Hey y'all! Get ready to wow your family or guests with the Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer—sweet, salty, creamy, and utterly irresistible. These high-impact bites bring together crisp candied bacon, tangy goat cheese, and a hint of heat for the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or your next dinner party. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy textures is totally mouthwatering.
- Easy Prep: Simple steps and minimal fuss mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more with your guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead and assemble just before serving for stress-free hosting.
- Fancy Yet Approachable: Looks extravagant but uses everyday ingredients you can find anywhere.
- Always a Hit: Perfect for brunch, holiday platters, or cocktail parties—everyone will want the recipe!
Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 8 ounces goat cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
How to Make Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer: Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Candied Bacon
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a baking rack on top.
- Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
- Press each bacon slice into the spiced sugar, coating well on both sides. Arrange bacon on the rack.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until crispy and caramelized. Cool completely, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Toast the Crostini
- Brush baguette slices with olive oil and sprinkle with cracked black pepper.
- Arrange on a baking sheet; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp.
Step 3: Make the Goat Cheese Spread
- In a bowl, combine goat cheese, honey, and chopped chives. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble Your Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture on each crostini.
- Top with candied bacon and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
- Garnish with extra chives and drizzle with a touch more honey, if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes & Cooking Tips for Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Let the bacon cool fully before chopping for extra-crispy pieces.
- For an ultra-creamy spread, whip goat cheese with a tablespoon of cream. Read more about whipped goat cheese techniques.
- Try adding your favorite hot honey for a flavor boost! Explore options on Bon Appétit.
Variations on Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Pepper Jelly Twist: Swap honey with pepper jelly for sweet-heat magic.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or sliced cucumbers instead of bread.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary to the cheese spread for extra depth.
Required Equipment for This Appetizer
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (for bacon)
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Spatula or butter knife
- Pastry brush (for oiling bread)
Storage Instructions for Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
If you have leftovers, store the assembled appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, store each component separately: bacon and cheese can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, crostini up to 2 days in an airtight bag at room temp. Re-crisp crostini in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes if needed.
Serving and Pairings
Serve your Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer with sparkling wine, light cocktails, or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, charcuterie boards, or as part of a festive brunch spread.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Use a wire rack for maximum bacon crispiness—they won't sit in rendered fat. Learn more at The Kitchn.
- Soften goat cheese fully for the smoothest spreadability.
- Drizzle honey or hot honey just before serving so bread stays crunchy.
Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer FAQs
- Can I make the bacon ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Store candied bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; re-crisp in the oven before serving.
- What if I don't like goat cheese?
- Cream cheese or ricotta make great substitutions with a slightly milder flavor.
- Can I serve these warm or at room temperature?
- They're delicious either way! Serve warm shortly after assembling, or at room temperature for easy party fare.
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
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2In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Lay bacon strips on the rack and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over both sides.
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3Bake bacon for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and crispy. Let cool completely, then break into bite-size pieces.
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4Spread goat cheese onto a serving plate or platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
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5Top the goat cheese with candied bacon pieces. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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