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Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Log

Million dollar bacon goat cheese log pairs a smooth goat cheese and cream cheese center with crisp, sweet-and-spicy candied bacon. Chill the shaped log until firm, then roll it in finely chopped bacon for a savory appetizer with a crunchy coating.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling and chilling 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 215
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the candied bacon
  • 8 slices bacon regular-cut
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
For the goat cheese log
  • 8 oz goat cheese softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

Make the candied bacon
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Stir together the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly over the bacon.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp at the edges.
  7. Cool the bacon on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
  8. Carefully transfer the bacon to a rack and cool completely.
  9. Finely chop the cooled bacon.
Make and finish the goat cheese log
  1. In a medium bowl, mix the goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Shape the mixture into a 6-inch log on a piece of parchment paper.
  3. Cover and refrigerate the log for 45 to 60 minutes, until firm.
  4. Roll the log in the chopped candied bacon, pressing gently so it adheres.

Notes

For the best coating, cool the candied bacon completely before chopping it. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based goat-style cheese and cream cheese alternatives; the log may be softer.