Bite-Sized BJTs

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Makes 8 servings

Who doesn’t love a BLT? But let’s make it a little smaller, for a warm-up to the main course. A little jalapeño takes the place of the lettuce. Served open-faced, the peppered bacon is the only seasoning you’ll need for this easy appetizer.

• 4 slices thick-cut peppered bacon, cut in half
• ½ stick butter, softened
• 8 slices French bread
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 8 slices queso fresco or fresh mozzarella
• 1 large jalapeño, cut into small spears

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. In a medium cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned.

3. Butter the bread slices on both sides. Place the bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with 1 or 2 slices of tomato, 1 piece of bacon, 1 slice of cheese, and 2 or 3 jalapeño spears.

4. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese has melted. Serve warm.

Tip: If you can’t find peppered bacon, you can rub coarse-ground black pepper onto uncooked thick-cut bacon, slightly pushing it in.