Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe
A decadent appetizer featuring thick-cut bacon candied with brown sugar, spices, and a hint of heat, paired with creamy goat cheese on toasted baguette slices drizzled with maple or hot honey for a perfect sweet and spicy bite.
- 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
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place an oven-safe baking rack on top.
- Make the bacon glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, water, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Coat the bacon: Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared rack. Generously brush both sides of each bacon slice with the brown sugar mixture, pressing the mixture in so it adheres. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake the bacon: Place the baking sheet on the center oven rack and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove and carefully flip each bacon slice to the other side.
- Finish cooking: Return the bacon to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until crispy but not burned.
- Drain and cool bacon: Remove bacon from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and cool.
- Prepare crostini: Slice the baguette into approximately 1/2-inch slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toast in a 375-degree oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble the appetizer: Spread a generous amount of goat cheese on each toasted crostini. Top with a slice of the Million Dollar Bacon.
- Drizzle and serve: Finish by drizzling maple syrup, honey, or hot honey over each assembled piece for a touch of sweetness and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor with the glaze.
- For a less spicy version, omit cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- The baking rack allows fat to drain away, making bacon crispier without flipping constantly.
- Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness; substitute with honey or hot honey for variation.
- Prepare crostini fresh or toast baguette slices just before assembling to keep crisp.
- The bacon will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days but is best eaten fresh.
