Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Thick-cut Smoked Bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper or Chili Flakes
  • 1 medium Baguette, sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt (e.g., Maldon)
  • 4 oz Softened Goat Cheese (Chèvre)
  • 2 oz Softened Cream Cheese or Mascarpone
  • 1 Tbsp Runny Honey
  • 1-2 Tbsp Whole Milk or Cream
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped Fresh Chives

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, optionally placing a wire rack on top. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until a thick paste forms.
  2. Lay the bacon strips flat and evenly coat both sides with the sugar mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the bacon strips and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until deep amber brown and the glaze is thick and bubbling.
  3. Immediately transfer the baked Million Dollar Bacon to a fresh piece of parchment paper to cool completely (about 10 minutes). The bacon will crisp up as the glaze sets.
  4. While the bacon cools, slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Toss the slices with olive oil and sea salt. Toast in the oven (increase temperature to 375°F/190°C if the bacon is removed) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and cool.
  5. For the spread, combine the room-temperature goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey in a food processor. Process on high speed, slowly drizzling in 1-2 Tbsp of milk or cream until the mixture is light, fluffy, and easily spreadable.
  6. Once the bacon is cool and crisp, chop it into small, manageable pieces. Spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese onto each crostini. Top the cheese with 3–4 pieces of the chopped Million Dollar Bacon and garnish with fresh chives before serving immediately.