Maple-Glazed Bacon And Smoked Gouda Crostini

This crostini is a celebration of sweet and savory, featuring thick-cut bacon glazed with maple syrup for a caramelized crunch. The smoky richness of Gouda cheese melts perfectly onto a crisp baguette slice, creating a sophisticated appetizer that is utterly irresistible. A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a final touch of color and oniony bite.

Meat & Poultry

Ingredients

baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
tablespoons olive oil
oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
slices thick
cut bacon
tablespoons pure maple syrup
tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Pinch of black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
In a separate pan, cook the bacon until it is about halfway done (still pliable but starting to crisp). Drain excess fat, then brush the bacon with maple syrup and finish cooking until crispy and caramelized. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
Top each crostini slice with a generous pinch of shredded smoked Gouda cheese. Bake for 8 minutes
minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and immediately top each crostini with the chopped maple
glazed bacon. Garnish with fresh chives and a pinch of black pepper before serving.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For a perfect wine pairing, serve this rich, smoky, and sweet crostini with a crisp, high-acid off-dry Riesling, which will cut through the richness of the bacon and complement the maple glaze.

From the Tini Crostini Collection