The Ultimate Million Dollar Bacon Crostini Appetizer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and placing an oven-safe wire rack on top.
Create the candied bacon coating by combining the brown sugar, water, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a shallow bowl. Stir until a thick, gritty paste forms.
Dredge each strip of thick-cut bacon thoroughly in the sugar and spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is fully coated on both sides. Arrange the coated bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap.
Bake the bacon for 25 to 30 minutes, carefully flipping each strip halfway through the cooking time. The bacon is done when it is deeply caramelized and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the rack before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the crostini by arranging the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toast in the 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until each slice is golden brown and crisp.
Assemble your bacon crostini by spreading a layer of creamy goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a generous amount of the chopped candied bacon, then finish with a delicate drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives before serving immediately.