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Ingredients
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Blue Cheese Spread
Crostini & Toppings
Method
Blue Cheese Spread
- 1
Soften and mix
Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so it is easily spreadable (about 20–30 minutes if refrigerated).
- 2
Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a fork or small whisk, blend until mostly smooth with some small blue cheese pieces remaining for texture.
- 3
Season
Stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a touch more lemon for brightness or more sour cream to mellow the blue cheese.
- 4
Chill
Cover and refrigerate the spread for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 day) to let flavors meld. Remove from fridge 10 minutes before assembling to soften slightly for easier spreading.
Crostini & Toppings
- 5
Prepare bacon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool, then cut or break into bite-sized pieces. Reserve bacon fat for another use or discard.
- 6
Toast baguette slices
While bacon bakes, arrange baguette slices on a separate baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with extra-virgin olive oil (about 2 tablespoons total). Toast in the oven alongside the bacon (or in a toaster oven) for 6–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, grill slices on a hot grill pan until charred at the edges.
- 7
- 8
Assemble crostini
Spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chilled blue cheese spread onto each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a small handful (about 1 tablespoon) of mixed salad greens or arugula, a slice or two of tomato, and a piece of crisp bacon.
- 9
Finish and serve
Season each assembled crostini with a light pinch of freshly ground black pepper (about 1/8 tsp spread across several crostini) and, if desired, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze for contrast. Sprinkle remaining chopped chives over the crostini for color. Serve immediately so toast stays crisp.
