Ingredients:

  • 12 slices (approx. 1/4 inch thick) Thick-Cut Bacon (350 grams)
  • 1/2 cup packed Dark Brown Sugar (110 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (30 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper (10 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (2.5 ml)
  • 1 loaf French Baguette (300 grams), sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (45 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (2.5 ml)
  • 4 ounces Soft Goat Cheese (Chevre), room temperature (115 grams)
  • 2 ounces Full Fat Cream Cheese, room temperature (55 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey, plus extra for drizzling (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme leaves (5 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped Fresh Chives (15 ml)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack over the top. This is essential for crispy bacon.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until a thick paste forms.
  3. Coat the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices flat on the wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap. Generously coat the top side of the bacon slices with the sugar glaze using a pastry brush or spoon.
  4. Bake the Million Dollar Bacon: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the tray, flip the bacon carefully, and brush the second side with any remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply caramelised. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Cool the Bacon: Transfer the rack of bacon onto a cool surface and let the bacon cool completely for at least 10 minutes. It will crisp up significantly. Once cool, chop into manageable bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch squares or strips).
  6. Prep and Toast Crostini: Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake alongside the bacon (or after it’s done) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly.
  7. Whip the Cheese Spread: In a bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese, cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Using a mixer, whip the mixture until it is light, fluffy, and smooth—about 2 minutes.
  8. Assemble: Take a cooled crostini and generously spread the whipped goat cheese mixture across the surface. Top with two or three pieces of the cooled Million Dollar Bacon.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle a tiny amount of extra honey over the bacon pieces. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and/or chopped chives for colour and aroma. Serve immediately.