Active Time

　　25 minutes

　　Total Time

　　1 hour

　　These toasts have been served for at least 28 years at the house where my mother still lives. One Thanksgiving, my mother and grandmother underestimated their popularity and left them out of the feast, causing a near riot among our extended family. Happily, that mistake was never repeated.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 56 hors d'oeuvres

　　1/2 lb extra-sharp white Cheddar, coarsely grated (2 cups)

　　1/2 lb cold sliced lean bacon, finely chopped

　　1 small onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup)

　　1 1/2 tablespoons drained bottled horseradish

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　14 very thin slices firm white sandwich bread

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

　　

Step 2

Stir together cheese, bacon, onion, horseradish, salt, and pepper in a bowl with a rubber spatula until blended well.

　　

Step 3

Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons mixture evenly to edges of each slice of bread with a small offset spatula or butter knife. Arrange slices in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and freeze, covered with wax paper, until firm, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Trim crusts off bread and reserve for another use (see cooks' note, below), then cut each slice into 4 squares. Bake toasts on baking sheet until beginning to brown on edges, about 20 minutes.

　　Cooks' Note

　　• Reserved crusts (with some of topping still on them) can be baked at 375°F until lightly browned, about 10 minutes, then cooled. Break up crusts and sprinkle over salads.

　　• Toasts can be prepared and cut 2 weeks ahead and frozen, layered between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. Thaw before baking.