Best Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe
Introduction
This Best Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a show-stopping starter that combines savory bacon, creamy goat cheese, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for parties or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and delights every palate.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 baguette
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water.
- Step 2: Lay the bacon slices on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Rub both sides of the bacon with the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 3: Bake the bacon in the oven for 15 minutes. Flip the slices and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy but not burned. Remove from the oven and place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
- Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Slice the baguette into ½-inch slices and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Bake the crostini for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Step 6: Once the bacon has cooled, break it into small pieces. Place the goat cheese log on a serving dish and press the bacon pieces into the cheese. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey to finish.
- Step 7: Serve the bacon cheese log with the crostini on the side.
Tips & Variations
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese, ricotta, or Brie for a different flavor.
- For a spicier version, use spicy honey or increase the cayenne pepper in the bacon mixture.
- The bacon can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t want to flip the bacon, try using a baking rack to avoid flipping.
- Leftover crostini can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Storage
Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep crostini in a separate airtight container to maintain their crispness for up to 3 days as well. Reheat bacon briefly in a warm oven if desired, but crostini are best served at room temperature to stay crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon and crostini a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you don’t have goat cheese or prefer a milder taste, cream cheese, ricotta, or Brie make excellent substitutes. Each offers a different texture and flavor but pairs well with the sweet and spicy bacon.
PrintBest Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log Recipe
This Best Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy, sweet, and spicy bacon with creamy goat cheese, served alongside golden, crunchy crostini. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this easy-to-make appetizer pairs smoky bacon with tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of maple or hot honey for an irresistible flavor explosion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bacon Mixture
- 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)
Cheese and Drizzle
- 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
- Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water until combined.
- Coat and Bake Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Rub both sides of each slice with the brown sugar mixture, then sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip Bacon and Continue Baking: Carefully flip each slice of bacon and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy but not burned. Remove from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
- Prepare Crostini: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake Crostini: Bake the slices for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and let cool.
- Assemble Bacon Goat Cheese Log: Once the bacon is cooled, break it into small pieces. Place the goat cheese log on a serving dish. Press the bacon pieces evenly into the surface of the cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle maple syrup, honey, or hot honey over the bacon-topped cheese log. Serve with the crostini on the side for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese, ricotta, or Brie for different flavor variations.
- For a spicier flavor, use spicy honey or increase the cayenne pepper in the bacon sugar mixture.
- The bacon can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, use a baking rack to cook the bacon, which eliminates the need to flip it halfway through baking.
- Leftover crostini can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and re-crisped before serving.
Keywords: bacon appetizer, goat cheese appetizer, crostini, party appetizer, bacon cheese log, sweet and spicy bacon
