Million Dollar Bacon Crostini Recipe – Easy Whipped Goat Cheese & Hot Honey

The first time I pulled a tray of Million Dollar Bacon & Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a little slice of heaven—smoky bacon, rich cheese, and a sweet kick from hot honey. It was one of those moments where you just know you’ve struck gold. I mean, who can resist crispy, candy-like bacon piled onto creamy whipped goat cheese and nestled on a crunchy crostini? Not me, and honestly, not anyone who’s wandered into my kitchen when these are around.

I stumbled into this recipe by accident during a holiday brunch. I wanted something a little extra (but not fussy) and remembered the viral “million dollar bacon” trend—thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and a hint of heat. Pairing that with whipped goat cheese felt like a stroke of genius. The hot honey drizzle? Well, that just ties everything together. Every time I make these, people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished chewing.

Honestly, this million dollar bacon crostini recipe is my go-to for parties, lazy weekends, and when I want to treat myself to something special. It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night snack. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—just wait, I’ll share all my best tricks below. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just indulging yourself, these crostini hit every note: salty, sweet, creamy, spicy, and totally irresistible. After baking these dozens of times (and eating way too many), I’m sure this recipe will become your new favorite too.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini Recipe

I’ve tested this recipe at family gatherings, brunches with friends, and even as a late-night snack (don’t judge, it’s that good). Here’s why you’ll want to make this million dollar bacon crostini again and again:

• Quick & Easy: You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for last-minute guests or when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients: No weird, hard-to-find items here—just basic pantry and fridge staples. If you’ve got bacon, goat cheese, and a baguette, you’re halfway there.
• Perfect for Entertaining: These crostini are made for sharing. They look fancy on a platter but are really just finger food at heart. Ideal for brunches, cocktail parties, or any holiday spread.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist the sweet, salty, creamy combo. Trust me—kids, grandparents, bacon lovers, and cheese fanatics all ask for seconds.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The marriage of caramelized, peppery bacon and tangy goat cheese with a drizzle of spicy honey is pure comfort food magic. It’s that “close-your-eyes-and-savor” kind of good.

What sets this million dollar bacon crostini recipe apart? For starters, the bacon isn’t just crispy—it’s lacquered with brown sugar and a hint of cayenne, making it slightly sticky and addictively flavorful. The goat cheese is whipped until cloud-like and creamy, which melts onto the warm crostini for that perfect bite. And the hot honey? It’s the finishing touch that’ll have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.

I make this when I want to impress without stress. It’s comfort food with a little swagger—familiar enough to love, but with just enough twist to surprise your taste buds. Seriously, it’s the appetizer that disappears first at every get-together, and I bet it’ll be the same at your table.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without any fuss. You might already have most of these items on hand, and they come together to create something truly special.

• Thick-cut bacon – About 8 slices (225g). Go for thick-cut; it holds up better when candied. If you want the ultimate, try a high-quality butcher bacon.
• Brown sugar – 1/3 cup (65g). This adds the caramelized sweetness to the bacon; light or dark both work, but I love the depth of dark brown sugar.
• Black pepper – 1 tsp (2g), freshly cracked if possible. This gives a pop of heat against the sweetness.
• Cayenne pepper – 1/2 tsp (1g), optional (but I highly recommend it for a subtle kick).
• French baguette – 1 large (about 300g), sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25cm) rounds. If you’re gluten-free, swap for a sturdy GF bread or even sweet potato rounds.
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp (30ml), for brushing the bread before toasting. I like extra-virgin for the best flavor.
• Soft goat cheese (chèvre) – 8 oz (225g), softened to room temperature. For extra creaminess, I sometimes add a splash of cream or milk to the mix.
• Cream cheese – 2 oz (55g), softened. This helps mellow the tanginess of goat cheese and makes it easier to whip.
• Honey – 1/4 cup (60ml), plus more for drizzling. Local honey tastes amazing here, but any runny honey will do.
• Hot sauce or chili flakes – To taste, for the hot honey. I usually use a few dashes of good hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish) – Chives, thyme, or basil. Adds a pop of color and freshness, but not essential.

Ingredient Tips: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try whipped feta or ricotta. For a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for roasted mushrooms with smoked paprika. You can sub maple syrup for honey if you want a deeper sweetness, or use pre-made hot honey to save a step.

Honestly, the magic is in the balance—salty, sweet, creamy, spicy. That’s what keeps everyone coming back for just one more crostini!

