Why Make This Recipe
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a delightful appetizer that impresses every time. The crispy, sweet, and smoky bacon paired with creamy goat cheese on crunchy crostini brings a blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
How to Make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients
- 2 packs thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Optional twist: 1 tsp smoked paprika or maple syrup brushed on post-bake
- 1 large baguette, sliced into 24 rounds
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional twist: rub slices with garlic clove after toasting for extra flavor
- 8 oz goat cheese log (or mix with a bit of cream cheese for a milder version)
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Mix brown sugar, water, and spices in a bowl. Dredge bacon strips in the mixture and lay them on the rack.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and caramelized. Let cool, then chop or break into bite-size pieces.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toast in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
- Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with bacon pieces, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey.
- Finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of candied nuts for extra flair.
How to Serve Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Serve Million Dollar Bacon Crostini warm as a delicious starter. Arrange them on a platter and let your guests enjoy these delightful bites. They pair wonderfully with cocktails or a glass of wine, making them perfect for casual gatherings or festive celebrations.
How to Store Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
If you have leftovers, store the crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness. Keep the bacon and cheese separate if possible, so they don’t get soggy.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese if goat cheese isn’t your favorite. Cream cheese can be a mild alternative.
- Don’t skip the drizzling step; a little maple syrup or honey elevates the dish.
- If you want extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove on the warm toasted bread before adding the cheese.
Variation
For a smoky twist, you can add a little smoked paprika to the bacon mixture or brush the crostini with a bit of maple syrup right after baking. You could also use different herbs or nuts as garnishes to change up the flavor profile.
FAQs
-
Can I make the bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat it briefly before assembling the crostini. -
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If goat cheese is not your preference, you can use cream cheese or even ricotta for a different creamy flavor. -
How spicy is this recipe?
The spices can be adjusted to your preference. If you like less heat, skip the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add more!
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful appetizer featuring crispy, sweet, and smoky bacon paired with creamy goat cheese on crunchy crostini, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 packs thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 large baguette, sliced into 24 rounds
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz goat cheese log (or mix with a bit of cream cheese)
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top.
- Mix brown sugar, water, and spices in a bowl. Dredge bacon strips in the mixture and lay them on the rack.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and caramelized. Let cool, then chop or break into bite-size pieces.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with bacon pieces, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey.
- Finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of candied nuts.
Notes
Serve warm and pair with cocktails or wine. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
