Million Dollar Bacon Crostini (Print-Friendly Version)

Buttery crostini topped with caramelized bacon, creamy goat cheese, and a sweet maple drizzle.

# Ingredients List:

→ Million Dollar Bacon

01 - 2 packs thick-cut bacon
02 - 120 grams brown sugar
03 - 15 milliliters water
04 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or maple syrup, for brushing post-bake (optional)

→ Crostini

08 - 1 large baguette, cut into 24 slices
09 - Olive oil, for brushing
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste
12 - 1 garlic clove, optional for rubbing onto toasted bread

→ Assembly and Garnishes

13 - 225 grams goat cheese log (optionally mixed with cream cheese for a milder taste)
14 - Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey, for drizzling
15 - Fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans, chopped, to garnish (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with foil and position a wire rack on top.
02 - Combine brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Dredge bacon strips in mixture until well coated.
03 - Arrange coated bacon on the prepared rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until crisp and caramelized. Optionally brush with smoked paprika or maple syrup after baking. Cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
04 - Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and arrange on a tray. Toast in oven at 190°C for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until golden. Optionally, rub toasted slices with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
05 - Spread goat cheese evenly over each warm crostini. Top with caramelized bacon pieces and drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme, chives, or candied pecans as desired. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For a milder flavor, blend goat cheese with cream cheese before spreading.
02 - Candied bacon can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored airtight after cooling.
03 - For extra aroma, rub toasted crostini with a garlic clove while still warm.

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