Bacon Bites are the ultimate finger food! Crisp, golden toasts topped with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, onions, and plenty of Parmesan, all finished with perfectly cooked bacon. These cheesy, crunchy bacon appetizer bites come together in just 10 minutes of prep and bake up without turning soggy, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick snack for any occasion.
Whether you're planning game day snacks, holiday parties, or a simple weekend treat, this bacon bites recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast, just like my mushroom appetizer toasts.
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Appetizer
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- 🍴 Makes: 20 servings
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and smoky with a crisp texture.
- 🍚 Serving Ideas: Game day spreads, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers. Pair alongside dips or serve with light sides such as a crudité platter.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Best made fresh, but you can make the components and store for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
"Delicious! Great for a BBQ appetizer."
-Michael
From Our Kitchen to Yours
These bacon bites came about when I first set out to create the perfect party snack. I found that most bacon bite recipes rely on cream cheese or sweet glazes, and while they were tasty, the texture often disappointed. Within minutes, the bread turned soggy, and the bacon sat in a greasy puddle.
I found a simple blend of mayo and Parmesan worked perfectly. The mayo kept the topping moist without soaking the bread, and the Parmesan melted into a delicate, crispy crust. After a few test batches for family and friends and a few tweaks along the way, I knew I had a winner! Try my spinach and artichoke dip too!
Ingredients
- Bacon: You can use any type of bacon you want! It will even work with turkey bacon if you prefer a healthier option. Love bacon? Try my bacon mac and cheese for another cheesy bacon combo!
- Parmesan Cheese: You can use either shredded or grated Parmesan cheese to make these bacon cheese toasts. For best results, buy a block and grate or shred it fresh.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the toasts. For a richer flavor, readers have tried it with sour cream instead.
- Baguette: Use a long, thin baguette for the perfect bite-sized bacon snacks.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Bacon Appetizer Variations
- Spicy Parmesan Bites: For some heat and subtle smoky flavor, stir a ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika into the mayonnaise mixture. You can also top each toast with a thin slice of pickled jalapeño before baking.
- Herb Garlic Twist: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary and minced chives along with a pinch of lemon zest to the creamy mixture. The herbs add brightness and the lemon zest lifts the richness.
- Blue Cheese and Bacon Upgrade: Replace 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan with crumbled blue cheese. The blue cheese melts into the spread, adding its tangy, signature flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
- Vegetarian: Swap out the bacon for diced tomatoes and some chopped fresh herbs on top instead.
How to Make Bacon Bites
Step 1: Prep the bread. Slice the baguette into ½-¾ inch slices and arrange them on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon. Add the chopped bacon to a skillet and cook until crisp. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan cheese base. Mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, onions, and garlic in a small bowl.
Step 4: Assemble. Add a heaping tablespoon of the mixture on top of the bread slices. Then, sprinkle the tops with the cooked bacon.
Step 5: Bake and serve. Bake at 350° F for 10 minutes. Broil at the end for a moment or two to add some color to the toasts. Serve immediately as a side for soups, like my marry me chicken soup.
Recipe Tips
- Thick slices: Don't slice the bread too thin, thicker slices hold up the toppings better.
- Drain bacon: Allow the bacon to fully drain on a paper towel after cooking so they don't add greasiness to the toasts.
- Serve immediately: Parmesan toasts with bacon taste better served up hot right away!
- Storing leftovers: Store the bacon bites in a single layer inside an airtight container for up to five days.
For more cheese and bacon appetizers, try these cheesy bacon potato bites.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bacon appetizer toasts as a starter for a dinner party or with other appetizers as part of a game day spread or party.
- For dinner, we love these before a classic meal of crockpot steak bites or salmon Wellington, especially when we have guests for dinner.
- For parties, pair them with more appetizer recipes like these bruschetta bites and these hamburger pinwheels.
Bacon Bites Recipe FAQs
I really prefer this appetizer with bacon fresh from the oven. However, you can prepare the topping, cook the bacon, and slice the bread up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately. When ready to serve, assemble them, and cook in the oven. This is perfect when you need to make this recipe for a large group.
I enjoy the flavor of freshly cooked bacon best. I don't recommend using imitation bacon bits as they don't have the same flavor, but in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked real bacon.
Yes, you can freeze bacon bites after they've been cooked. Store in an airtight container for up to one month. Do not freeze before baking, as mayonnaise doesn't freeze well.
Return toasts to a baking sheet and bake again at 350 degrees F for 7-8 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top if desired. You can bake directly from frozen and extend the cooking time to 12 minutes.
Crispy Parmesan Bacon Bites Video
Bacon Bites Appetizer Toasts
Ingredients
- 1 long baguette cut into ½-¾ inch slices
- ⅔ cup mayonaise
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- 3 tablespoons onions minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 8 slices bacon chopped
Instructions
- Slice baguette into ½-¾ inch slices. Arrange on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet.
- Cook chopped bacon until crisp. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
- In a small bowl combine mayonaise, parmesan cheese, onions and garlic. Stir until combined.
- Cover each slice with a heaping tablespoon of the mixture. Sprinkle tops with cooked bacon.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Broil for a moment or two if necessary.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the bread on the thicker side so it can support the topping without getting soggy.
- Let the cooked bacon rest on paper towels to remove excess grease before topping.
- These bites are at their best fresh from the oven-crispy, cheesy, and warm.
- Store leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
michael mccoy says
Delicious! Great for a BBQ appetizer
Karin and Ken says
So happy you enjoyed them! Thank you for letting me know! All the best. Karin
Jennifer says
My kids love the Parmesan bacon bites. They said it reminds them of pizza. They even brought some to school for snacks or lunches.
Karin and Ken says
They’re a personal favorite! I’m so happy you’re liking this easy recipe! All the best. Karin
Bayou Andy says
I had to trash the mayo and substitute sour cream and it was
good-good.
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for the suggestion! I'm going to try that myself! I love this amazing snack! Take care and thank you again. Karin
Karen says
These are so good! Very little prep time. I will make these again and again!
Karin and Ken says
So happy to hear it! You made my day! They are terrific and so addictive! If you enjoy this recipe you might like our Crispy Bruschetta (tomato) Bites and Crispy Mushroom Bites too. Might be worth a look! If you try either please let me know what you think of them too. I would love to hear! Regardless thank you for taking the time to let me know. I am grateful. All the best. Karin
Marty says
Can’t wait to make these again they are delicious!!!!!!
Karin and Ken says
You made my day! Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! I’m glad I’m not the only one who loves these! Take care of you and be well. Karin
Lee says
Made these yesterday and will be making again Thanks for sharing
Karin and Ken says
You are welcome! We make them regularly here. They are so easy to make and so good! Glad you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin
Jo says
These were a huge hit last night and I should have made more!!!! TY for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! I can never make enough here either! I am so happy you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin
Kelsey says
These are so tasty I have eaten half of them already.Not sure if I should thank you or not LOL
Karin and Ken says
I am so glad you enjoyed them! For what it’s worth I enjoy them too much too! Take care and enjoy the rest of your day! Karin