Equipment Needed

Don’t worry, you really don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this million dollar bacon crostini recipe. Here’s what I use:

• Baking sheet – One or two, lined with parchment paper (makes cleanup a breeze).
• Wire rack – Fits inside the baking sheet for crispier bacon (optional, but helps the bacon cook evenly).
• Mixing bowls – For whipping the goat cheese and mixing the hot honey.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – For whipping the cheese. You can use a sturdy whisk and elbow grease if needed.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing the baguette and bacon.
• Pastry brush – For brushing olive oil on the crostini (a spoon works in a pinch).
• Serving platter – Because presentation matters, especially if you’re making these for a crowd.

I’ve made these with just a mixing bowl and a fork (when the mixer was buried in the cupboard)—the cheese isn’t as airy, but still delicious. For budget-friendly options, use a baking tray lined with foil and skip the wire rack. Just remember to grease your pan well if you don’t use parchment, or you’ll be chipping off caramelized bacon later (been there, not fun).

How to Make Million Dollar Bacon & Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using a wire rack, place it on the sheet.
2. Prepare the bacon: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, 1 tsp (2g) black pepper, and 1/2 tsp (1g) cayenne. Lay 8 slices (225g) of thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the rack or directly on the parchment. Sprinkle the sugar-pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon, pressing it in gently.
3. Bake the bacon: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until glossy, caramelized, and crisp around the edges. Watch closely at the end—sugar can burn fast! If the bacon is still soft, give it another 2-3 minutes. Remove and let cool (it’ll crisp as it cools). Tip: If your bacon is skinny, check at 18 minutes.
4. Toast the crostini: While bacon bakes, slice your baguette (1/2-inch/1.25cm rounds). Lay slices on another baking sheet and brush with 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp but still tender in the middle. Let cool slightly.
5. Whip the goat cheese: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz (225g) goat cheese and 2 oz (55g) cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) for 1-2 minutes on medium speed, until fluffy and light. If it’s too stiff, add a splash of milk or cream (about 1 tbsp/15ml) and whip again. Taste and adjust for tanginess or saltiness as you like.
6. Make the hot honey: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup (60ml) honey with a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes. Stir well. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to thin it out and help the flavors meld. (Careful—it gets hot fast!) Set aside to cool slightly.
7. Assemble the crostini: Spread a thick layer of whipped goat cheese on each toasted crostini. Top with a piece of candied bacon (cut or torn to fit). Drizzle generously with hot honey.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Arrange on a platter and serve warm, at room temp, or even chilled (they’re honestly good at any temp).

Notes: If the bacon sticks to the rack, let it cool, then gently wiggle it free—it’ll pop off once the sugar hardens. Store extra hot honey in a jar; it’s great on pizza, fried chicken, or even ice cream.

I’ve learned the hard way not to pile the crostini until just before serving—otherwise the bread gets soggy. For big parties, set up an assembly station and let guests DIY their toppings!

Pro Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are my best tips for making sure your million dollar bacon crostini recipe turns out perfect every time (learned from plenty of trial and error):

• Bacon crispiness: Use thick-cut bacon for the perfect chewy-crisp texture. If you use thin bacon, shorten the baking time so it doesn’t burn.
• Whipped goat cheese texture: Let the cheese come to room temp before whipping. If it’s too cold, it won’t get smooth. Don’t skip the cream cheese—it makes the goat cheese extra spreadable and less tangy.
• Crostini crunch: Don’t over-toast the bread or it’ll get too hard to bite. Aim for golden edges and a bit of give in the middle. Olive oil helps with flavor and color.
• Hot honey heat level: Adjust the spice to your liking. I start mild and add more hot sauce after tasting—some honeys are sweeter than others, so you may want a little extra kick.
• Multitasking: While the bacon cooks, prep everything else. The cheese can be whipped and stored in the fridge, and the bread can be toasted ahead of time.
• Serving style: If you want to avoid soggy bread at a party, put the whipped cheese in a piping bag and let guests top their own crostini—looks fancy, and everyone gets a fresh bite!

One time I tried stacking the crostini an hour before guests arrived—big mistake, as they lost their crunch. Lesson learned: assemble just before serving or keep the components separate. Also, a little extra bacon never hurts—people always sneak a piece right off the tray (including me, every time).

