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Million dollar bacon crostini with candied bacon, goat cheese, and honey drizzle on a wooden serving board

Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

Crispy golden baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese and sticky sweet-spicy candied bacon, finished with a drizzle of honey or hot honey. An easy, impressive appetizer ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 24 crostini

Ingredients
  

For the Candied Bacon:

  • 2 packs thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Crostini:

  • 1 large baguette, sliced into 24 rounds
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 8 oz goat cheese log
  • Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey for drizzling
  • Fresh thyme or chives for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped candied pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes until a thick paste forms.
  • Dredge each bacon strip through the sugar-spice mixture, pressing firmly to coat both sides. Lay strips on the wire rack with space between each piece.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping carefully at the 15-minute mark, until dark, caramelized, and crispy. Let cool completely on the rack, then break into bite-size pieces.
  • Slice baguette into 24 rounds on a diagonal. Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Optional: rub a peeled garlic clove over the warm toast.
  • Spread goat cheese generously onto each crostini. Top with candied bacon pieces. Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or hot honey. Garnish with fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans if desired.
  • Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Always use thick-cut bacon - thin bacon will burn before it caramelizes.
The wire rack is essential for crispy results. Do not skip it.
Make-ahead tip: Cook bacon and toast crostini up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers at room temperature. Assemble right before serving.
To reduce heat for kids: omit cayenne and red pepper flakes. Offer hot honey on the side for adults.
Cheese swaps: whipped cream cheese, Boursin, blue cheese, or sharp white cheddar spread all work beautifully.
Nutrition (per crostini, estimated): Calories: 180 | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy (check bacon labels). Use gluten-free baguette and dairy-free cheese to adapt.