Description
A delightful appetizer featuring sweet and smoky bacon jam paired with crispy crostini, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb bacon, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (hot or cold)
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 slices good quality cheese (smoked cheddar, gouda, or havarti recommended; cut in half)
- Toasted chopped walnuts (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in brown sugar, cranberry juice, dried cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and brewed coffee. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Fold the crispy bacon into the cranberry mixture and adjust seasoning. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush baguette slices with melted butter and bake for about 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Top each crostini with a spoonful of the cranberry bacon jam, add a piece of cheese, and garnish with toasted walnuts and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Store leftover jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble crostini just before serving for optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: crostini, appetizer, bacon jam, cranberry, holiday dish, gatherings