If you haven’t heard of “Million Dollar Bacon,” prepare for your life to change. It is bacon baked with brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper until it becomes a caramelized, spicy, sweet, sticky strip of perfection. Now, imagine that chopped up and served on top of a crispy baguette slice slathered with a creamy, herbed cheese spread. That is the Million Dollar Bacon Crostini. It is an ultra-moist, rich bite that combines crunch, creaminess, and the intense flavor of candied bacon. It is the kind of appetizer guests talk about long after the party is over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Texture Symphony
This crostini is a masterclass in texture. You start with the audible crunch of the toasted baguette. Then, your teeth sink into the cool, ultra-moist layer of whipped goat cheese or cream cheese. Finally, you get the chewy, sticky, crispy topping of the candied bacon. It creates a complex mouthfeel that feels incredibly high-end.
Sweet meets Savory
The interplay between sugar and salt is what makes this “Million Dollar” status. The brown sugar on the bacon caramelizes and offsets the natural saltiness of the cured pork. The cayenne adds a background heat that keeps it from being cloying. The creamy cheese base bridges the gap, mellowing the intensity of the bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 loaf baguette, sliced
- 8 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix brown sugar, pepper, and cayenne. Coat bacon strips in the mixture.
- Bake bacon on a rack or foil-lined sheet for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Let cool completely, then chop.
- Brush baguette slices with oil and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Whip goat cheese with thyme. Spread onto toasted baguette slices.
- Top with chopped candied bacon and drizzle with honey.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Unlike the smokies recipe, here you want thick-cut bacon. It holds up to the sugar glaze better and provides a meatier bite on the toast.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is best for that deep molasses flavor.
- Cayenne & Black Pepper: The spice is crucial to balance the sugar.
- Baguette: A French baguette, sliced thin.
- Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tang of goat cheese cuts through the richness of the bacon fat perfectly.
- Honey: A tiny drizzle on the finished crostini adds a glossy, professional finish.
Smart Substitutions
- The Cheese: If goat cheese is too strong for you, use whipped ricotta (like our other appetizer!) or plain cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs.
- The Bread: Crackers can work in a pinch, or squares of puff pastry for a more buttery base.
- Maple Syrup: You can add maple syrup to the bacon baking process for a “Maple Bacon” variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase (The Bacon)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (essential!). Lay the bacon strips on a wire rack over the sheet if possible, or directly on the foil. Mix brown sugar, cayenne, and lots of cracked black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the bacon strips. Bake for 20-25 minutes until dark, bubbly, and crispy. Let it cool completely—it will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, chop into bits.
The Base
While bacon cooks, slice your baguette into 1/2 inch rounds. Brush with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until crisp. In a small bowl, whip the goat cheese with a splash of milk or cream and some chopped thyme until it is spreadable and fluffy.
Assembly Phase
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture onto each cooled baguette slice. Top with a heaping pile of the chopped Million Dollar Bacon. Drizzle with a little extra honey and garnish with a thyme leaf.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Watch the bacon closely. Sugar burns fast. It goes from “perfectly caramelized” to “bitter charcoal” in about 90 seconds. Pull it when it looks deep mahogany. Also, do not assemble these too early. The moisture from the cheese will eventually make the bread soggy. Assemble within an hour of serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using soft, flimsy bread. You need a sturdy crostini to hold the weight of the toppings. Also, don’t chop the bacon while it’s hot. The sugar is molten; let it set into a hard candy shell before chopping for the best texture.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Arrange these on a wooden board. The contrast of the white cheese, dark red bacon, and green herbs is beautiful.
Pairing Suggestions
These are rich, so they act almost like a heavy hors d’oeuvre. They pair well with brunch items or evening cocktails. If you are a fan of sweet and savory bacon dishes, you will absolutely love our Indulgent French Toast Bake. It shares that same delicious DNA of breakfast comfort food turned into an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make the bacon ahead?
Yes! Make the bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container. It stays crispy.
Q2? Can I use turkey bacon?
It is difficult to get the same “candied” texture with turkey bacon as it lacks the fat, but you can try. It will be softer.
Q3? What if I hate goat cheese?
Swap it for Boursin cheese (garlic and herb cream cheese). It is a crowd favorite substitute.
Ingredient Variations
| Variation | Cheese Base | Topping Addition |
|---|---|---|
| The Classic | Herbed Goat Cheese | Just the Bacon |
| Sweet & Tart | Cream Cheese | Dried Cranberries |
| The savory | Blue Cheese Whip | Caramelized Onion |
| Spicy Kick | Ricotta | Sliced Jalapeño |
Conclusion
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a “rich bite” in every sense of the word. It is financially economical but tastes like luxury. The combination of smoky, spicy, sweet bacon with cooling cheese on crunchy toast is a guaranteed winner that will have your guests asking for the recipe before they even finish the first bite.
