8 ounces goat cheese, softened at room temperature
8 slices turkey bacon, cooked until very crispy and crumbled
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are crisp.
While the bread is toasting, cook your turkey bacon in a skillet or oven until it is exceptionally crispy. Let it cool on a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then crumble it into small bits. In a small bowl, lightly toast your chopped pecans for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant.
Take your warm, toasted baguette rounds and spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese over each one. The warmth of the bread will help the cheese settle nicely into the nooks and crannies of the crust.
Evenly distribute the crumbled turkey bacon and toasted pecans over the goat cheese. Press down very lightly with your fingers to ensure the toppings stick to the cheese so they do not fall off when served.
Just before serving, drizzle the pure maple syrup over each crostini. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper to balance the sweetness. Serve immediately while the bread is still slightly warm.
