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Bourbon Maple Bacon Jam Crostini

Bourbon maple bacon jam crostini pair crisp baguette slices with a finely chopped, textured bacon jam simmered with bourbon, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Serve them warm or at room temperature as an easy party appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 57 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

bacon jam
  • 1 lb bacon chopped
  • 1 yellow onion large, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup bourbon
  • 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.33 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 cup water
crostini
  • 1 baguette 12-ounce, cut into 24 slices about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet
  • 1 food processor
  • 1 large baking sheet

Method
 

Cook the bacon jam
  1. In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon in batches until browned and crisp, 8 to 12 minutes per batch. Transfer each batch to a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat, add the onion, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Carefully add the bourbon and simmer until reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, water, and cooked bacon; bring to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring often, until thick and jammy, 40 to 50 minutes.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped but still textured.
  7. Let the bacon jam cool for 10 minutes to thicken.
Toast the crostini
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet; brush both sides with the olive oil.
  2. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, turning the slices once, until golden and crisp at the edges.
Assemble the crostini
  1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of bacon jam onto each toasted baguette slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a finely chopped jam that still has texture, pulse briefly and check as you go; the jam thickens as it cools. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week; freezer: yes. For a gluten-free option, serve the jam on gluten-free baguette slices.