Description
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a delicious appetizer featuring thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and spices, served on toasted baguette slices spread with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with maple syrup or hot honey. This savory-sweet treat combines smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon Mixture
- 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)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or maple syrup (optional, brushed on post-bake)
Bread
- 1 large baguette, sliced into 24 rounds
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 garlic clove (optional, for rubbing on toasted slices)
Toppings
- 8 oz goat cheese log (or mix with a bit of cream cheese for milder flavor)
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
- Chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow even baking of the bacon.
- Prepare Bacon Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Dredge each strip of thick-cut bacon thoroughly in the mixture, coating them well, then arrange them on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake Bacon: Place the rack in the oven and bake the bacon strips for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through to ensure both sides become crisp and caramelized. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool. Chop or break the bacon into bite-size pieces; if desired, brush with smoked paprika or maple syrup for a flavor boost.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once to get an even golden crispness. Optionally, rub with a garlic clove immediately after toasting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Assemble Crostini: Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a few pieces of the caramelized bacon. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each crostini with a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- For a milder goat cheese spread, blend goat cheese with cream cheese.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Optionally rub toasted baguette slices with garlic for extra aroma and flavor.
- This recipe can be made ahead by preparing bacon and toasting bread separately; assemble just before serving.
- Substitute candied pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
