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Million Dollar Bacon Crostini

Crispy baguette slices topped with creamy cheese and thick-cut bacon baked in a spicy brown sugar glaze, known as 'meat candy'.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 crostini
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Bacon
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp black pepper coarsely ground
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
The Crostini Base
  • 1 baguette sliced into 24 rounds
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 8 oz cream cheese or goat cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet with wire rack
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Bread Knife
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Mix brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  3. Lay thick-cut bacon on the rack. Coat heavily with the sugar mixture and drizzle with maple syrup.
  4. Bake for 25-35 minutes until dark, caramelized, and crispy. Cool on rack for 15 minutes to let the glaze set, then chop into pieces.
  5. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden.
  6. Spread toast with cheese, top with candied bacon pieces, and garnish with chives.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. Watch the oven closely near the end to prevent the sugar from burning. The glaze will be very hot and sticky right out of the oven.