Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light, satisfying meal? These butternut crostini with crispy bacon and goat cheese combine the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Sweet, roasted butternut squash, smoky, crisp bacon, and creamy, tangy goat cheese sit atop toasted slices of bread for a simple yet irresistible bite. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a cozy evening in, this dish delivers a little something special.
What are crostini?
Crostini are small, toasted slices of bread often served as appetizers or snacks. The bread is typically brushed with olive oil and then toasted until crisp, creating a crunchy base. Crostini can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheeses, spreads, meats, or vegetables, making them a versatile option for entertaining or quick bites.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash- I prefer to peel, cube, nad roast it on my own, but you can also buy it already cubed.
- Bacon- whatever type you prefer.
- Goat cheese- for the spread
- Cream cheese- for the spread as well.
- Herbs- this recipe doesn't need much as the butternut, goat cheese, and bacon supply most of the flavor. It only needs salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Bread- french bread or a ciabatta loaf are my preferred breads for this recipe.
- Olive oil- used for the roasting and drizzling over the finished crostini.
How to make
Roasting the butternut
Start this recipe by roasting the butternut squash. Peel the butternut and cube. Place it in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the salt and pepper. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until the it is tender, but not mushy.
Bacon and goat cheese
While the butternut is roasting, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Drain the bacon and set it aside. In a small food processor, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Run it for at least one minute until the goat cheese mixture is light and fluffy.
Next, slice your bread, brush it with olive oil, and bake until it is crispy and lightly golden. Flip once during baking time. Remove from the oven and prepare to put it all together.
Assembling
Now that all the components are finished, it is time to put it all together. Spread about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese mixture over the toasted bread. Top this with the roasted butternut and crispy bacon.
Right before serving, drizzle with a touch more olive oil, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Other Appetizer Ideas
- Filet and Burrata Crostini– If Crostini are your thing, you are going to love this crostini!
- Marinated Feta– I love serving this marinated feta on appetizer platters. Plus, it is make-ahead, so super simple to do!
- Roasted Tomato Caprese– One of my all-time favorite hot appetizers. It is so simple to make and delicious.
- Broccoli and Cheese Bites– If you are looking for a delicious appetizer option, how about these tasty little bites??
- Shrimp and Avocado Crostini- I love these tasty little bites. Another app that makes a great light meal.
- Asparagus wrapped in Puff pastry– I can eat so many of these, I really should make it a meal
Butternut Crostini with Crispy Bacon and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 5 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling
- salt and pepper
- 3 strips bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 3 ounces goat cheese
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 10 slices french bread or ciabatta bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a medium-sized bowl, add the cubed butternut squash. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix and spread the squash over your prepared baking sheet. Bake until the butternut it tender, but not mushy.
- While the butternut is baking, cook your bacon until it is crispy in a pan. Remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Next, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to a small food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Next, brush your bread slices with olive oil and bake in the 400 degree oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway though cooking time.
- Now that are the components are ready, it is time to assemble.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture over each slice of toasted bread. Top with about ½ cup of roasted butternut squash and a few pieces of bacon.
- When they are finished and right before serving, drizzle the crostini with a touch of olive oil. Then finish them off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!