For the croutons:
2 to 3 thick slices bread (preferably challah or other egg bread)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

For the blue cheese dressing:
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1/4 cup chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

For the bacon (see Recipe Notes for vegetarian tofu alternative):
3 to 4 strips thick-cut pepper bacon
1/4 cup brown sugar

For the salad:
1/2 head iceberg lettuce
1 large tomato
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup slivered red onion
2 tablespoons chives, or chopped fresh parsley to garnish

Make the croutons: Heat the oven to 400°F. Cut the bread in medium to large cubes. Place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil evenly over the bread, tossing as you go. Make sure not to soak any one piece, as that will make for a soggy crouton or two and will keep the seasoning from sticking to the rest of them. (If you have an olive oil sprayer, that is ideal to get light oil coverage on all the bread.)

Mix the thyme, white pepper, salt, and garlic together. Add this spice mix to the bread and toss to coat evenly. Spread the bread cubes in one layer on a baking pan and bake for 5 minutes. Toss the cubes, spread them out again, and return to the oven. Continue baking, stirring every 5 minutes, until the croutons are nicely browned. (Total baking time will vary depending on your oven and the type of bread you use.) Make sure to check frequently so the croutons don't burn.

Remove the croutons from the oven and let cool. Croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Make the dressing: Whisk all ingredients together until mixture is smooth and well-combined. This dressing can be made ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to use. If the dressing separates, whisk or shake to recombine.

Cook the bacon: Spread the bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F for roughly 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar liberally over the hot bacon and place back in the oven for 3 to 5 more minutes or until the sugar has visibly “candied” the meat. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

The bacon can be made ahead and kept refrigerated, but warm it for a few minutes in the oven before serving.