This recipe makes for a delightful appetizer or an indulgent snack perfect for gatherings. Enjoy the amazing flavors!
Can I Use Another Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While a baguette is traditional for crostini, you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or any crusty bread you enjoy. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like spicy flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture. You can also top the crostini with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crostini components ahead of time! Bake the bacon and prepare the cream cheese mix up to 1 day in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble right before serving for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bread may become soft, but you can always toast them again briefly to regain some crispiness before enjoying!