Ingredients:

  • 12 slices Thick-cut Smoked Bacon (approx. 350 grams)
  • 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 medium French Baguette (sliced diagonally 1/2 inch thick)
  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt Flakes
  • 4 oz Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre, room temperature)
  • 2 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 to 2 tsp Milk or Single Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Honey (for assembly drizzle)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme or Chives (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack directly on top. This is essential for crispy bacon.
  2. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.
  3. Coat the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices flat on the wire rack. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat both sides of the bacon with the sugar mixture, ensuring the top side gets a slightly thicker layer.
  4. Slow Bake: Bake the bacon for 20 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
  5. Increase Heat & Caramelise: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the sugar is bubbly and deeply caramelised. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
  6. Cool Down: Transfer the entire rack to a cooling area and allow the Million Dollar Bacon to cool completely (about 15 minutes). The bacon will crisp up beautifully as the glaze hardens.
  7. Slice and Brush: While the bacon is cooling, slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange them on a clean baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
  8. Toast: Bake the crostini in the 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully.
  9. Whip the Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and fluffy. Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk or cream to achieve a spreadable, mousse-like consistency.
  10. Dice the Bacon: Once cooled, cut the Million Dollar Bacon slices into small, bite-sized pieces (approx. 1/2 inch squares).
  11. Assemble: Spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese onto each crostini base.
  12. Finish: Scatter 2–3 pieces of the diced bacon over the cheese, drizzle lightly with honey, and garnish with fresh chopped chives or thyme. Serve immediately.