Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini

4.75 from 4 votes

Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini

This simple snack of Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini features a mouthwatering Fall flavor combination of creamy vegan cheese, candied bacon, sweetly spiced crisp apples, and a pinch of fresh thyme. The epitome of sweet + savory.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Dessert

Keyword: appetizer, apple, apples, bacon, baked, bites, brunch, bruschetta, cashews, cinnamon, classic, crisp, crostini, dairy-free, dessert, easy, fall recipe, healthy, holidays, homemade, indulge, lunch, recipe, savory, snack, spices, sweet, weeknight meals

Servings: servings

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Shanika

Ingredients

TOASTED BREAD:

1 french baguette, sliced 1-inch thick
¼ cup vegan butter, melted
2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder

SPICED APPLES:

2 Granny smith apples, peeled + diced small
2 Tbsps vegan butter
3 Tbsps organic brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
pinch of sea salt

VEGAM LEMON CREAM 'CHEESE':

1 cup Raw cashews, soaked (See Notes!)
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (You can also use Extra virgin olive oil!)
1 tablespoon juice of a lemon
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup filtered water + 2 Tbsps

OTHER TOPPINGS:

2 cups chopped candied bacon
Thyme sprigs, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

TO TOAST THE BREAD:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet, lining it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, dried parsley, and garlic powder until combined.
Place slices of baguette flat unto your baking sheet and brush with mixture and bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Meanwhile, make the vegan cream cheese sauce.

TO MAKE THE VEGAN CREAM CHEESE SAUCE:

Add all ingredients into a high-powdered blender (cashews first) and blend until sauce becomes creamy. NOTE: If needed, add a bit more water (1 tablespoon at a time), until desired consistency is met. Place it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

TO SAUTE THE APPLES:

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter and heat until melted. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sea salt and stir until combined and everything begins to bubble a bit, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the diced apples and toss until well coated and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

ASSEMBLY:

Once bread slices are toasted, remove them from oven, letting them cool for 1-2 minutes or until they are safe to handle.
Generously spread the vegan cream cheese sauce unto each slice of bread followed by 1-2 Tbsps of the spiced diced apples and sprinkles of chopped candied bacon. Repeat until all crostinis are made. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Bon Appetit!

Notes

STORAGE: Crostini toppings can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container (separately) for up to 3 days; crostinis are best consumed within the same day once made.
CANDIED BACON: To make this delicious bacon, see my How to Make Candied Bacon recipe!
SOAKED CASHEWS: Add cashews to a bowl or measuring cup, cover with fresh cold water and cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temp overnight. If soaking for 3-4 hours, add cashews to measuring cup and cover with boiling water instead.

Nutrition