why make this recipe
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a delightful appetizer that brings excitement to any gathering. With its sweet and spicy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted bread, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a fantastic choice for brunches, parties, or just a special treat at home.
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 or at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. You can drizzle extra maple syrup or honey on top just before serving for added sweetness.
how to store Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy them again, warm them in the oven to restore the crispy texture.
tips to make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
- Make sure to use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your tastes. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- For an extra touch of flavor, rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove after baking.
variation
You can customize the toppings based on your preference. Try using different cheeses like feta or cream cheese mixed with herbs. You can also swap out the maple syrup for a tangy balsamic glaze if you like a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Yes, you can, but thick-cut bacon provides a better texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe without goat cheese?
Absolutely! You can use cream cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cream cheese alternative if you prefer.
3. How spicy is the Million Dollar Bacon?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
4. Can I prepare the bacon in advance?
Yes, you can bake the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before assembling the crostini.
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients
For the Bacon
- 2 packs thick-cut bacon Use thick-cut for best flavor and texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for extra heat.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Optional twist.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup Optional twist, brushed on post-bake.
For the Crostini
- 1 large baguette Sliced into 24 rounds.
- to taste Olive oil For brushing.
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Assembly
- 8 oz goat cheese Or mix with cream cheese for a milder version.
- to taste Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey For drizzling.
- to taste Chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Baking the Bacon
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and caramelized. Let cool, then chop or break into bite-size pieces.
Toasting the Crostini
- 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.
Assembly
- 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.
