I have partnered with Bel Brands as an official ambassador to create these Cheesy BLT Crostini. While I receive compensation for my participation as a brand ambassador, all opinions and the joy I find in sharing delicious recipes are entirely my own.
Elevate Your Snacking: Discover the Irresistible Cheesy BLT Crostini
Imagine the quintessential BLT sandwich – the crisp whisper of fresh lettuce, the juicy burst of ripe tomatoes, and the smoky crunch of perfectly cooked bacon, all nestled between slices of toasted bread. Now, envision an even more enticing version: one that introduces an unexpected layer of smooth, creamy cheese, transforming a beloved classic into an unforgettable culinary experience. Welcome to the world of Cheesy BLT Crostini, a recipe that takes everything you adore about your favorite sandwich and elevates it to a sophisticated yet simple bite-sized delight.
These Cheesy BLT Crostini are more than just an appetizer; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. With the addition of The Laughing Cow® Creamy Light Swiss cheese wedges, each toast becomes a harmonious blend of smoky, fresh, crunchy, and, most importantly, incredibly creamy. These open-faced mini-sandwiches are astonishingly versatile, perfect as an elegant snack, a fun and easy finger food for any gathering, or a delightful accompaniment to a hearty bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a light lunch. In our fast-paced lives, it’s a true luxury to pause and truly savor the food we eat. These Cheesy BLT Crostini offer just such an opportunity – a simple, satisfying, and profoundly flavorful snack that is truly worth relishing.
The Secret Ingredient: The Laughing Cow’s Creamy Cheeses
Choosing the right cheese is paramount in perfecting this recipe, and for these Cheesy BLT Crostini, I opted for The Laughing Cow’s Creamy Light Swiss cheese wedges. The subtle nuttiness and delicate flavor of Swiss cheese provide an exquisite counterpoint to the salty, savory bacon, creating a pairing that is nothing short of heavenly. But the beauty of The Laughing Cow cheeses lies in their incredible versatility, encouraging culinary exploration and personal preference.
While the Creamy Light Swiss is a stellar choice, I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with other flavors from The Laughing Cow line, and each variation brings its own unique character to the crostini. Imagine the rich, savory notes of Creamy Asiago, adding a robust depth, or the mild, milky sweetness of Creamy Mozzarella, offering a classic Italian touch. For those who appreciate a Mediterranean twist, the Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil wedges infuse the crostini with bright, herbaceous, and subtly sweet undertones. And if you crave a little kick, the Creamy Spicy Pepper Jack cheese wedges introduce a lively warmth that beautifully complements the smoky bacon. Honestly, it’s genuinely challenging to pick a single favorite, as each flavor creates a distinct and equally amazing experience. I wholeheartedly encourage you to customize these Cheesy BLT Crostini with any of your favorite The Laughing Cow cheese flavors, or even better, try a different one each time you make them to discover which one captivates your taste buds the most!
Embrace Mindful Snacking with The Laughing Cow
My admiration for The Laughing Cow cheeses stems from their consistent quality, convenience, and unparalleled creaminess. They are the epitome of simple indulgence – spreadable, delightful, and perfectly packaged in individual portions, making them ideal for smart snacking. It truly feels like there’s an endless array of creative ways to incorporate these versatile cheese wedges into my daily routine. After all, what snack isn’t improved by the addition of cheese?
We all fall into food ruts from time to time, needing a fresh perspective to make our snack times more exciting and wholesome. If you’re looking for innovative ideas to #ReinventSnacking, The Laughing Cow is an invaluable partner. For years, I’ve had the pleasure of developing new and exciting snack concepts for their social media platforms, exploring countless cheesy pairings that are both delicious and easy to prepare. You can dive into this treasure trove of cheesy inspiration by following The Laughing Cow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And of course, I frequently share my latest culinary adventures on my own social media channels, so be sure to follow Emily Bites on Facebook and Instagram for even more delectable ideas!
Beyond being a flavorful addition, The Laughing Cow cheeses are a fantastic choice for those mindful of their nutritional intake. The “Light” options, like the Creamy Light Swiss, provide all the rich taste and smooth texture you desire with fewer calories and fat, supporting a balanced lifestyle. These crostini are not just about deliciousness; they’re about making smart, enjoyable food choices that fit seamlessly into a health-conscious diet. It’s about creating moments of joy and satisfaction without compromise.
Crafting the Perfect Cheesy BLT Crostini: A Step-by-Step Guide
The beauty of this Cheesy BLT Crostini recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalize the palate. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe a true standout:
Ingredients that Shine:
- French Bread Baguette: The foundation of our crostini. Sliced diagonally into ½-ounce, approximately ½-inch thick pieces, these provide the ideal surface area for toppings and toast up beautifully, offering that essential crispy base.
