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Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

million dollar bacon crostini - featured image

This irresistible appetizer features thick-cut candied bacon, creamy whipped goat cheese, and a spicy hot honey drizzle atop crunchy crostini. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a special snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), softened
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
  • Hot sauce or chili flakes, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (chives, thyme, or basil; optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne. Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the rack or parchment. Sprinkle sugar-pepper mixture evenly over both sides of bacon, pressing gently.
  3. Bake bacon for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until glossy, caramelized, and crisp around the edges. Watch closely at the end to prevent burning. Let cool (it will crisp as it cools).
  4. While bacon bakes, slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Lay slices on another baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Toast in oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp but still tender in the middle. Let cool slightly.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 1-2 minutes on medium speed until fluffy and light. If too stiff, add a splash of milk or cream and whip again. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a small bowl, combine honey with hot sauce or chili flakes. Stir well. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to thin and meld flavors. Set aside to cool slightly.
  7. 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 with fresh herbs if desired. Arrange on a platter and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Assemble crostini just before serving to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use GF bread or sweet potato rounds. For vegetarian, swap bacon for roasted mushrooms. Store components separately and re-crisp crostini if needed. Adjust hot honey spice to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: million dollar bacon, crostini, goat cheese, hot honey, appetizer, party food, brunch, easy recipe, bacon appetizer, finger food