Ingredients

1 garlic clove

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

7 ounces rustic French bread, crust removed, cut into 1 1/4-by-2-inch pieces

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 anchovy fillet, mashed

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

4 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

4 large eggs

1 small head chicory, cut into 2-inch pieces

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat garlic and 2 tablespoons oil in a small saute pan over medium heat until oil is bubbling. Discard garlic; drizzle oil over bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely.

Whisk mustard, anchovy, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in red-wine vinegar. Whisk in remaining 3 tablespoons oil.

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in white vinegar. Break eggs into separate cups; slide eggs into water. Cook 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.

Toss chicory with vinaigrette. Divide among 4 plates. Top each with an egg; sprinkle with bacon and croutons.