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bourbon bacon jam crostini - featured image

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini: Easy Fall Appetizer for Entertaining

  • Author: Savannah Collins
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 crostini 1x

Description

Smoky bacon, sweet maple, and warm bourbon are simmered into a savory-sweet jam, then spread on crisp crostini for an irresistible fall appetizer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings—these bite-sized treats are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onions to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-low, stirring often, until onions are soft and golden, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Return cooked bacon to the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir in bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and cayenne.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until jam is glossy, thick, and deep brown, about 15-18 minutes.
  7. Let jam cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a food processor. Pulse 2-3 times for a chunky spread, or more for smooth jam.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  9. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
  10. Bake 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.
  11. Spread a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam on each crostini. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF bread. For dairy-free, brush crostini with olive oil. Jam can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week; flavors deepen over time. Pulse jam gently for best texture. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra autumn flavor. Crostini are best assembled just before serving to avoid sogginess.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crostini
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 180
  • Fat: 5
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: bourbon bacon jam, crostini, fall appetizer, entertaining, party food, bacon jam, maple, bourbon, easy appetizer, holiday starter

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Find it online: https://falvory.com/bourbon-bacon-jam-crostini-easy-fall-appetizer-for-entertaining/