Introduction

Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a decadent appetizer combining sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Crispy candied bacon pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese spread on toasted baguette slices, finished with a drizzle of hot honey for a tantalizing bite.

The image shows a piece of toasted bread with a rough, crunchy crust as the base. On top of the bread, there is a thick layer of soft white cream cheese spread evenly. Above the cream cheese, there are several cooked bacon strips, shiny with a slight glaze and crispy edges, stacked in a slightly messy way. The toast sits on a light wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 large French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
Hot sauce or chili flakes, to taste
Fresh herbs (chives, thyme, or basil; optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the rack or directly on the parchment. Sprinkle the sugar and pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Bake bacon for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until it is glossy, caramelized, and crisp around the edges. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid burning. Remove and let cool; the bacon will crisp further as it cools.
Step 4: While bacon is baking, slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange slices on another baking sheet, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp but still slightly tender inside. Let cool slightly.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light. If it feels too stiff, add a small splash of milk or cream and whip again. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix honey with your preferred amount of hot sauce or chili flakes. Microwave for 15–20 seconds to thin the mixture and blend the flavors. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 7: Spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese mixture onto each toasted crostini. Top each with a piece of candied bacon, cut or torn to fit. Drizzle with the prepared hot honey glaze.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, allow the bacon to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Swap goat cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a milder flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pistachios or pecans, for crunch and contrast.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne in the bacon rub or the hot sauce in the honey drizzle.

Storage

Store assembled crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best texture, keep the candied bacon separate and assemble just before serving. Reheat the crostini briefly in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 minutes if desired, then drizzle with warm honey before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a small sandwich made with a thick slice of crusty bread as the base. On top of the bread is a fluffy layer of white cream cheese, spread evenly. Over the cream cheese, there are two strips of crispy, caramelized bacon with a shiny, slightly oily texture. The sandwich sits on a light wooden board with a blurred background of similar sandwiches. The lighting highlights the crunchy texture of the bread and the crispiness of the bacon, making the sandwich look very fresh and tasty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the candied bacon in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the candied bacon up to two days ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated if your kitchen is warm. Re-crisp it in the oven briefly if it softens before assembling the crostini.

What can I use if I don’t have a wire rack for baking bacon?

If you don’t have a wire rack, place the bacon directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. The bacon will still caramelize nicely, but may not crisp as evenly. Flip the slices halfway through baking for best results.