Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe

Introduction

This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Crispy candied bacon pairs perfectly with smooth goat cheese and golden crostini for an irresistible party treat. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pack thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 baguette
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
• Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place an oven-safe baking rack on top.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, water, and cayenne pepper.
3. Step 3: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared rack. Coat both sides of each slice with the brown sugar mixture, pressing it into the bacon. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Step 4: Bake the bacon for 15 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for another 10–15 minutes until crispy but not burned.
5. Step 5: Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to cool.
6. Step 6: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch pieces and arrange them cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Brush the bread slices lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Step 8: Bake the crostini for 7–10 minutes until crisp and golden. Let them cool for 30 minutes before serving.
9. Step 9: Place the goat cheese log on a serving dish. Break the cooled bacon into small pieces and press onto the goat cheese, covering it evenly.
10. Step 10: Arrange any extra bacon pieces around the base for guests to enjoy. Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the top if you like a hint of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• Use hot honey instead of maple syrup for a spicy-sweet kick.
• For a milder flavor, omit cayenne and red pepper flakes.
• Try topping the goat cheese log with chopped nuts for added texture.
• Serve with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetables alongside the crostini.

Storage

Store any leftover bacon and crostini separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the goat cheese log covered tightly. Reheat the bacon and crostini briefly in a toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the bacon in advance?

Yes, you can bake the bacon up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly to restore crispiness before assembling the appetizer.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can be used, but goat cheese offers a distinct tang that complements the bacon’s sweetness best.

Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe

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4.9 from 91 reviews

This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log combines crispy, sweet-spicy candied bacon with creamy goat cheese and crunchy crostini for an irresistible party treat. Bacon is oven-baked with a fragrant brown sugar and spice rub, then pressed onto a log of goat cheese. Serve with crisp olive oil-toasted baguette slices for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8–10 appetizer portions 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Millionaire Bacon

• 1 pack of thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Crostini

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Assembly

• 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
• Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Place the oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set an oven-safe baking rack on top to allow air circulation around the bacon.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, water, and cayenne pepper to form a paste.
3. Coat the Bacon: Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the rack. Press both sides of each slice with the brown sugar spice mixture, ensuring it sticks well. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
4. Bake the Bacon: Bake the bacon on the center rack for 15 minutes. Then flip each slice and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until bacon is crispy but not burnt.
5. Cool the Bacon: Remove bacon from the oven and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
6. Preheat Oven for Crostini: Increase oven temperature to 425°F to prepare for baking the baguette slices.
7. Prepare the Crostini: Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Bake Crostini: Bake the bread slices for 7-10 minutes until they turn crisp and golden brown.
9. Cool Crostini: Remove the crostini from the oven and let cool completely for about 30 minutes before serving.
10. Assemble the Appetizer Log: Place the goat cheese log on a serving platter. Break cooled bacon into small pieces and press them firmly onto the surface and base of the goat cheese to coat it evenly.
11. Serve: Provide extra bacon pieces around the cheese for scooping. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey for added sweetness and heat. Serve alongside the crostini.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture in the candied bacon.
• The red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
• Allow the crostini to cool completely before serving to maintain crispness.
• This appetizer can be prepared a few hours ahead; just store bacon and crostini separately at room temperature and assemble before serving.
• Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey drizzled over the finished log adds a lovely sweet contrast but is optional.

Keywords: Million Dollar Bacon, Goat Cheese Appetizer, Candied Bacon, Crostini, Party Appetizer, Sweet and Spicy Bacon