Bring a touch of sophistication to your next party with Million Dollar Bacon Crostini. This appetizer features sweet and spicy candied bacon paired with creamy goat cheese on crispy crostini, making it a favorite for grazing boards, holiday gatherings, or date nights. If you’re looking to round out your menu with warm comfort food, consider pairing this appetizer with our cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup, which complements the smoky bacon flavors beautifully.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
This appetizer is perfect for anyone who loves epic, crowd-pleasing finger foods. Here’s why it’s a party favorite:
- A delicious balance of sweet, smoky, and creamy textures that guests rave about.
- Easy to make ahead—prepare the bacon and crostini in advance then assemble when ready.
- Great for sophisticated snacking or casual gatherings like Finger Food Friday.
- Pairs wonderfully with other crowd-pleasers such as our rich, cheesy Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese, making your holiday menu complete.
- Versatile and customizable for different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 log (4 oz) goat cheese
- Optional: honey, fig jam, or balsamic glaze for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay bacon in a single layer on the rack.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture onto each bacon strip, then drizzle with maple syrup.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until bacon is caramelized and crispy.
- While bacon bakes, brush baguette slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake crostini on a separate sheet for 7–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Let bacon cool slightly, then chop into small pieces.
- Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with chopped bacon, and drizzle with honey or jam if desired.
- Serve immediately or arrange on a platter for a festive display.
How to Serve Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is perfect for holiday parties, date nights, or as a sophisticated snack at any gathering. Here are some serving ideas:
- Arrange crostini on a large platter with a variety of cheeses, jams, and fresh herbs for a grazing board effect.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
- Serve alongside other appetizers like our Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a complete holiday spread.
- Offer a mix of toppings—try fig jam, honey, or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Use mini skewers or toothpicks for easy, elegant serving.
How to Store Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Proper storage keeps flavors fresh and crostini crisp.
- Store crostini and bacon separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Assemble crostini just before serving to maintain texture.
- Leftover goat cheese can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Avoid freezing assembled crostini, as the texture will suffer.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Guarantee success with these helpful tips:
- Opt for thick-cut bacon for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the maple syrup—it adds that perfect sweet glaze.
- Bake crostini until golden but watch to prevent overbrowning.
- Try alternative cheeses like brie or cream cheese for variety, or combine with toppings from our Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball recipe for creative holiday appetizers.
- Use honey or fig jam for drizzles to add a sweet contrast.
Variations of Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Personalize with creative twists:
- Swap goat cheese for brie, cream cheese, or ricotta.
- Use different jams or chutneys—fig, apricot, or cranberry work well.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
- Make it spicy with extra cayenne or chili flakes.
- Try a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables or marinated artichokes.
- For a sweet twist, use chocolate hazelnut spread and berries.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the bacon and crostini ahead, then assemble just before serving for best texture.
Q2: What can I serve with Million Dollar Bacon Crostini?
Pair with a cheese board, fruit platter, or other appetizers like our Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a complete spread.
Q3: Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Try brie, cream cheese, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for a holiday party?
Yes! It’s a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or any celebration.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a versatile, delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a date night, or a casual get-together, this recipe brings bold flavors and elegant presentation to your table. For more epic appetizer ideas, check out our Loaded Baked Potato Soup and other holiday favorites for your next celebration.
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Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a sweet, spicy, and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday parties and date nights.
Ingredients
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 log (4 oz) goat cheese
- Optional: honey, fig jam, or balsamic glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay bacon in a single layer on the rack.
3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Rub the spice mixture onto each bacon strip, then drizzle with maple syrup.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until bacon is caramelized and crispy.
6. While bacon bakes, brush baguette slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake crostini on a separate sheet for 7–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
8. Let bacon cool slightly, then chop into small pieces.
9. Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with chopped bacon, and drizzle with honey or jam if desired.
10. Serve immediately or arrange on a platter for a festive display.
Notes
Store crostini and bacon separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Assemble crostini just before serving to maintain texture.
Leftover goat cheese can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Avoid freezing assembled crostini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg