Bacon Topped BLT Crostini
Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce piled onto golden toasted bread—these bacon topped BLT crostini bring everything you love about a classic BLT into a party-friendly bite.
A swipe of lemony mayonnaise ties the toppings together, while the toasted baguette adds a satisfying crunch. Set a platter out for a holiday gathering, backyard party, or casual evening with friends. They look pretty on the table without needing fancy ingredients or complicated prep.
The trick is to keep the toppings dry and assemble close to serving time. That way, you get crisp bread and fresh lettuce in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and a baguette do most of the work.
- Easy to serve: Small slices make a convenient appetizer for mingling.
- Flexible prep: Prepare the components ahead, then assemble before guests arrive.
- Classic flavor: A familiar sandwich combination with a crunchy appetizer twist.
Recipe Details
Yield: 24 crostini, about 8 appetizer servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: About 20 minutes, with bacon cooking and bread toasting overlapping
Total time: About 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 1 baguette, cut into 24 slices about ½ inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 slices regular-cut bacon
- 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 cup finely shredded romaine lettuce, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives, optional
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Bacon Topped BLT Crostini
1. Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat, turning as needed, until crisp, about 8–12 minutes. Work in batches if necessary.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let it cool slightly, then chop into small pieces. Small pieces are easier to bite through and distribute across the crostini.
2. Toast the Baguette
While the bacon cooks, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.
Let the toast cool before adding the mayonnaise and lettuce.
3. Prepare the Toppings
Dice the tomatoes and drain in a fine-mesh strainer for a few minutes. Gently blot away excess moisture with a paper towel.
Shred the lettuce into short, thin ribbons and dry it well. Wet lettuce and juicy tomato liquid can soften the bread quickly.
4. Mix the Lemon Mayo
Stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Taste and adjust the lemon juice if you prefer a little more tang. The spread should remain thick enough to stay on the toast.
5. Assemble the Crostini
Spread about 1 teaspoon of lemon mayo onto each cooled baguette slice.
Add a small pinch of lettuce, followed by about 1 tablespoon of drained diced tomatoes. Finish with the chopped bacon, dividing it evenly among the crostini.
Sprinkle with chives, if using, and a little freshly ground black pepper.
6. Serve
Arrange on a platter and serve promptly for the best crunch. If you’re serving a larger group, assemble smaller batches as needed.
Tips for the Best BLT Crostini
Choose a baguette with a manageable width. Narrow slices make these easier to eat in a bite or two.
Toast until crisp, not rock-hard. You want a sturdy base that is still comfortable to bite.
Cool the bread completely. Warm toast can wilt the lettuce and loosen the mayonnaise.
Drain the tomatoes before assembling. This small step makes a big difference to the texture.
Keep the toppings modest. A little of everything is easier to eat than a tall pile that falls off the bread.
Add bacon last. It stays visible and gives each crostini that irresistible BLT finish.
Easy Variations
Avocado BLT Crostini
Add a thin slice of avocado over the mayo before layering on the remaining toppings. Prepare the avocado shortly before serving.
Spicy BLT Crostini
Stir a little sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the mayonnaise. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Ranch BLT Crostini
Replace the lemon mayo with a thick ranch-style spread. Avoid a runny dressing, which can soak into the bread.
BLT Crostini with Cheese
Add a small sprinkle of finely shredded sharp cheddar over the mayo, then finish with lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.
What to Serve with BLT Crostini
These little bites fit easily into an appetizer spread alongside a vegetable platter, cheese and crackers, stuffed mushrooms, or a bowl of party snack mix.
For a casual lunch, serve a few with tomato soup or a simple green salad. Their fresh toppings also make them a nice addition to a summer cookout.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the bacon, lemon mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes separately ahead of time. Refrigerate each in its own covered container, and drain the tomatoes again before assembling.
Toast the baguette earlier the same day. Let the slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature.
Assemble just before serving. You’ll save most of the work for earlier while keeping the finished crostini crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tomatoes?
Yes. Remove the watery seed pockets, finely dice the flesh, and drain well. Firm, ripe tomatoes work best.
What lettuce is best for BLT crostini?
Romaine offers a good balance of crunch and structure. Iceberg also works well. Whichever you choose, shred it finely and dry it thoroughly.
Can I serve these warm?
These are best assembled with cooled toast and bacon so the lettuce stays fresh and crisp. The toasted bread still brings plenty of texture without being served hot.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients and toast the bread in batches. Keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to assemble each platter.
How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?
Use crisp, cooled bread, thoroughly dried lettuce, and drained tomatoes. Spread the mayo on first, keep the portions small, and assemble close to serving time.
A Little BLT, Ready for the Party
These bacon topped BLT crostini have all the familiar flavors of a favorite sandwich in a crisp, easy-to-share appetizer. With golden bread, creamy lemon mayo, fresh toppings, and bacon on top, they’re a simple way to bring something delicious to the party table.
