Recipe: Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Brushetta

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Brushetta

8 to 10 slices bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled
3 to 4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 1 1/3 cup)
1 cup chopped leafy green lettuce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Approximately 1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 package (16-oz.) twin French bread loaves, cut in 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup favorite crumble cheese, blue cheese or feta (optional)

In medium bowl, stir together all topping ingredients; set aside.

Brush olive oil on both sides of bread slices; place on baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees F., turning once, for 7 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown; cool.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon topping on each toast round.*

*Or, serve topping in a small bowl, surrounded by the toast rounds.

Tailgate Tip: Prepare and refrigerate topping ingredients and bake toast rounds ahead of time. For best flavor, stir together topping ingredients just before serving.

Makes about 24 appetizers
Source: National Pork Board