These Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini combine smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, melty cheese, and crunchy bread for the perfect festive appetizer. They’re impressive, make-ahead friendly, and always the first to disappear at holiday parties!
Looking for more holiday bites? Try these Crockpot Little Smokies, this homemade Rotel Dip, or these Mini Quiche next!
Every holiday party needs that one appetizer everyone talks about, and these Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini are it. They’re bite-sized, elegant, and always disappear fast!
The flavorful bacon jam is smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory from brown sugar, maple, balsamic, cranberries, and coffee.
The jam is spooned onto baguette slices with melty cheese for a gooey, salty, crunchy, sweet appetizer that looks fancy, but is so easy to make.
The bacon jam can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is toast the bread and assemble before serving!
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini ingredients:
- Bacon: Use regular-cut (not thick-cut) so it crisps up nicely and mixes evenly into the jam. Chop it small before cooking to save time later.
- Aromatics: A medium yellow or white onion works best for a sweet, mellow base. Freshly minced garlic add the best flavor.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works. This caramelizes with the bacon for that sticky, sweet finish.
- Cranberry juice: Use 100% juice (not a cocktail blend) for the boldest cranberry flavor.
- Dried cranberries: They plump up as the jam simmers and give chewy pops of tartness.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup adds sweetness and a slight maple flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings everything together with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can swap with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that’s all you have.
- Coffee: Just a splash deepens the flavor. You won’t actually taste coffee!
- Baguette: A fresh, crusty baguette is perfect. Slice it thin so each piece crisps up but still holds the toppings.
- Butter: Just a little brushed on the bread gives it that golden brown crunch in the oven.
- Cheese: Smoked cheddar adds bold flavor, Gouda gives creamy richness, and Havarti melts super smooth. Any good melting cheese you love will work.
- Walnuts and parsley: Optional, but add the perfect finishing touch!
How to make this easy Bacon Jam Crostini:
Get ready to have people beg you for this recipe at every function! Don’t forget to check the recipe card for the full recipe.
- Cook chopped bacon until browned.
- Then sauté onion and garlic in a little bacon fat.
- Add bacon back in with sugar, cranberry juice, dried cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic, and coffee.
- Toast baguette slices with a little butter until golden.
- Top each toasted slice with cheese.
- Add a spoonful of bacon jam and place in the oven to melt.
Tips for the perfect crostini appetizer:
- Cook the jam low and slow: A gentle bubble helps it thicken into a sticky, jam-like consistency without burning.
- Make the jam ahead: Make the bacon jam up to a week ahead. Toast the bread and prep your garnishes earlier in the day. When guests arrive, all you need to do is top the crostini with cheese and jam, then bake until warm and melty.
How to store Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini:
Assembled crostini are best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350℉ for a few minutes to re-crisp the bread.
Serving suggestions:
These crostini are made for holiday parties, but they’re not too fancy for casual get-togethers, game nights, or wine-and-cheese boards!
If serving them for a party, line them up next to these other elegant appetizers:
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
Cranberry Bacon Jam:
- 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)
Crostini:
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced (you'll get about 20 slices)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 slices good quality cheese, (cut in half) smoked cheddar, havarti, or gouda recommended
- toasted chopped walnuts, for garnish
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cranberry Bacon Jam
- In a large saucepan, cook the bacon until nicely browned. Remove from pan, saving about 2 tablespoons bacon fat. (Drain the rest off)
- In remaining bacon fat, cook the onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook about a minute until fragrant.
- Add bacon back to the pan with the brown sugar, cranberry juice, cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and coffee.
- Cook over medium-low heat (a gentle bubble), for about 30 minutes until thickened and syrupy (there shouldn't be a lot of liquid remaining). Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired and set aside. (This can easily be made ahead and stored in the fridge, but you may need to warm it before spreading!)
Crostini:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Lightly butter one side of each bread slice, and place on baking sheet with the butter face down. Place pan in the oven for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is lightly toasted. Flip bread slices and top with cheese. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of bacon jam on top of cheese and place in the oven for 4-5 minutes, until the bacon jam is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
- Top with chopped walnuts and parsley if desired.
Notes
The bacon jam can be made up to a week ahead, which reduces your prep at the time of your even.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebelVariations and Substitutions
- Nut-free: Skip the walnuts or swap for toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Different cheese: Try brie for ultra-creamy or sharp white cheddar for extra tanginess.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the jam.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or crackers instead!
Can I assemble crostini ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble just before baking so the bread doesn’t get soggy. Keep the jam and cheese ready, then top and bake at the last minute.
Ruth says
I can’t get over how incredible these cranberry bacon jam crostini were. And so easy, too! I went with a smoked cheddar as suggested and used a homemade baguette and wow, it was just the PERFECT combo!! I literally can’t wait to make these again, and I’ve already sent the recipe to several friends so they can try it too. Thank you!!
Ashley Fehr says
I am so happy to hear that!
Kristi Murawski says
Don’t think! Just make it!
Made this for a baby shower, where I doubled the recipe, (needed at least 90) and everyone absolutely loved it. I made it ahead of time, which is the best decision for a shower. All I wish is I would’ve saved a tad for later but that gives me an excuse to make it again.
I have rave reviews and sent the recipe to at lease 3 people. My daughter was hesitant thinking it was going to be a lot of trouble, but honest if you have a helper in the kitchen it goes daily quickly. You can even have the cheese sliced ahead of time along with the walnuts, which I roasted. Then it’s just assembling and in the oven for a few short minutes.
So go ahead, make it. I guarantee you’re friends will love it! 🙂
Ps. I have a great photo but I don’t see where she allows that here. Happy to pass that along too.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kristi! I am so happy to hear that you and everyone loved it! I don’t have anywhere to attach photos — I might need to look into how to do that! If you are on Instagram I would love if you would share and tag me!
