Ingredients:

  • 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds (approx 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) melted unsalted butter
  • 1 pinch (1g) kosher salt
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup (80g) canned pimentos, drained and finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 oz (115g) cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp (4g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Brush the tops of the slices with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  4. Bake for 6–8 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are firm.
  5. Allow the toasted baguette to cool for 3 minutes before topping.
  6. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
  7. Fold in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar and chopped pimentos.
  8. Stir in garlic powder and smoked paprika, then season with salt and black pepper.
  9. Scoop a generous tablespoon of pimento cheese onto each toasted baguette slice.
  10. Create a small swirl on top of the cheese with a spoon and press in crumbled bacon.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.