Ingredients:

  • 12 slices Thick-Cut Smoked Bacon, cut in half horizontally
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark Robust preferred)
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
  • 4 oz Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre), cold
  • 2 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 Tbsp Whole Milk or Double Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Honey or Agave Nectar
  • 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 French Baguette, day-old preferred
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Flaky Sea Salt
  • Finely chopped fresh chives or thyme leaves (Optional Garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Million Dollar Bacon: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wire cooling rack on top. This setup is essential for achieving crispy bacon.
  2. Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms.
  3. Glaze Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half. Dip each piece into the glaze mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Lay the glazed bacon pieces flat on the prepared wire rack.
  4. Initial Bake (The Crisp): Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the bacon and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until deeply mahogany brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent the sugar from burning.
  5. Cool Down: Transfer the bacon on the rack to a separate surface to cool completely. The glaze will harden and become brittle as it cools.
  6. Prepare and Toast Crostini: Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Brush both sides of the bread lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake for about 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and firm. Let cool.
  7. Whip the Chèvre Spread: Place the cold goat cheese, softened cream cheese, milk/cream, honey, and salt into a food processor or use a hand mixer. Whip on high speed for 1–2 minutes, scraping down the sides, until the mixture is light, airy, and smooth.
  8. Assembly: Once the crostini are cool, spread a generous layer of the whipped chèvre onto each toast slice. Top with one piece of cooled Million Dollar Bacon (break into smaller pieces if necessary). Finish with a light sprinkle of fresh chives or thyme and serve immediately.