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Crispy Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

crispy almond-bacon cheese crostini - featured image

These crispy almond-bacon cheese crostini are the ultimate easy party appetizer, featuring crunchy baguette slices topped with smoky bacon, toasted almonds, and bubbling cheese. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for gatherings, game nights, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 baguette, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick, 1824 slices)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice baguette into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick).
  3. Cook bacon until crispy, drain, and crumble.
  4. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden.
  5. Grate or shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
  6. Melt butter in a small bowl.
  7. Chop thyme, if using.
  8. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with melted butter.
  9. Bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and crisp. (If using a wire rack, no need to flip.)
  10. Let crostini cool slightly.
  11. In a bowl, combine crumbled bacon, toasted almonds, shredded cheese, thyme, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well and adjust salt if needed.
  12. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of topping onto each crostini. Press lightly to help it stick.
  13. Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling and almonds are golden.
  14. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  15. Cool crostini on pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  16. Garnish with extra thyme, sea salt, or a drizzle of honey if desired.
  17. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF baguette. For vegetarian, use veggie bacon or skip bacon and add more cheese/herbs. Toast almonds separately for best flavor. Watch closely when broiling to prevent burning. Crostini can be made ahead and reheated to restore crunch. Customize with different cheeses, herbs, or a drizzle of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: crostini, party appetizer, bacon, almonds, cheese, easy snack, holiday, finger food, potluck, game night