Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, delivering a show-stopping bite with caramelized brown sugar bacon and creamy goat cheese in just 40 minutes. Whether you're preparing for a holiday party, game day, or special occasion, these crostini transform simple ingredients into a sweet and savory masterpiece that will wow your guests without hours in the kitchen.

I first made these Million Dollar Bacon Crostini for a holiday cocktail party, and they disappeared faster than any appetizer I have ever served. The juxtaposition of candy like bacon and the tangy, creamy goat cheese made them truly addictive, with guests asking for the recipe before the night ended. This recipe quickly became my most requested party starter, guaranteeing rave reviews each time thanks to the sweet glaze and bold textures.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon for Million Dollar flavor: Using a one pound package of thick cut bacon is essential for the chewy crisp texture and for holding up to the caramelized brown sugar glaze; avoid thin sliced bacon as it burns quickly
• Brown sugar, light or dark: One third cup brown sugar brings deep molasses notes and classic caramelization, but light brown sugar can be substituted without losing flavor
• Dijon mustard for tang: Two tablespoons Dijon add complexity that balances sweetness; stone ground or whole grain mustard may be used for a different bite
• French baguette, sliced into half inch rounds: Choose a baguette with a crisp crust and chewy interior for the best crostini base; rustic or sourdough can also be used
• Goat cheese, 8 oz softened: Room temperature goat cheese spreads smoothly and adds a creamy tang; for a milder option, try cream cheese or whipped ricotta
• Fresh chives, chopped: Two tablespoons of chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that brightens the rich toppings; scallions work in a pinch
• Fresh thyme leaves, one tablespoon: The earthy aroma from thyme elevates the flavor; fresh rosemary can be substituted for a wintery feel
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Coarse pepper adds spice and texture, breaking up the sweetness
• Extra virgin olive oil for brushing: Use a high quality olive oil to brush the baguette before toasting for added flavor and golden color; canola oil is a neutral substitute

How to Make Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure even caramelization. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, which will catch melting sugars and bacon fat, making cleanup quick and preventing sticking. Be sure to use a rimmed pan, as the bacon will release both fat and glaze while baking.

Create the Brown Sugar Glaze:

In a small bowl, combine one third cup brown sugar and two tablespoons Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until a thick, spreadable paste forms. It should hold together so it coats the bacon smoothly, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite of crostini.

Glaze and Arrange the Bacon:

Lay the thick cut bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overlap. Using a pastry brush, generously spread the brown sugar mixture on the top of each strip, covering it evenly for uniform caramelization and flavor.

Bake the Caramelized Bacon:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking closely in the last few minutes. The sugar should bubble and create a deep amber glaze, while the bacon crisps along the edges but remains chewy in the center. Look for a glossy appearance and golden brown edges but remove before it burns.

Cool and Chop the Bacon:

Once baked, let the bacon cool on the sheet for about five minutes. This allows the glaze to set and become candy like. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into bite sized pieces, roughly one inch long, for easy topping on each crostini.

Prepare and Toast the Baguette:

Arrange the sliced baguette rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to promote golden browning and prevent soggy tops when topped later. Toast in the oven for eight to ten minutes until golden and crisp on the outside yet slightly soft inside.

Spread the Goat Cheese:

While the bread is still warm, spread about one to two teaspoons of softened goat cheese on each baguette round. The warmth softens the cheese, helping it meld with the other toppings and delivering a creamy contrast to the bacon.

Add the Candied Bacon and Garnish:

Top each goat cheese covered crostini with several pieces of the candied bacon, gently pressing so they stick. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh chives, thyme leaves, and a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for color, aroma, and a perfectly balanced bite.

The first time I baked the candied bacon for these crostini, I learned to trust my eyes rather than the timer, adjusting for my oven's hot spots to avoid burning. That perfect amber hue with bubbling caramelization became my cue that the bacon was ready for chopping. Now, every assembly starts with that hands-on check, ensuring crispy edges and chewy centers in every piece for consistent, crowd pleasing results.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Million Dollar Bacon Crostini adapts easily to different tastes or special diets with simple substitutions. For a milder flavor, spread cream cheese or whipped ricotta in place of goat cheese, balancing the sweet bacon with a less tangy base. To introduce a spicy twist, stir in cayenne or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar glaze, amplifying each bite with gentle heat. For holiday occasions, add a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of orange zest for a festive layer that pairs perfectly with the rich bacon and warm bread.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

For best results, prepare the candied bacon and toasted crostini components up to two days in advance, storing each separately. Store bacon pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to serve, warm bacon on a baking sheet at 350°F for three to five minutes to restore crispness. Toasted baguette slices can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to eight hours; if needed, re-crisp for two to three minutes in a 350°F oven. To prevent sogginess, assemble with cheese and bacon just before serving and avoid storing fully assembled crostini.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

These crostini shine as the star of an appetizer spread and pair beautifully with beverages that cut through their rich, sweet glaze. Offer them with sparkling wine or Champagne, whose acidity balances the bacon and creamy cheese. Round out your platter with fresh fruit like grapes or pears, marinated olives, or a green salad for contrast. For brunch, they are a perfect match alongside a Bloody Mary bar or light seafood starter for variety.

Nutritional Benefits

While this Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is an indulgent treat, it offers more nutrition thanks to its balanced mix of protein and healthy fats. Both bacon and goat cheese contribute protein, helping guests feel satisfied with fewer pieces. Goat cheese provides calcium and is generally easier to digest for those sensitive to cow's milk, while fresh herbs bring antioxidants to each bite. Using quality olive oil adds beneficial fats without overwhelming richness, increasing heart healthy value in every serving.

Recipe Success Tips

Achieving the best texture relies on watching for visual cues during baking instead of relying only on timers, since ovens vary. If the bacon is undercooked, it will be overly fatty and chewy; overcooked, and the sugar can burn, leaving bacon brittle. Adjust glaze consistency by briefly microwaving the mixture if too stiff (ten to fifteen seconds) to ensure easy spreading. For neat crostini, cut bacon to match or slightly smaller than bread size for easier serving and more uniform bites.

These Million Dollar Bacon Crostini are always my most requested appetizer, delivering the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy on every plate. Bring them to your next gathering and enjoy the rave reviews and happy faces around the table!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What kind of bacon works best for this dish?

Thick-cut bacon is recommended, as it holds its shape well, provides a satisfying texture, and absorbs the glaze beautifully without becoming too crisp or difficult to handle.

→ Can I make the bacon ahead of time?

Yes, the candied bacon can be baked up to 2 hours in advance. Simply reheat it briefly before assembling the crostini to refresh the texture and flavor.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely. Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as a substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or different texture. Spread generously on each baguette round before topping with bacon.

→ How do I keep the baguette slices crisp?

Toast the bread just before serving and avoid over-brushing with olive oil. This ensures each crostini stays crunchy and doesn’t become soggy under the cheese and bacon topping.

→ What herbs pair well with these crostini?

Fresh chives and thyme are ideal, adding both aroma and a burst of color. You can also experiment with parsley or finely chopped rosemary for a twist.