Easy Cheese & Bacon Crostini Appetizers

When planning an appetizer party menu I almost always incorporate cheese, and bacon appetizers. And when the two are combined and served on bread it provides a hearty and delicious finger food that satisfies a crowd.

This recipe is one of my long-standing appetizers to make for it’s convenience and versatility. It can be prepared ahead or easily doubled for a crowd, and it works for a brunch appetizer as well as it works for a cocktail party.

Serve them warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Notes

Cheese. I use Gouda in this recipe but you can also try them with Cheddar, Swiss, Asiago, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack for some heat.

Baguette. Use a prepared long loaf of French or Italian bread from the bakery section. If you use Italian bread the slices will be larger in diameter; a French baguette is typically small in diameter which means you’ll get smaller 2 or 3-bite appetizers.

Bacon. Cook the bacon up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s cooked to a crisp texture for best results.

Helpful Tips

• Slice bread between ¼ and ½-inch thick. Slice them at a hard angle for a nicer look.
• To prep these ahead, combine the cheese, mayonnaise, and bacon together and spread onto the bread. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Let them cool slightly before biting into them or the hot cheese can burn your mouth. These are best served warm but can also be eaten at room temperature.

Storage

If you have leftovers you can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat in the oven to refresh them before eating.

If you’re serving these for a brunch or a shower, pair them with champagne or Prosecco. The bubbles are perfect for cutting through the fat from both the cheese and the bacon.

Gin pairs well with aged Gouda, as does rum, bourbon or whiskey. Beer is also a great drink with cheese.

If you like crostini bread bites you’ll also want to try delicious Cuban appetizers, and ham and Swiss crostini.

And for a different take on the crostini, don’t miss these fantastic smoked salmon appetizers.