Million Dollar Bacon Crostini is a fun and tasty little appetizer that’s packed with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a touch of sweetness or tang that makes each bite feel special. The crunchy crostini base adds the perfect texture to the salty and rich toppings, making it hard to stop at just one.
I love making these for casual gatherings or when I want something quick but impressive to share. They’re surprisingly easy to put together, and the mix of flavors always gets compliments from everyone around. I like adding a little drizzle of honey or some fresh herbs on top to brighten things up and make each crostini feel like a mini celebration.
These bacon crostinis are great served warm right out of the oven, alongside a simple salad or a glass of wine. Whenever I bring these to a party, they disappear fast, and people always ask me for the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but doesn’t take all day, which is exactly what I’m looking for in an appetizer.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A crusty French baguette is perfect for this recipe. Its firm texture holds up well with the toppings. If unavailable, try a sourdough or Italian bread sliced thinly as a good substitute.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon makes the crostini extra crispy and flavorful. For a leaner option, use turkey bacon, though the flavor will be milder.
Ricotta or Cream Cheese: Ricotta adds a light, fresh creaminess, while whipped cream cheese is richer and smooth. Goat cheese also works well for a tangy twist.
Honey: Honey adds a sweet contrast to the salty bacon. Maple syrup or a drizzle of balsamic glaze are tasty alternatives.
Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley not only add color but a fresh flavor that balances the richness. Basil or thyme can also work well.
How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Bacon Without Burning It?
Cooking bacon evenly and crispy can be tricky.
- Lay bacon strips flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps fat render evenly.
- Cook in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye after 15 mins to prevent burning.
- Remove bacon just as edges begin to darken; it crisps more when cooled.
- Drain on paper towels to soak up extra grease.
- Chop once cooled slightly for easy topping.
This method gives you consistent, crispy bacon that’s perfect for crostini.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking bacon evenly and toasting the bread slices.
- Parchment paper – helps keep the baking sheet clean and prevents bacon from sticking.
- Sharp knife – easy to slice the baguette and chop the cooked bacon neatly.
- Small spoon or butter knife – great for spreading cheese smoothly onto the crostini.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to cut bread and chop herbs safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a saltier and thinner meat option that crisps quickly.
- Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier, creamier layer.
- Add thinly sliced figs or dates for a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with bacon.
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat and extra flavor.
Million Dollar Bacon Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crostini:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing the bread)
For The Topping:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes for baking and toasting, so plan for roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for last-minute entertaining or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the bacon slices. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon and let it cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toast the Baguette:
While the bacon cooks, place the baguette slices on another baking sheet. You can brush each slice lightly with olive oil if you like. Toast the slices in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
3. Assemble the Crostini:
After the toasted bread has cooled slightly, spread about 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese or whipped cream cheese onto each piece. Top with a generous amount of the chopped crispy bacon. Drizzle honey over each crostini to add a touch of sweetness, then garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if you want a little extra flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Million Dollar Bacon Crostini warm or at room temperature. They’re a delicious and impressive appetizer that combines crunchy bread, creamy cheese, salty bacon, and sweet honey. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Bacon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the bacon is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing. Pat it dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture for crispier bacon.
How Should I Store Leftover Crostini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the crostini crispy, it’s best to store the toasted bread and toppings separately and assemble just before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the bacon and toast the baguette slices in advance. Keep both stored separately in airtight containers, then assemble the crostini with cheese, bacon, and honey right before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, whipped cream cheese, goat cheese, or even mascarpone work great as creamy alternatives and add their own unique flavors to the crostini.
