Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe
This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log features crispy, sweet and spicy candied bacon paired with creamy goat cheese atop crostini. The bacon is baked to perfection with a brown sugar and spice glaze, then served with crunchy toasted baguette slices and drizzled with maple syrup or honey for a deliciously indulgent appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Million Dollar Bacon
- 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)
Crostini
- 1 baguette
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Additional Ingredients
- 4 or 8-ounce log goat cheese
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Place an oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place an oven-safe rack on top to allow grease to drain and air to circulate around the bacon.
- Make Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, water, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until combined.
- Prepare Bacon: Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared rack. Coat both sides of each slice evenly with the brown sugar mixture, pressing the mixture into the bacon to make it stick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if using.
- Bake Bacon - First Side: Place the tray in the oven on the center rack and bake the bacon for 15 minutes.
- Flip Bacon and Continue Baking: Remove the tray, flip bacon slices carefully, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until bacon is crispy but not burned.
- Cool Bacon: Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and cool.
- Prepare Crostini: Slice the baguette into thin slices. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
- Assemble Appetizer: Spread goat cheese onto each toasted crostini slice. Top with a piece of candied bacon and drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey as desired.
- Serve: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps the bacon cook evenly and become extra crispy.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Maple syrup adds a nice sweetness but honey or hot honey can be used for a different flavor profile.
- For easier cleanup, line your tray with foil or parchment paper.
- The crostini can be toasted in the oven while the bacon finishes baking.
- Store leftover candied bacon wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for crispness.
