Description

This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Thick-cut bacon is candied with a brown sugar and cayenne pepper mixture, baked until crispy, and then pressed into a creamy goat cheese log. Served alongside toasted, golden crostini, this appetizer is impressive yet simple to prepare, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon and Spices

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 Toppings

4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (optional for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Bacon: Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place an oven-safe baking rack on top to allow air circulation around the bacon.
Make Bacon Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, water, and cayenne pepper. Stir to create a coarse paste that will coat the bacon slices.
Coat Bacon: Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared rack. Press the brown sugar mixture onto both sides of each bacon slice so it adheres well. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using for extra heat.
Bake Bacon: Place the sheet pan with bacon onto the center rack and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, carefully flip each slice, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy but not burnt.
Drain and Cool Bacon: Take the bacon out of the oven and transfer slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let cool to room temperature.
Prepare Crostini: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake Crostini: Place crostini on the center oven rack and bake for 7-10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Assemble Appetizer: Place the goat cheese log on a serving platter. Break cooled bacon into small pieces and press them into the surface of the goat cheese, covering as much as you like. Scatter some bacon pieces around the base for extra garnish.
Serve: Optionally drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey over the cheese log before serving. Accompany the log with the crisp crostini for guests to scoop and enjoy.

Notes

Using a baking rack allows excess grease to drain, leading to crispier bacon.
The mixture of brown sugar and cayenne provides a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Flipping the bacon halfway ensures even cooking and caramelization.
Letting crostini cool fully helps maintain their crisp texture for serving.
Leftover bacon slices make a great snack while preparing the appetizer.
Adjust the amount of bacon on the goat cheese to your taste and the size of the cheese log.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon appetizer, goat cheese appetizer, candied bacon, crostini, party appetizer, sweet and spicy bacon, baked bacon, easy appetizer recipe