OK – this appetizer takes a little effort but it is sooooo worth it. It hits all the bells! They are sweet, savory, crunchy and cheesy. You know… your four basic food groups! And… anything with bacon is a winner in my book. Nick actually has a shirt that says, “Bacon is Life.” My boy LOVES bacon!
If you are not a fan of onions, don’t rule this out. I am not a huge fan either but I really like them when they are caramelized. It brings out the sweetness of the onions instead of the “bite.”
While this recipe does take a little effort, it is not difficult, just time consuming. I made this as the appetizer course for Christmas dinner this year and they disappeared pretty quickly. Although, my friends will eat just about anything… except turnips and brussel sprouts. But I’m working on them 
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Crostini
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 feet of French Baguettes cut into 1/2 inch slices (baguettes come in different lengths so purchase enough to give you about 2 1/2 feet)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 5 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch strips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large onions, peeled, cut into four wedges and then thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place baguette slices on baking sheet and brush with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake for 8 minutes and remove from oven.
In a large skillet over medium heat, bron the bacon. Remove bits with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined dish to drain.
Add the 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan with the bacon grease. As soon as the butter has melted, increase the temperature to medium-high and add the onions. Cook and stir for two minutes. Add salt and brown sugar. Cook, stirring often, for ten minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring often, for 20-30 minutes or until onions are deep golden brown. (Because stove burners vary, keep an eye on the onions to make sure they are not burning. If the pan seems to hot, reduce the temperature.)
Stir in the vinegar, stirring to scrape up bits from the bottom of the skillet. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir in the thyme, salt and pepper and garlic powder. Add the cheeses and stir to combine.
Stir in the onions and bacon bits.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Spread mixture onto toasted baguette slices and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until hot and the cheese has melted.
Sweetest Blessings,
LeAnn
