Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
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Sweet, smoky, and downright irresistible! Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet and spicy candied bacon, and a touch of heat for the perfect bite sized appetizer.
I am big on making big sized appetizers whenever we are hosting a party or the holidays. I think it’s fun to have a choice of a lot of different mini items instead of just a few bigger items.
In the past one of my most well received appetizers has been Crab Artichoke Bread which can be cut into whatever sized pieces you prefer. For a hearty appetizer my Bacon Wrapped Meatballs can be served on their own or with dipping sauces. Of course Pull Apart Meatball Sliders are great for Game Day or parties where you want heavy appetizers.
I’ve made a lot of crostini in my days because it’s usually easy to make and it’s generally pretty filling. You can make a combination of so many different ingredients on top and have a tasty snack.
What is crostini?
Crostini are small, thin slices of bread (usually from a baguette) that are brushed with olive oil, toasted until crisp, and often topped with savory or sweet ingredients. Popular toppings include goat cheese, salted cured meats, vegetables, spreads like hummus or pesto, and sweet drizzles.
Million Dollar Bacon crostini is obviously topped with bacon. It’s a sweet and spicy candied bacon that gets really crispy in the oven.
What is Million Dollar Bacon?
Million Dollar Bacon is thick-cut bacon that’s coated with a sweet-and-spicy glaze and baked until caramelized and crispy. It’s called “million dollar” because it tastes super luxurious and over the top delicious; like something you’d pay a lot for at a fancy brunch spot!
In addition to the bacon a thin smear of goat cheese is placed on top of the crostini. You can use flavored goat cheese (I used herb goat cheese) or you can use regular goat cheese.
Then on top you sprinkle fresh herbs and a honey drizzle. I went one step farther and added a hot honey drizzle to keep with the sweet and spicy theme.
Ingredients:
- thick cut bacon (you can use thin cut but watch carefully as it burns easily)
- brown sugar
- water
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- large baguette
- olive oil
- goat cheese (I use an herbed goat cheese but regular is fine)
- fresh herbs (I used rosemary and parsley)
- hot honey (or you can use regular honey)
To make the bacon preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Mix brown sugar, water, and spices in a bowl. Dredge the bacon strips through the mixture and set on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once.
Meanwhile, cut the baguette in half lengthwise and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with the goat cheese, chopped bacon, fresh herbs, and a hot honey drizzle.
This bacon is amazing! It’s sweet and spicy and salty and perfectly crisp. It pairs so well with the tangy goat cheese on top.
Adding the fresh herbs gives the crostini a burst of fresh flavor and the hot honey drizzle adds another bit of sweet and spicy.
Can I use a different cheese?
You can use cream cheese, feta, or even ricotta cheese. For something a little different you could use brie or blue cheese.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can cut the pieces into small bites for a party or larger bites if you need heavy appetizers.
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Bacon:
- 8 ounce thick cut bacon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Crostini:
- 1 large baguette
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh herbs chopped
- 2 Tablespoons hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, water, and spices.
- Dredge the bacon through the mixture and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove from oven.
- Cut the baguette in half lengthwise. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread both halves with goat cheese. Top with chopped bacon, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of hot honey.
- Cut into pieces.
Notes