Description
Crispy bacon and creamy goat cheese layered on crunchy crostini, creating a decadent appetizer perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz soft goat cheese (chèvre), softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
- Hot sauce or chili flakes, to taste
- Fresh herbs (chives, thyme, or basil; optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cracked black pepper, and cayenne. Lay bacon slices on the rack or parchment and sprinkle the mixture over both sides, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until glossy and crisp. Let cool.
- Slice the baguette and brush tops with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened goat cheese and cream cheese until fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Whisk together honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to thin it out.
- Spread whipped cheese on toasted crostini, top with candied bacon, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Use high-quality bacon for best results. Let the bacon cool on a rack for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg