Cranberry Crostini with Fig Jam, Bacon, and Bleu Cheese

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When the holiday season rolls around, there’s something about the chill in the air that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home. The aroma of savory bites wafting through the house, the laughter of friends gathered around, and, of course, the satisfying crunch of a perfectly toasted crostini — this is the magic of holiday parties. And nothing kicks off a Christmas dinner quite like an impressive appetizer that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. That’s where my Cranberry Crostini with Fig Jam, Bacon, and Bleu Cheese comes in.

I remember the day I first concocted this recipe as if it were yesterday. I was hosting a four-course dinner for a few special guests, and I needed an appetizer that would impress — something small, savory, with just a hint of sweetness. I had already planned the main course, the sides, and even dessert, but the appetizer? That’s where I hit a wall.

Rummaging through my pantry, I came across a loaf of cranberry-pistachio bread that I had picked up on a whim earlier that week. I knew I had some fig jam tucked away in the fridge and, of course, bacon and bleu cheese. And just like that, the idea of this crostini was born.

This little number quickly became one of my favorite canape recipes, especially for the holiday season. The saltiness of the crispy bacon, the savory tang of the creamy bleu cheese, and the sweet, rich fig jam combine perfectly with the slight tartness of the cranberry bread. It’s a bite-sized piece of heaven that’s sure to be a huge hit at any gathering.

Making the Cranberry Crostini with Fig Jam, Bacon, and Bleu Cheese

To get started, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and tools. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it brings together a few carefully chosen flavors to create something truly special.

Ingredients:

• Cranberry-pistachio bread
• Olive oil
• Fig jam (Damatia Fig Spread is my favorite!)
• Bacon
• Bleu cheese (Point Reyes is my favorite for eating and serving on charcuterie boards, Maytag is another great choice.)
• Chives

Here’s how you put it all together:

• Prepare the Bread: Start by preheating your oven broiler, setting the rack in the middle-top position, about 7 inches from the broiler. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut out rounds from each slice of cranberry-pistachio bread. Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet and brush the tops with a bit of olive oil. Broil them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re browned. Flip the bread rounds and broil the other side until they reach a light golden brown. Once they’re ready, set them aside.

• Cook the Bacon: While the bread is toasting, dice your bacon slices into small pieces. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and fry the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess fat.

• Assemble the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a small amount of fig jam on each toasted bread round, and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Top each piece with a generous helping of bacon and crumbled bleu cheese.
• Bake and Serve: Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the crostini bake for about 6 to 8 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and the cheese starts to melt slightly. Remove from the oven, carefully place the crostini on serving plates, and garnish with minced chives for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

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True Chef Secrets to Elevate Your Crostini

While the basic recipe is delicious, there are a few tips and tricks to take it from good to unforgettable:

• Choose the Right Bread: The cranberry-pistachio bread is key to this recipe. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the fig jam, while the pistachios add an extra crunch. If you can’t find this exact bread, a good alternative would be a cranberry-walnut loaf or even a hearty sourdough with some dried cranberries mixed in.
• Don’t Rush the Bacon: Crispy bacon is essential. Fry it slowly over medium-high heat to render out the fat and achieve that perfect crunch. Avoid microwave bacon; it just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor.
• Use Quality Bleu Cheese: The cheese is another star of the show. Opt for a high-quality bleu cheese that’s creamy and has a strong, tangy flavor. If bleu cheese isn’t your thing, creamy goat cheese makes for a fantastic substitute. It’s milder but still offers that creamy texture.
• Fig Jam Perfection: Not all fig jams are created equal. Look for a fig jam that’s thick and rich, with a good balance of sweetness and fruitiness. If you want to get extra fancy, make your own fig jam at home – it’s easier than you think and adds a personal touch.
• Timing is Everything: Serve the crostini fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is still warm and slightly melty. The contrast between the warm toppings and the crunchy bread is part of what makes these crostini so irresistible. That being said — they're also very good at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Holiday Spread

These Cranberry Crostini with Fig Jam, Bacon, and Bleu Cheese are versatile enough to be served at various occasions. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Boards: Include these crostini as part of a larger cheese board with a selection of different cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and nuts. They pair wonderfully with both red wine and a sparkling white.
• Holiday Parties: Serve them as part of a holiday appetizer spread, alongside other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, or mini quiches. They’re sure to be a huge hit and will add a touch of sophistication to your menu.
• Christmas Dinner: As an opening act for Christmas dinner, these crostini set the tone for a delicious meal to come. They’re light enough to whet the appetite without being too filling, leaving plenty of room for the main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these crostini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread rounds and cook the bacon in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and bake them just before serving to ensure the bread stays crisp.

Alternatively, you can serve this at room temperature and it's delicious as well. Toast the bread rounds in advance, prepare all your other ingredients in advance, and store them in separate containers. No more than an hour before serving, assemble the crostini, place them on a serving platter, and cover them loosely with plastic wrap until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for bleu cheese?
If bleu cheese isn’t your favorite, creamy goat cheese is an excellent substitute. It’s milder but still offers a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While cranberry-pistachio bread adds a unique flavor, you can use any artisanal bread like sourdough, or even a walnut loaf.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers, store the assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to watch closely to avoid over-toasting the bread.

Equipment Needed

• Small round cookie cutter: To cut out perfect bread rounds.
• Baking sheet: Essential for toasting the bread and baking the crostini.
• Skillet: For frying up that crispy bacon.
• Chef knife: To dice the bacon and chives.
• Papery towel-lined plate: To drain excess fat from the bacon.
• Parchment paper: To line your baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the bread rounds with olive oil.

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Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or just looking for a quick and impressive appetizer to serve at a holiday party, these crostini are sure to impress. They’re the perfect blend of savory flavors and sweet figgy goodness, all wrapped up in a crunchy, golden brown package. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to wow your guests with this festive treat. 

More Appetizer Recipes

• Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta with Balsamic Drizzle
• Irresistible Marinated Cheese
• How to Make the Perfect Charcuterie Board (Cheese Board)
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms