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Creamy Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with Candied Bacon & Hot Honey

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This easy party appetizer features creamy whipped goat cheese, crispy candied bacon, and a spicy hot honey drizzle atop golden crostini. It’s a crowd-pleasing, indulgent bite that’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fresh baguette (about 12 oz), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • Pinch of kosher salt (optional)
  • 8 oz goat cheese (soft, log-style)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2–1 tsp hot sauce (like Frank’s or Sriracha, to taste)
  • Fresh thyme or chives, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Cracked black pepper (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds (about 20 pieces). Arrange on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt if desired.
  2. Bake crostini for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool on a wire rack.
  3. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out bacon slices. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle mixture evenly over bacon, pressing lightly.
  4. Bake bacon at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning once, until crisp and caramelized. Cool on a wire rack.
  5. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat goat cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, honey, lemon zest, and black pepper together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy and light. Scrape down sides as needed.
  6. Taste and adjust whipped cheese—add more honey for sweetness or lemon zest for tang.
  7. In a small bowl, stir together honey and hot sauce for the hot honey drizzle. Warm in microwave for 10-15 seconds for easier drizzling.
  8. Spread whipped goat cheese onto each crostini. Top with pieces of candied bacon (break or chop into bite-sized bits).
  9. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme or chives, if desired.
  10. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while bacon is crisp and honey is warm.

Notes

Whip the goat cheese mixture for at least 2 minutes for extra creaminess. Space bacon out on the rack to avoid burning. Drizzle hot honey just before serving to keep crostini crisp. For vegetarian, substitute candied nuts for bacon. Crostini and cheese can be made ahead; assemble just before serving. Use gluten-free baguette for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: goat cheese crostini, party appetizer, candied bacon, hot honey, easy appetizer, whipped goat cheese, holiday snack, finger food, crowd pleaser

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