Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caramelized Onion & Bacon Crostini with Buttery Gruyere

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Nothing says “simple sophistication” like a crisp, golden-slice of French bread topped with sweet onions, smoky bacon, and a generous layer of creamy Gruyere cheese. These crostini are irresistibly delicious—perfect for a cozy dinner party or a casual Friday night at home.

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Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: fresh thyme leaves for garnish
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Instructions

Begin by warming a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, letting them melt together. Stir in the sliced onions and season with a tiny pinch of salt. Cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become beautifully golden and caramelized.

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Meanwhile, lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush each one with olive oil. Toast them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until the edges begin to turn crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, fold in the crumbled bacon. Spoon a generous amount of this mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with shredded Gruyere cheese, then pop them back into the oven for another 3–5 minutes, or just until the cheese melts into a bubbly blanket.

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For an extra flourish, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top right before serving. Serve these crostini warm and watch them disappear in no time!

Caramelized Onion & Bacon Crostini with Gruyere is a crowd-pleaser that brings together rustic flavors, gooey cheese, and irresistible crunch. It’s wonderful for anyone who loves bite-sized indulgences. You can easily make a batch of these in no time, and they’re versatile enough to accommodate dairy-free cheese or turkey bacon if you’re watching your diet. To change things up, try topping them with roasted mushrooms or a dash of balsamic glaze. However you choose to serve them, these little delights will win over your family and friends every time.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.