SMOKED PIMIENTO CHEESE CROSTINI

Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 21

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

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. Place bread on baking sheets. Bake 4-6 minutes or until light brown., 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., 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 : Calories 87 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 174mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.