Name: Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 227 g goat cheese, softened; 113 g cream cheese, softened; 15 ml honey; 120 ml chopped crispy cooked bacon; 30 ml chopped pecans; 30 ml dried cranberries, chopped; 15 ml fresh rosemary, minced; 240 ml arugula; Crackers or crostini for serving

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The warm aroma of crisp, savory bacon wafts through the air, mingling delightfully with the creamy richness of goat cheese. Each bite of the Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese spread makes your mouth water with anticipation, showcasing a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Picture the luxurious smoothness of the cheese, punctuated by the crunch of crispy bacon, and sweet bursts of cranberries—all coming together on a crunchy cracker or crostini.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a cozy gathering with friends on a chilly autumn evening. After a long day, we indulged in good food and laughter, savoring each bite of the deliciously decadent spread. It was an instant hit, leaving everyone clamoring for the recipe—and it’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any occasion, holiday party, or just a casual snack. Are you ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get started on your culinary adventure with this delightful cheese spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this tasty spread up in just 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes in the fridge to meld those delectable flavors.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy goat cheese with creamy cream cheese, sweet honey, and salty bacon creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks as fabulous as it tastes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a savory snack, an impressive party appetizer, or even a unique addition to breakfast.
Diet-Friendly Options: For a gluten-free option, pair it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

227 g goat cheese, softened: This tangy staple is the star of our show! Look for a creamy texture for easy blending. If you can’t find goat cheese, cream cheese can work in a pinch but lacks that unique flavor.
113 g cream cheese, softened: Adds a lush creaminess that balances the tangy goat cheese. The key here is ensuring it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
15 ml honey: This gentle sweetness complements the tanginess of the cheese and adds depth to the dish. Pure honey is best, but agave nectar can be a great substitute if you need a vegan option.
120 ml chopped crispy cooked bacon: Bacon adds that wonderfully salty crunch we all crave. Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch, or turkey bacon for a lighter version.
30 ml chopped pecans: They add a rich, nutty crunch. If you’re allergic, walnuts or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.
30 ml dried cranberries, chopped: These bring a sweet chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors. Try dried cherries for something a bit different!
15 ml fresh rosemary, minced: The aromatic herb infuses the dish with a fresh, earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried rosemary will do—just use it sparingly, as it’s more potent.
240 ml arugula: Use this peppery green as a beautiful and flavorful garnish—adding a touch of color to your dish. If arugula isn’t available, fresh spinach works too!
Crackers or crostini for serving: Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand to provide that satisfying crunch.

How to Make Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese

Blend the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or fork to whip them together until the texture is smooth and homogenous. This process takes just a few minutes, so be patient, working until no lumps remain. You want that velvety goodness that will serve as the perfect base for your spread!

Add the Honey: Next, drizzle in the honey. Gently fold it into your creamy cheese mixture using a spatula. This is where the magic starts to happen. Make sure you don’t overwork it; you just want to blend the honey without deflating that lovely whipped texture!

Prepare the Toppings: On a separate plate, mix the crispy bacon, chopped pecans, cranberries, and minced rosemary. This combination is not just for decoration—it also adds layers of flavor and texture to your cheese log, so be sure to distribute them evenly!

Shape the Log: Using plastic wrap, scoop the blended cheese mixture onto a large piece. Form it into a log shape, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to keep the form intact. This step might get a bit sticky, but don’t worry—this is part of the fun!

Coat the Log: Unwrap the cheese log and gently roll it in the topping mixture, making sure to coat every side generously. The smoky bacon and sweet cranberries hugging the cheese will create a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Garnish and Chill: Place your beautifully coated cheese log on a serving platter and arrange fresh arugula around it for a vibrant touch. Now, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step melds the flavors, making every bite oh-so-satisfying!

Serve & Enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, slice the cheese log into rounds, or leave it whole for guests to scoop from. Pair it with your choice of crackers or crostini for the ultimate indulgence. You won’t believe how quickly it disappears!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the log for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly, so let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving again to enhance the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the cheese; you want a creamy texture but not too whipped.
If you have leftover toppings, sprinkle them over salads or use them in breakfast dishes for extra crunch and flavor.
The cheese should be at room temperature for easy spreading—take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Consider adding a hint of spice! A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
Make your cheese log ahead of time! It can sit in the fridge overnight, letting those flavors deepen.

Cheese lovers rejoice! You have a fabulously indulgent recipe at your fingertips. With its combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements, the Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese spread is sure to become a favorite at any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it alone on a quiet evening, don’t hesitate to make it your own—maybe try a different mix of nuts or dried fruits for a unique variation. Enjoy the moments it brings around your table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cheese log ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavor of the Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese spread deepens beautifully when made ahead. Wrap it well and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving. It’s a great way to cut down on prep time when you’re entertaining.

What can I use if I don’t have goat cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t your thing or unavailable, cream cheese can be used alone, but you’ll miss that tangy flavor that goat cheese provides. A blend of cream cheese with a bit of sour cream can also mimic the creaminess while adding some tanginess.

How should I serve this cheese spread?

Pair the Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese log with a variety of items like crackers, toasted bread, or even vegetable sticks for a fresher approach. You can set it out as a centerpiece with an assortment of toppings for guests to enjoy.

Can I freeze the cheese log?

Yes! You can freeze the log for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection against freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!