Variations & Adaptations

There are so many ways to make this million dollar bacon crostini recipe your own. Here are some of my favorite twists and swaps:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the bacon for roasted portobello mushrooms tossed with smoked paprika and a touch of maple syrup. Same sweet-salty vibe, no meat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free baguette or toasted sweet potato rounds. I’ve even served these on sturdy seed crackers for a crunchy twist.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the goat and cream cheese with a vegan cheese spread (like whipped cashew cheese), and use coconut bacon or eggplant bacon for the topping. Maple syrup with hot sauce works for vegan “hot honey.”
• Flavor Boost: Add a swipe of fig jam or a sprinkle of chopped pecans before the bacon for a little extra wow-factor. I sometimes layer thin apple slices under the cheese for a bright, juicy crunch.
• Seasonal Touch: In summer, I love topping with fresh berries in place of bacon for a sweet, brunchy version. In fall, a dusting of cinnamon on the hot honey is next-level cozy.

My personal variation? I once added a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top—it was like a little trip to Italy, right in my kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment; this recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These crostini are best served fresh, slightly warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a pretty platter for maximum wow-factor—trust me, they’ll disappear fast. If you want to get fancy, add a few fresh herb sprigs or edible flowers around the edge for a Pinterest-worthy presentation.

Pair with bubbly prosecco, a crisp rosé, or a tangy lemonade for a refreshing contrast. They’re also delicious alongside a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a light meal.

To store leftovers, keep the bacon, whipped cheese, and crostini separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The bacon should last up to 3 days (it’s great cold, honestly). The cheese will stay fresh for 4-5 days. The crostini can be stored at room temp in a sealed bag for a day or two—re-crisp in a low oven if needed.

To reheat, pop the bacon in a warm oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes to restore its crispness. The cheese can be re-whipped if it gets too firm. If you’ve already assembled everything, you can gently warm the crostini on a tray in a 250°F (120°C) oven for a few minutes, but don’t overdo it or the cheese will melt off.

Honestly, the flavors get even better as the hot honey soaks in—just don’t let them sit too long or the bread will soften. I’ve yet to see any leftovers last more than a day around here, though!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each million dollar bacon crostini is roughly 140-160 calories, depending on the size of your bread and the amount of toppings. Here’s a rough breakdown per crostini:

• Protein: 5g (thanks to the bacon and goat cheese)
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugar: 5g

Goat cheese is a great source of calcium and provides a bit more protein and less lactose than cow’s milk cheese. Bacon, when enjoyed in moderation, adds iron and B vitamins for energy. If you’re gluten-free, swapping the bread will reduce carbs and make this recipe more allergy-friendly. Just be mindful of the bacon and cheese if you have dairy or pork restrictions.

From a wellness perspective, I love serving these crostini as an occasional treat—life’s too short not to savor a little sweet and salty magic now and then! Pair with veggies or a salad to round things out.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or snack that’s as easy as it is irresistible, this million dollar bacon crostini recipe is it. The combo of creamy whipped goat cheese, sticky-sweet bacon, and spicy hot honey is honestly next-level good. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself, or wowing your friends, this is the recipe you’ll reach for every time.

Don’t be shy about making it your own—throw in your favorite herbs, try a new cheese, or swap in a veggie topping if that’s your jam. I love this recipe because it’s reliable, adaptable, and always gets people talking (and asking for seconds!).

Give these a try, then drop a comment below—let me know how you customized your crostini or what twist you tried! If you snap a photo, tag me on social media so I can see your creations. You deserve a bite of something special today—enjoy every crumb!

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the hot honey in this million dollar bacon crostini recipe?

You control the heat! I use a mild hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes—add more or less to suit your taste. If you’re worried about spice, start with less and add as you go.

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?

You can prep all the components in advance—bake the bacon, whip the cheese, and toast the bread. Assemble just before serving so the crostini stay crisp.

What’s the best substitute for goat cheese?

Whipped feta, ricotta, or even a smooth cream cheese blend work beautifully. Each gives a slightly different flavor, but all are delicious with the bacon and honey.

Do I have to use hot honey, or can I use regular honey?

Regular honey is just fine if you prefer mild flavors. The hot honey adds a little kick, but classic honey gives plenty of sweetness and shine.

How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?

Don’t assemble until just before serving. If you need to prep in advance, keep the bread, cheese, and bacon separate, and let guests top their own crostini for the perfect bite!

Print