- The Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss Cheese Wedges: Our star ingredient. Softened to room temperature, these wedges become a wonderfully smooth, spreadable canvas, infusing each bite with creamy goodness and a delicate Swiss flavor that perfectly complements the bacon.
- Shredded or Finely Chopped Lettuce: Adds a crucial layer of freshness and a delightful crunch, mimicking the garden-fresh element of a traditional BLT.
- Center Cut Bacon: Cooked crisp and then crumbled or chopped, the bacon delivers that irresistible smoky, salty, and crunchy texture that is synonymous with a BLT. Center cut bacon is often leaner, making it a great choice for those monitoring their intake.
- Grape Tomatoes: Halved or sliced, these provide a burst of sweet and acidic juiciness, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon and adding a vibrant pop of color.
Tips for Flawless Execution:
- Perfectly Toasted Crostini: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly spray both sides with cooking spray. This ensures an even golden crispness, usually achieved in 10-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Creamy Cheese Base: The key to effortless spreading is to ensure your Laughing Cow cheese wedges are at room temperature. Simply mash them in a dish with a butter knife until smooth and spreadable. Distribute this creamy goodness evenly across each toasted baguette slice – approximately half a wedge per slice creates the perfect layer.
- Thoughtful Assembly: Layering is key to presentation and enjoyment. Start with a generous tablespoon of shredded lettuce, followed by about half a piece of crumbled bacon, and finally, half a grape tomato. This order ensures a balanced bite every time.
- Make-Ahead Magic: For ultimate convenience, you can toast all your baguette slices at once. Once cooled, store them in a sealed zip-top bag for a few days. This means you’ll always have a ready-to-assemble base for a quick snack whenever a craving strikes!
Cheesy BLT Crostini
13 mins
12 mins
25 mins
8 pieces
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Ingredients
- 4 oz French bread baguette, sliced diagonally into ½ ounce slices (about ½” thick)
- 4 wedges of The Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss flavor cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup shredded or finely chopped lettuce
- 4 slices center cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled or chopped
- 4 grape tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
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Pre-heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and spray the tops with cooking spray. Flip the slices over and spray the other side as well. Place the baguette slices in the oven for 10-14 minutes until the edges are golden.*
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Place the cheese wedges in a dish or on a plate and use a butter knife to mash the wedges and stir them into a creamy spread. Spread each toasted baguette slice with the cheese, dividing it evenly amongst the bread (each slice will get ½ a wedge of cheese).
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Layer about a tablespoon of shredded lettuce, a half piece of bacon, and half a tomato over the cheese on each crostini and serve immediately.
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*If you are only using a few crostini for a snack, you can either toast all the baguette slices at once and use them as needed for a few days (store in a sealed zip-top bag) or you can just make the toasted baguette slices as needed. I find making all of them at once is convenient as they’re ready when a craving strikes!
Notes
WW Points per piece: 2 (SP calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Nutrition Information per piece:
66 calories, 8 g carbs, 1 g sugars, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 4 g protein, 0 g fiber (from myfitnesspal.com)
MyWW SmartPoints per (1 piece) serving: (SP calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Green: 2 SmartPoints/ Blue: 2 SmartPoints/ Purple: 2 SmartPoints
Weight Watchers Points Plus:
2 per piece (P+ calculated using a Weight Watchers PointsPlus calculator and the nutrition info below)
Emily Bites
Appetizer, Snack
American
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More Cheesy Delights from Emily Bites
Feeling inspired by the versatility of cheese? If you’re looking to explore more creative and delicious ways to incorporate cheese into your meals and snacks, don’t miss these other fantastic recipes. Each one showcases how a simple addition of cheese can transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary culinary moments:
- Fiesta Potato Rounds: A savory explosion of flavors, perfect for a hearty snack or light side dish, showcasing how cheese can elevate even the simplest potatoes.
- Cheesy Cinnamon Baked Pears: An unexpectedly delightful combination of sweet and savory, proving that cheese isn’t just for savory dishes. This makes for a wonderful dessert or unique snack.
- Cheesy Apple Walnut Bruschetta: A sophisticated appetizer that balances crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese on a toasted bread base, offering another take on open-faced deliciousness.
These recipes, much like the Cheesy BLT Crostini, are designed to bring joy and flavor to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. They embody the philosophy of delightful, mindful eating that I champion – making every bite count, not just for your palate but for your well-being. So go ahead, get cheesy, and transform your everyday snacking into moments of pure culinary pleasure!