Cheese Appetizer Log

Introduction

This Cheese Appetizer Log combines rich goat cheese with savory, sweet, and spicy candied bacon for an irresistible party starter. Paired with crunchy crostini, it’s an elegant yet easy dish that will impress your guests every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pack thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 baguette
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
• Maple syrup (or honey, or hot honey) for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and place an oven-safe baking rack on top.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, water, and cayenne pepper. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the rack and press the brown sugar mixture onto both sides of each slice. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
3. Step 3: Bake the bacon for 15 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy but not burnt. Remove and let cool on paper towels.
4. Step 4: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces and arrange cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Lightly brush the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 7-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Place the goat cheese log on a serving dish. Break cooled bacon into small pieces and press them onto the goat cheese log and around its base for guests to enjoy.
7. Step 7: Serve the goat cheese log with crostini and drizzle with maple syrup or your preferred honey for added sweetness. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the goat cheese before assembling.
• Try substituting goat cheese with cream cheese or blue cheese for a different taste profile.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes from the bacon seasoning.
• Use honey or hot honey instead of maple syrup for a sweeter or spicier finish.

Storage

Store any leftover assembled appetizer log covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep crostini in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness. Reheat crostini briefly in the oven if they lose crunch, but it’s best to serve them fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the bacon ahead of time?

Yes, the candied bacon can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it briefly in the oven before assembling to restore crispiness if desired.

What can I use if I don’t have a baking rack?

If you don’t have an oven-safe baking rack, place the bacon directly on foil-lined baking sheets. You may need to flip the bacon more often to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

Cheese Appetizer Log

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

This Cheese Appetizer Log features a rich and flavorful goat cheese log coated with spicy, sweet candied bacon, served alongside crunchy olive oil-brushed crostini. The bacon is oven-baked with a brown sugar and spice mixture to achieve a perfectly crispy, caramelized texture. This elegant yet simple appetizer combines creamy, smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Millionaire’s Bacon

• 1 pack of thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Crostini

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Assembly

• 4 or 8-ounce log of goat cheese
• Maple syrup, honey, or hot honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven for bacon: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bacon.
2. Prepare baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place an oven-safe wire rack on top to allow air circulation and fat drainage while cooking bacon.
3. Mix bacon glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, black pepper, water, and cayenne pepper to form the spice mixture for coating the bacon.
4. Prepare bacon: Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the wire rack; thoroughly coat both sides of each slice with the brown sugar mixture, pressing it in. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over if using.
5. Bake bacon: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each slice and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy but not burnt.
6. Cool bacon: Remove bacon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease and cool down.
7. Preheat oven for crostini: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
8. Slice baguette: Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch slices and arrange cut side down in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
9. Prepare crostini: Lightly brush the top of each slice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bake crostini: Place the baking sheet on the center rack and toast the bread for 7-10 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
11. Cool crostini: Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes to ensure maximum crunchiness.
12. Assemble appetizer log: Place the goat cheese log on a serving dish. Break the cooled bacon into small pieces and press them onto the surface of the goat cheese, also placing some at the base for serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or hot honey to add sweetness.

Notes

• Using a wire rack during bacon baking helps the fat drain away and ensures even crisping without flipping.
• Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the bacon coating.
• Allow crostini to cool completely for optimal crunch and texture before serving.
• Leftover candied bacon makes a great snack and adds extra flavor when pressed onto the cheese log.
• Maple syrup or honey drizzle is optional but adds a nice balance of sweetness to the spicy bacon and tangy goat cheese.

Keywords: Cheese appetizer, goat cheese log, candied bacon, crostini, party appetizer, bacon appetizer, easy appetizer, sweet and spicy bacon