Ingredients:

  • 12 rashers (approx. 12 oz / 340 g) Thick-cut Smoked Bacon
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or Chili Flakes)
  • 1 standard loaf Day-old Baguette, sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Pinch Flaky Sea Salt
  • 4 oz (115 g) Softened Goat Cheese (Chevre)
  • 2 tbsp Runny Honey
  • 1 tbsp Whole Milk or Double Cream
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Chives, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Balsamic Glaze (optional drizzle)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This is essential for crisp bacon.
  2. Combine the Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Coat the Bacon: Lay the bacon rashers flat and gently press both sides into the sugar mixture until fully coated.
  4. Bake Low and Slow: Arrange the coated bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Increase Heat & Caramelise: Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Flip the bacon and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes until deeply mahogany brown and the glaze is bubbling thickly. Remove from oven.
  6. Cool Completely: Transfer the rack of bacon directly onto the countertop and allow the bacon to cool and set completely (about 15 minutes). It will crisp up as it cools. Chop the firm bacon into small, bite-sized pieces (approx. 1/2 inch squares).
  7. Slice Bread & Season: Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick ovals. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  8. Toast Crostini: Arrange on a separate baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow to cool.
  9. Whip the Goat Cheese: In a small bowl or food processor, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, milk/cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until light, fluffy, and easily spreadable (about 2–3 minutes).
  10. Assembly: Spread a generous layer of the honey-whipped goat cheese across a cooled crostini piece. Carefully mound 2–3 pieces of the chopped Million Dollar Bacon onto the cheese layer.
  11. Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of minced chives and an optional delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.