Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a sweet, salty, smoky appetizer with crispy toasted baguette, creamy goat cheese, and caramelized bacon. It is perfect for parties, holidays, or easy dinner gatherings.
Equipment
- Baking sheet Use one for bacon and another for crostini if available.
- Wire rack Helps bacon crisp evenly.
- Foil Makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl For the brown sugar bacon coating.
- Pastry brush Useful for brushing oil on baguette slices.
- Knife For slicing bread and chopping bacon.
- Cutting board For prep work.
Ingredients
- 2 packs thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 1 large baguette, sliced into 24 rounds
- olive oil, for brushing
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces goat cheese log
- honey, hot honey, or maple syrup, for drizzling
- fresh thyme or chives, optional
- candied pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until a thick paste forms.
- Coat the bacon strips thoroughly with the brown sugar mixture. Arrange them on the wire rack with space between each slice.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon looks caramelized and crisp. Cool completely, then chop or break into small pieces.
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
- Spread goat cheese over each toasted baguette slice. Add bacon pieces, then drizzle with honey, hot honey, or maple syrup.
- Finish with fresh thyme, chives, or candied nuts if desired. Serve immediately for the best crisp texture.
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. A wire rack helps the bacon crisp evenly. Watch the bacon closely during the final minutes because the sugar can burn quickly. For extra garlic flavor, rub warm toasted baguette slices with a cut garlic clove. Serve immediately after assembly for the crispiest crostini.