Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is the ultimate sweet, savory, and spicy appetizer that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. This indulgent bite-sized treat features crispy bacon glazed with brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of heat, then layered onto toasted crostini with a creamy whipped cheese base. Finished with a sprinkle of herbs or candied pecans, each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch, richness, and bold flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, brunch, or casual get-together, this easy-to-make appetizer looks elegant, tastes gourmet, and always lives up to its name, pure million-dollar flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chives or green onions, finely chopped
- Optional: candied pecans, crushed red pepper flakes, hot honey drizzle
Preparation
Step 1: Make the crostini
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Bake for 7–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the bacon
Line a separate baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange bacon slices on the rack in a single layer. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Brush the mixture over the bacon. Bake for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Let cool slightly, then chop or slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the cheese spread
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the crostini
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a piece of candied bacon. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions. Add any optional toppings such as crushed pecans or a drizzle of hot honey.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange crostini on a platter and serve immediately, or chill for a few minutes to firm up the cheese. Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
Variations
- Use whipped goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier flavor
- Replace bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for an Italian twist
- Add a layer of fig jam or pepper jelly under the cheese spread for extra depth
- Swap chives for fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil depending on your flavor profile
- For a smoky version, use smoked paprika in the cheese spread
Cooking Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture; thin bacon may burn with the sugar glaze
- Bake the bacon on a rack so it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely
- Crostini can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 2 days
- The cheese spread can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated
- Assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or brunch
- Pair with a sparkling wine or a crisp apple cider for a festive contrast
- Add to a charcuterie board as the “wow” bite
- Garnish with microgreens for an upscale presentation
- Serve alongside fruit skewers or fresh grapes to cut the richness
Tips
- Let the bacon cool before cutting, it firms up as it sits
- Use a piping bag for a neater cheese spread application
- For extra crunch, toast baguette slices twice, flipping halfway
- Make a double batch, the first tray disappears quickly
- To re-crisp crostini, pop in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (approx. per crostini)
Calories: 140
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 190mg
Fiber: 0.3g
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Bacon ahead of time?
- Yes. You can cook and glaze the bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes before assembling.
How do I keep crostini from getting soggy?
- Don’t assemble too far ahead of time. You can also toast both sides of the bread slices and allow them to cool fully before spreading anything on top.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
- Yes. A garlic and herb or smoked salmon cream cheese can add great flavor, but adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I serve these cold?
- They’re best served slightly warm or room temp, but they can be served chilled at a party. Just ensure bacon is still crisp.
Can I make it vegetarian?
- Yes. Substitute candied mushrooms or roasted red peppers for the bacon and use a savory jam or chutney to maintain the flavor depth.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is one of those party appetizers that instantly elevates your menu with very little effort. The combination of candied bacon, creamy whipped cheese, and crisp crostini offers a mix of textures and flavors that guests absolutely love. With the right balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, it’s no wonder this bite-sized dish is a crowd favorite during holidays and special events. The flexibility in flavor pairings and easy prep make it an ideal go-to recipe for any season. Whether served at brunch, a fall dinner party, or a Christmas gathering, these crostini live up to their “million dollar” name with every single bite.