Million Dollar Bacon and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer Recipe
This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Thick-cut bacon is caramelized with brown sugar and spices to create a rich, flavorful topping for creamy goat cheese spread over crispy baguette crostini. Finished with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or hot honey, this appetizer is perfect for entertaining or a special snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Million Dollar Bacon
- 1 pack thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Crostini
- 1 baguette
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Million Dollar Bacon: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the mixture is bubbly and the sugar dissolves. Add the thick-cut bacon slices to the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is caramelized and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Make the Crostini: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread is toasted and golden brown.
- Assemble the Appetizer Log: Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each crostini slice. Top each with a piece of the caramelized Million Dollar Bacon. Arrange the crostini on a serving platter.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Drizzle maple syrup, regular honey, or hot honey over the crostini to add a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory bacon and creamy goat cheese. Serve immediately while the crostini are still crisp and the bacon is warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the bacon.
- Using thick-cut bacon gives a meatier texture and holds up better to caramelization.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with crispy roasted mushrooms or caramelized vegetables.
- The appetizer is best served fresh but can be assembled ahead of time and kept chilled; add honey drizzle just before serving.
- Leftover Million Dollar Bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: bacon appetizer, goat cheese crostini, sweet and spicy bacon, party appetizer, caramelized bacon