Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

Name: Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 dozen.
Ingredients: 48 slices French bread baguette (1/4 inch thick); CARAMELIZED ONIONS:; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 2 large onions, chopped; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Dash dried rosemary, crushed; Dash dried thyme; PIMIENTO CHEESE:; 2-1/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese; 2-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 jars (4 ounces each) diced pimientos, drained; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 9 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 10 min. YIELD: 4 dozen.

Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia

Ingredients

48 slices French bread baguette (1/4 inch thick)
CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 large onions, chopped
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash dried rosemary, crushed
Dash dried thyme
PIMIENTO CHEESE:
2-1/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
2-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 jars (4 ounces each) diced pimientos, drained
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
9 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place bread on baking sheets. Bake 4-6 minutes or until light brown.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until softened. Stir in broth, vinegar, sugar and seasonings. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 12-15 minutes or until liquid is evaporated, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, toss cheeses; beat in mayonnaise, pimientos, Worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce and seasonings. Spread 1 tablespoon mixture over each baguette slice; top with 2 teaspoons onion mixture. Sprinkle with bacon. Bake 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 appetizer: 87 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.