Description
Sticky, smoky bacon meets tangy, creamy goat cheese in this irresistible party appetizer. Sweet-savory candied bacon is wrapped around a creamy cheese log for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make snack that disappears fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces plain goat cheese log
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Extra honey for drizzling (optional)
- Crispy crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette for serving
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary sprigs, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay out bacon slices in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Brush or spoon the mixture evenly over each bacon slice.
- Bake bacon for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until glossy and caramelized with crispy edges. Watch closely the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- Remove bacon to a plate and let cool completely (about 10 minutes). Once cooled, chop into small pieces or crumbles. Reserve a few larger pieces for garnish if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped chives and toasted pecans or walnuts if using.
- Scoop cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Form into a log shape (about 6 inches long). Twist ends of wrap to tighten, then chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese log and gently roll it in the chopped bacon pieces, pressing lightly so the bacon sticks. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top for extra crunch.
- Place finished log on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra honey and decorate with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Notes
Chill the cheese log before coating with bacon for easier handling and slicing. Use thick-cut bacon for best results. For nut allergies, omit pecans or walnuts. For a festive twist, add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds to the cheese mixture. Serve slightly chilled for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/12th of the log
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: bacon goat cheese log, party appetizer, million dollar bacon, cheese log, easy appetizer, holiday snack, gluten-free appetizer, savory snack