Savory Bacon Jam Crostini Recipe for Entertaining

A bacon jam crostini is a simple, delicious appetizer: crisp baguette slices topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese and mascarpone, a touch of honey and lemon, and a spoonful of savory bacon jam. Whether you make the jam yourself or use a store-bought jar, these crostini come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Bacon jam is an irresistible savory condiment that pairs wonderfully with many dishes. One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to use it is on crostini. These make a great addition to a fall or winter appetizer spread alongside baked brie, caramelized onion pinwheels, deviled eggs, or roasted vegetables. With a jar of bacon jam, a little creamy cheese mixture, and toasted baguette slices, you can assemble a platter in minutes.

What is a Crostini?

Crostini are small Italian toasts—slices of bread toasted or lightly baked until crisp and served with toppings. They’re versatile finger foods that can be topped with sweet or savory ingredients such as cheeses, fruit, vegetables, or cured meats. The name crostini literally means “little toasts.”

Ingredients for Bacon Jam Appetizers

Making components from scratch is always rewarding—if you’d like to make your own bacon jam or baguette you can, but store-bought options work well and save time. Below are the components and suggested amounts for a party-sized batch of crostini.

• Baguette – Plan for about 40 slices, depending on slice thickness (2 small or 1 large baguette).
• Bacon jam – Around 2 cups minimum; increase if you like generous servings of jam.
• Cream cheese – 4 ounces (half a standard block), softened to room temperature for easy blending.
• Mascarpone – 4 ounces. This rich Italian cream cheese mellows the tang and adds silky texture.
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon, freshly squeezed if possible.
• Honey – 1 teaspoon to add balancing sweetness.
• Olive oil – For brushing the baguette slices before baking.
• Kosher salt – A pinch for the cheese mixture and a small sprinkle for the bread before baking.

How to Make a Bacon Jam Crostini

Using store-bought baguette and jam, assembly takes about 20 minutes. If you make jam and bread from scratch, add about an hour. Either approach yields a tasty appetizer that’s easy to scale for a gathering.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguette into even rounds—about 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick is ideal.
2. Pour olive oil into a small bowl and brush both sides of each slice. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
3. Bake 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
4. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mascarpone with the lemon juice, honey, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. When crostini are cool, spread a thin smear of the cheese blend on each slice and top with a heaping teaspoon to a tablespoon of bacon jam. Arrange on a tray and serve immediately.

Bonus Tips

• Slice the baguette by eye: 1/4″–1/2″ works well for a sturdy bite.
• If the cream cheese is too cold to blend, warm it briefly in a microwave-safe bowl at half power for 15–20 seconds.
• If your bacon jam is refrigerated, bring it to room temperature or warm slightly to maximize spreadability and flavor.
• For buffet service, you can set out bowls of toasted crostini, the cheese mixture, and bacon jam with spreading utensils so guests assemble their own.

FAQs

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

These bacon jam crostini are quick, flavorful, and perfect as a snack or party appetizer. If you like easy party bites, consider pairing these with other small-plate options for a varied spread. Enjoy—and happy eating!

• Tequila Lime Wings
• Goat Cheese Appetizers with Roasted Grapes
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
• Brie and Pear Crostini with Honey Balsamic Glaze
• Salmon Mousse Appetizer
• Raspberry Glazed Meatballs
• Spicy Avocado Crostini