Kristi says
Hi Ashley,
I will certainly that! They were the best!!! And thanks for your reply!
Kristi
PS. SO guess why I came here today? lol I came here today because I am making the crostini’s again and I can’t wait to have leftover jam so I can have them any time I have a hankering.
PPS.Boy, was there typos in my review… but I think ppl were able to figure it out.
Take care! ?
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! Thanks Kristi! I’m so happy you love it!
Angie says
Hello! Just came across your recipe and I am dying to try it! What do you think about pairing this with baked brie? I would love your input!
Ashley Fehr says
I think that would be AWESOME! 🙂 I’d love to hear how you like it!
Camie says
I made this for Thanksgiving with Craisons. It was the hit of my dinner!!! I doubled recipe, sharing some with a friend and hoping for leftovers.
I would love to use it at my daughters baby shower next weekend—CAN I FREEZE IT???
Thank you for this great recipe!!
Maribeth says
When you say make in advance, that means I can spread on the toast in advance? Any advice for storage before serving? I assume you serve cold? Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Maribeth! You can make the bacon jam in advance, but I wouldn’t spread it on the toast until you bake. I would also serve warm or room temperature as melty cheese is the best!
Taliecyn says
How far in advance do you think you could make the jam?
Ashley Fehr says
You could make it a few days in advance, but you may have to warm it up to be pliable enough to spread after it is cooled and refrigerated.
Vicki says
This looks great! Did you use regular dried cranberries or sweetened ones? (like Craisins). Thanks so much!
Ashley Fehr says
I just use regular dried cranberries!
Tiffany says
What flavor coffee did you use?
Ashley Fehr says
I just use a regular medium roast coffee
Nancy says
What is “bacon jam”
Ashley Fehr says
It’s a jam made of bacon, just as it sounds. It has a thick consistency, is great for spreading on toast or using in appetizers, and is smoky, salty and a little sweet
Jenna says
I put these out at my friendsgiving and they flew off the plate. I used fresh cranberries instead of dried ones with cranberry juice. I think these will definitely be an appetizer staple moving forward. Thanks for a great tradition addition!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that Jenna! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment!
Stephanie says
Ok, I tried to make the jam last night, and it tasted delicious. I only cooked for 20 minutes since it became syrupy at that point. However, I put it in the fridge to cool so I could assemble them today, and the jam is hard as a rock. 🙁
Any suggestions?
Ashley Fehr says
Have you tried warming it up? If you have a microwave where you can set it to maybe 50% power, try that in 30-60 second intervals. Or just put it back in a pot over low heat and try warming it until spreadable. Let me know how it goes! I often have leftover bacon jam and haven’t had a problem refrigerating it, so I hope it works out for you!
Kimberly says
I made the jam a couple of days ago. It came out delicious. I’m looking forward to serving it as an appetizer tomorrow. I am having my Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. Thank you! Great recipe
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kimberly! It’s one of my favorites! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
GN says
Was cooking on medium and stirred about 2 minutes ago. Ran to basement fridge and came back up to burnt jam only 14 minutes into cooking. May want to adjust and cook on low/medium instead of medium. Defrosting some back up bacon and will try again in the morning. Hoping they turn out to bring as an app to thanksgiving tomorrow. They look delish!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi GN! I have never had a problem cooking on medium but you do need to watch it closely. I will make a note! Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!
Gina says
Went round 2. Lowered the heat and it was amazing. I’ve honestly never had SO many compliments on an app before. Making again for Christmas Day!
Ashley Fehr says
Oh I’m so glad to hear that! Enjoy!
Carrie says
Hello! These look fabulous and are floating all over the interwebs so I’m sure thousands are drooling and pinning as I did! My question is for the brewed coffee. Is it optional? Or essential? Not one coffee fan in my household so hoping I can leave it out! Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
I think you could definitely leave it out! I hope you like them!
Julia (@Imagelicious) says
Oh, wow!!! This appetizer sounds delicious! I love the idea of cranberries in the bacon jam. Sweet and salty and acidic together = delicious!!! And so festive!!!
Love the photos too!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Julia!
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says
Cranberry bacon jam sounds like one of those crazy delicious items that you make with the intent of sharing with others… and then you sit in your kitchen and eat it all by yourself 🙂 Or would that just be me?
Ashley Fehr says
Lol! I’m pretty sure you’re not the only one 😉 Not that I know anyone else like that…. 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Oh wow – that cranberry bacon jam makes me weak in the knees. While I adore sweet treats – I also adore bacon – and bacon jam is just the bees knees!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! Bacon jam is SOOO good 🙂 It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I wish I could grab a few of these off the screen right now – this is my kind of appetizer! Anything with cheese and carbs is a winer, and when you add bacon and cranberries it only gets more amazing.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rachel! It is definitely my kind of appetizer too 🙂
Amanda says
I saw these and got an instant craving! These are a perfect holiday appetizer. I’ve never tried bacon jam, but I know that some people have written devotional love poems about it. 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Haha, really?! I must find one! Lol. We just LOVE bacon jam, and this cranberry version is a fun holiday twist! Thanks Amanda 🙂
Kelly says
We’ve been busy packaging up our fudge to give away and as much as I adore it, it’s so nice to see savory options too 🙂 This crostini is just beautiful! I love the cranberry and of course bacon combo 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kelly! I think the bacon jam would be a great holiday gift!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! You really have it all here! Bacon jam is such a glorious thing and you have taken it to a new level! Can’t wait to try these!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Dorothy! I was pretty proud of myself when I thought to add cranberry! Haha 🙂 It is just so good on so many things!