4 slices thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon, cut up

1 pound ground mild Italian pork sausage

1 (24-ounce) package petite red potatoes, cut into half-moon slices

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional; plus additional for garnish

1 (32-ounce) container chicken stock

1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone

4 cups tightly packed, trimmed and roughly chopped baby kale

Baguette, warmed for serving