Cranberry Bacon Jam and cheese on top of a crusty baguette, topped with chopped walnuts for extra crunch — these crostini are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, salty and cheesy!
So, this post was originally going to be some kind of way (way way way way) over the top fudge recipe, but I was looking at my calendar, and since I’ve color coded sweet and savory recipes to make sure there’s a balance, it was pretty easy to see that there was absolutely no balance in December. Sweets won out!
Now, I still have way more sweet recipes in December than others, but I’m letting myself get away with it because…. well, it’s my blog. And I can eat cookies the whole month of December if I want to.
But I thought I should have at least a few savory holiday options for you, but I couldn’t let go of my love of cranberries this time of year (Maybe this Cranberry Apple Cider rings a bell? Or these White Chocolate Cranberry Sweet Rolls? Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Blondies?).
And then bacon and cheese because bacon and cheese. I can’t seem to make many appetizers without them.
I used a Smoked Cheddar from a local cheese company, and it was totally unreal. It complements the smokiness of the bacon so well! I just love all of the different flavors and textures in these crostini: sweet, salty, smoky, cheesy flavors. Gooey, chewy, crunchy, saucy textures. It really is everything you want in one bite!
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
Cranberry Bacon Jam:
- 1 lb bacon finely chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic about 4 cloves
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp brewed coffee hot or cold, doesn’t matter
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Crostini:
- 1 baguette thinly sliced (you’ll get about 20 slices from one regular length baguette)
- butter or margarine
- 20 slices good quality cheese I recommend smoked cheddar!
- toasted chopped walnuts
- fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cranberry Bacon Jam:In a medium pot, cook the bacon until nicely browned. Remove from pot, saving about 2 tbsp bacon fat. (Strain the rest off of the bacon)
- 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 pot. Add remaining bacon jam ingredients (through to dried cranberries).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often (watch carefully so the sugar doesn't burn), for about 30 minutes until thickened and syrupy (there shouldn't be a lot of liquid remaining). Set aside. (This can easily be made ahead and stored in the fridge, but you may need to warm it before spreading!)
- Crostini:Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Lightly butter one side of each bread slice, and place on baking sheet with the butter facing up. Place pan in the oven for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is lightly toasted. Flip bread slices and top with cheese slices. 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 Information
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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!