These easy Bacon Jam Crostini are the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Crisp baguette slices are topped with cream cheese, sweet and savory homemade onion bacon jam, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a burst of flavor. They are so simple to make and so good! For a fun and flavorful twist, you can also try using whiskey bacon jam. The smoky, rich flavor of whiskey gives it a fun little kick—and it’s just as irresistible!
What Is Bacon Jam?
If you have never tried bacon jam, you are in for a treat! It’s a sweet and savory spread made with crispy bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and various spices. Some versions include caramelized onions for added sweetness, like my homemade onion bacon jam, which I used on these crostini. Others mix in fruit, peppers, or different spices for a unique twist. The first batch led to even more bacon jam recipes like my jalapeño bacon jam, cranberry bacon jam, and apple whiskey bacon jam, just to name a few. Welcome to the bacon jam fam! (Hey, that was a pretty good rhyme!)
Ingredients & Substitutions
- French Baguette: A French baguette is the best bread for crostini because it’s long, thin, and easy to slice into small rounds. The crust gets nice and crispy in the oven while the inside stays a little soft. Baguette slices also hold up well without getting soggy, so your crostini stay crunchy and delicious! If you don’t have a French baguette, you can use any crusty bread that slices well. Try an Italian loaf, sourdough, or even a small ciabatta.
- Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This makes it soft and easy to spread on the crostini without tearing the bread.
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
Warm Water Method: Place the wrapped block of cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Flip it over every few minutes or so.
Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it on low power in 15-20-second intervals until it reaches the desired softness. Be careful not to overheat it, as cream cheese can quickly become too runny or even melt.
- Onion Bacon Jam: And now, for the star of the recipe, the onion bacon jam! It goes on top of the cream cheese for a layer of flavor that’s salty, sweet, and just a little tangy. It’s the best part, and trust me when I repeat that you will want to put it on everything!
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese and bacon jam. No chives? Try green onions or parsley, or skip it—the crostini will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Cheese For Bacon Jam Crostini?
If you don’t have cream cheese, try ricotta, goat cheese, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt. Each of these will give your crostini a creamy base but with a slightly different flavor. If you don’t mind a little texture, cottage cheese is another option you can consider.
Can I Make Crostini Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the crostini ahead of time! Toast the baguette slices and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bacon jam can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. (Just try not to eat it all before assembling the crostini 😉.) When ready to serve, simply top the toasted baguette slices with cream cheese and onion bacon jam. It’s best to add the toppings right before serving to keep the crostini nice and crisp.
How To Store Bacon Jam Crostini
To store leftover crostini, keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best taste, store the onion bacon jam and cream cheese separately and top the crostini right before serving. If you have leftovers with toppings, refrigerate them and enjoy them within a day for the freshest taste.
Bacon Jam Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds (about 20 slices)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup onion bacon jam
- fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet and brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bread is crisp. Let the crostini cool for about 5 minutes before topping.
- Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on each crostini.
- Top with a spoonful of onion bacon jam, spreading gently to cover the cream cheese.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
- Serve immediately while the bread is still slightly warm.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These are fantastic! I could eat quite a few of these, for sure!
Elizabeth
Wow. I love these so much! I fell in love with our onion bacon jam when we made it a few years ago, and people are correct when they say you can put it on everything! Yep, but the crostini might be my favorite.
Stephanie
I wasn't sure what to expect, but these crostini are amazing! The combination of crispy bread, cream cheese, and onion bacon jam is perfect
Annabelle
These are easy to make, but look and taste fancy!
Bella
I absolutely love this crostini. The onion bacon jam goes perfectly with the cream cheese with the crunch from the crostini. What a perfect appetizer.
