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Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini: Best Game Day Appetizer

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This Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini is the ultimate game day appetizer—sticky, sweet, smoky, and just a little bit boozy. Made with simple ingredients like bacon, onions, bourbon, and coffee, it’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (about 20–24 slices)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, halved (for rubbing on toasted bread)
  • 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place the chopped bacon in your cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t drain the fat.
  2. Caramelize the onions: Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan (discard the rest or save it for another use). Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft and deeply golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze with bourbon: Pour in the bourbon and scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and the liquid reduces slightly.
  5. Add the remaining liquids and sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and brewed coffee. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has thickened and reduced by about half, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Return the bacon: Add the cooked bacon back to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Blend the jam: Transfer the mixture to a food processor (or use an immersion blender right in the pan). Pulse 4-5 times until the jam is chunky but spreadable.
  8. Make the crostini: While the jam simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil. Bake for 5-6 minutes, then flip and bake another 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. While still warm, rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.
  9. Assemble and serve: Spread a thin layer of goat cheese or cream cheese on each crostini (if using). Top with a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t rush the onion caramelization—low and slow is key for deep flavor. The jam will thicken as it cools, so leave it a little saucy. Make ahead: the jam gets better after sitting overnight in the fridge. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or chicken broth. Store jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon jam, bourbon bacon jam, crostini, game day appetizer, bacon appetizer, bourbon appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-jam-crostini-best-game-day-appetizer/