Bourbon Maple Bacon Jam Crostini is the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer featuring golden toasted baguette slices topped with creamy Brie cheese and rich bacon jam. The jam, slow-simmered with maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and vinegar, adds bold, complex flavor to each bite. It’s the perfect elegant starter for holidays, cocktail parties, or cozy gatherings—and the bacon jam can be made ahead for convenience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb Applewood smoked bacon

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup dark brown sugar

• ¼ cup sherry vinegar

• ¼ cup bourbon

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for crostini)

• 1 large baguette

• 6–8 oz creamy Brie cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bacon strips on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until crisp. Let cool and chop.

2. Make the Jam Base: In a bowl, combine sherry vinegar, bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon, paprika, and water.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Simmer Jam: Add the vinegar-bourbon mixture. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes until thickened.

5. Finish the Jam: Stir in chopped bacon and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

6. Toast the Crostini: Slice baguette into ½-inch pieces, brush with olive oil, and broil 2 minutes until golden.

7. Assemble: Spread Brie cheese on crostini, top with 1 tbsp of bacon jam. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per Piece – makes ~20 pieces)

• Calories: 208 kcal

• Fat: 13.7g

• Saturated Fat: 4.8g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Sugar: 6g

• Protein: 9.4g

• Sodium: 470mg

• Potassium: 151mg

• Fiber: 0.2g

• Calcium: 32mg

The Allure of Bacon Jam

At the heart of this crostini is the deeply flavorful bourbon maple bacon jam. Unlike traditional jams made with fruit, this version uses crispy Applewood smoked bacon as its base and transforms it into a luxurious spread by slowly simmering it with dark brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and sherry vinegar. The result is a balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and umami-rich notes, all in one spoonful.

The addition of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika brings dimension and warmth, while fresh thyme rounds out the jam with subtle herbal undertones. When cooked down into a sticky, spoonable consistency, this jam becomes both a condiment and a centerpiece—perfect for elevating even the simplest ingredients.

Why Brie Makes It Better

When paired with Brie cheese, the bacon jam’s boldness meets its match in soft, buttery creaminess. Brie’s delicate richness acts as the ideal backdrop, mellowing the jam’s intensity without dulling its flavor. As the cheese softens atop the warm crostini or reaches room temperature, it forms a luscious layer that binds each bite together.

If Brie isn’t your favorite, you could easily substitute it with creamy goat cheese or whipped ricotta for a tangier take. But Brie’s earthy, mellow personality is what really harmonizes with the bourbon-laced bacon jam, making each crostini feel indulgent yet balanced.

The Role of the Crostini

The toasted baguette base brings essential texture to the dish. Slightly chewy on the inside and golden crisp on the edges, it’s sturdy enough to hold the jam and cheese without becoming soggy. Each slice is brushed with olive oil and broiled for just a few minutes to achieve the ideal toast.

Because of their handheld nature, crostini are perfect for parties and receptions. They require no utensils, look beautiful on a serving platter, and are easy to pass around. Yet unlike many bite-sized appetizers, these crostini deliver a full range of textures and flavors, from crunch to cream to sweet-savory chew.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Party-Ready

One of the best things about this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. The bacon jam can be made days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavor improves as it sits, allowing the bourbon and maple to deepen and meld with the bacon and spices. When it’s party time, all you need to do is toast the baguette slices, spread the Brie, and spoon on the jam. It’s elegant entertaining without the stress.

You can also make a large batch of bacon jam and keep it on hand as a secret weapon for last-minute gatherings. It can be used on charcuterie boards, added to sandwiches and burgers, or even dolloped on scrambled eggs or baked potatoes.

The Perfect Starter for Any Occasion

This crostini is versatile enough for nearly any celebration or gathering. It’s an upscale choice for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve soirees, or wedding showers, but it’s equally fitting for cozy evenings with friends and family. It pairs beautifully with red wines, bourbon cocktails, or even sparkling prosecco, depending on the mood of your event.

Its flavor profile also fits beautifully with autumn and winter menus thanks to the warm notes of maple, brown sugar, and bourbon. That said, it’s not seasonally limited. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a year-round favorite.

A Gourmet Appetizer with Minimal Effort

Despite its complexity in flavor, this appetizer is surprisingly easy to make. The jam does require a bit of stovetop simmering, but it’s largely hands-off. The rest is assembly—and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together once the components are prepped.

If you’re hosting a larger group, you can easily double the recipe, and thanks to its intense flavor, a small amount of bacon jam goes a long way. Just one tablespoon on each crostini delivers enough richness to satisfy.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use quality bacon – Applewood smoked bacon brings a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Avoid overly fatty or lean cuts to get the right texture in the jam.

Don’t overbake the crostini – You want the baguette slices golden and crisp, but not hard or dry. A quick broil for 1–2 minutes per side is usually enough.

Let the jam cool – The jam thickens as it cools and becomes easier to spoon onto the crostini. Hot jam may be too runny to hold its shape.

Serve at room temperature – Brie softens beautifully at room temperature. If you spread it straight from the fridge, it may be harder to work with.

Garnish for presentation – A small sprig of thyme or a crack of black pepper on top of each crostini makes them even more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Bourbon Maple Bacon Jam Crostini is a show-stopping appetizer that balances sophistication with comfort. With a foundation of crispy toasted bread, a smear of rich and creamy Brie, and a glossy topping of smoky-sweet bacon jam, each bite delivers flavor, texture, and indulgence. It’s the kind of appetizer that people remember—elegant enough for a formal gathering yet comforting enough for a casual get-together.

What truly makes this dish stand out is the bacon jam. Infused with bourbon, maple syrup, vinegar, and brown sugar, it’s a culinary gem that goes far beyond this one recipe. Paired with Brie and baguette, though, it finds its perfect home. Make this for your next gathering, and you’ll not only wow your guests—you’ll likely be asked for the recipe before the night is over.