Bacon Pistachio and Cranberry Cream Cheese Crostini
This Bacon Pistachio and Cranberry Cream Cheese Crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer that's perfect for holiday entertaining, brunches, parties, or any special gathering. Easy to prepare ahead and quick to assemble, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love.
Servings: 10 servings (2 slices each)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf french bread sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 8 ounce package cream cheese room temperature
- ½ pound bacon cooked until crisp and chopped
- ½ cup roasted pistachios coarsely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bread slices on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake the toast until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, place the fresh cranberries in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the top. Heat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, watching closely.
- Stir well and repeat in 15-second increments until the cranberries are cooked and thickened. Allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the cranberry sauce with the cream cheese until completely blended.
- Spread the cream cheese over the crostini.
- Top with the bacon and pistachios. Add dried cranberries if desired.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly with the cranberry mixture.
- Toast the bread until it's crisp around the edges but still slightly tender in the center for the best texture.
- Cook the bacon until very crispy so it stays crunchy after assembling the crostini.
- Prepare the cranberry cream cheese, bacon, and toasted bread up to one day in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
- If serving at a party, garnish with the dried cranberries right before placing the platter on the table for the freshest appearance.
