Description
This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a deliciously indulgent appetizer combining sweet and spicy candied bacon with creamy goat cheese on crispy crostini. The bacon is coated in a brown sugar and pepper blend and baked until caramelized, then layered atop toasted baguette slices spread with goat cheese, drizzled with maple syrup or honey for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make party starter sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Million Dollar Bacon
- 1 pack thick-cut bacon (usually 12 oz or about 12 slices)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 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 goat cheese, softened
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Million Dollar Bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes if using to create a spicy-sweet glaze. Lay the thick-cut bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Glaze the Bacon: Brush each bacon slice evenly with the brown sugar mixture, coating both sides. Make sure the slices are well-coated so the sugar caramelizes beautifully while baking.
- Bake the Bacon: Place the bacon in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye to prevent burning due to the sugar.
- Prepare the Crostini: While the bacon bakes, slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush each side lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast the slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven or on a grill pan until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Assemble the Appetizer Log: Once the crostini is toasted and the bacon is cooled slightly, spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each crostini slice. Lay a piece of the Million Dollar Bacon on top. Arrange the slices side by side in a log shape on your serving platter.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the assembled bacon and goat cheese log with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey for a touch of sweetness and heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures.
Notes
- Using thick-cut bacon is crucial for the right balance of texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute bacon with candied smoked tempeh strips.
- Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Serve fresh for best texture; bacon can get chewy if stored too long after baking.
Keywords: bacon appetizer, goat cheese crostini, sweet and spicy bacon, party appetizer, crostini recipes, easy appetizers