Appetizers

Pecan Brie Bourbon Bacon Jam Bites

Making gorgeous appetizers is kind of my thing, and these Pecan Brie Bourbon Bacon Jam Bites are no exception. They are so beautiful, and don’t even get me started on the homemade bacon jam, it’s seriously liquid gold!

Side view of pecan brie bourbon bacon bites served on a platter with rosemary on top.

Pecan brie bourbon bacon jam bites. The name says it all. It might be a tongue twister, but these little bites are the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, melty brie, and sweet & savory bacon jam with a hint of bourbon and espresso. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet surprisingly easy to pull together, making them a win-win!

I firmly believe that these bourbon pecan brie bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer. I use store-bought puff pastry for ease. It’s still golden and flaky, the brie is creamy, and that bacon jam? Absolutely addictive. Serve them at holiday parties, game-day gatherings, or fancy brunches, and just watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Brie Bourbon Bacon Jam Bites Recipe

Incredible flavor combo. I can’t get enough of these flavors. They’re sweet, savory, nutty, smoky, and slightly boozy all at once!
Gorgeous presentation. Perfect for entertaining with minimal effort!
Easy to make. Puff pastry and a quick homemade bacon jam take center stage. It might sound complicated to make a bacon jam, but it is surprisingly easy!
Crowd-pleaser. Trust me when I say everyone will want seconds (and maybe thirds)!

Overhead shot of baked pecan brie bacon jam bites on a white serving platter.

Ingredients You Need

Thick-Cut Bacon: The backbone of the bacon jam! It’s crispy, smoky, and full of flavor. Use good-quality bacon for the best jam.
Onion: Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth to the bacon jam. Finely chop for even cooking.
Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and a sticky, glossy texture that balances the bacon’s saltiness.
Espresso & Bourbon: Espresso adds richness, and bourbon brings a subtle warmth that makes the jam complex and special.
Pecan Pieces: Pecans give crunch and nutty flavor to contrast the creamy brie. I always use Pearson Farm pecans!
Brie Cheese: I love to add a bit of brie to each bite. It comes out soft, melty, and creamy!
Puff Pastry: Flaky, golden, and perfect for holding the brie and jam together. Use store-bought puff pastry for ease!
Egg Wash & Rosemary: Egg wash ensures a golden, shiny crust, and fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, elegant finish.

Variations & Substitutions

Nuts: Walnuts or almonds work if you don’t have pecans!
Cheese swap: Camembert or triple cream cheese gives a similar melty effect to brie.
Alcohol-free: If you don’t want to add bourbon to the jam, you can skip it!
Mini bites: Cut the puff pastry smaller for cocktail-sized servings perfect for grazing boards!

How to Make Pecan Bacon Jam Bites

Crisp the Bacon: Cook diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and keep 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Onions: Add chopped onion and cook until soft and caramelized, about 7–8 minutes.
Add Jam Ingredients: Add brown sugar, maple, espresso, bourbon, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and the chopped pecans all at once.
Simmer and Return Bacon to Pan: Stir and simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes, until thick, glossy, and jammy. Return bacon to the pan. Stir again and cook slightly so it thickens.
Prep the Puff Pastry: Heat oven to 375°F. Cut puff pastry into 9 squares. Lightly score a smaller square inside each one. Twist or fold the corners
Assemble: Add a cube of Brie to the center. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the pecan bourbon-espresso bacon jam on top. Brush pastry edges with egg wash.
Bake: Bake 15–17 minutes, until puffed and golden. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.

Pieces of bacon crisping up in a skillet.

Onions being sauteed in bacon fat in a skillet.

Tips for Success

Cook the bacon thoroughly. Crispy bacon is key, but leave a little fat in the pan to caramelize the onions and build flavor!
Simmer the jam slowly. Low heat ensures it thickens properly without burning the sugar.
Score the puff pastry lightly. This prevents the brie from spilling over and helps the pastry puff evenly.
Use fresh rosemary. It adds both aroma and visual appeal to the finished pecan brie bourbon bacon jam bites!
Bake until golden and puffed. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye to prevent over-browning.

Serving Suggestions

These pecan brie bourbon bacon jam bites are perfect as the centerpiece of an appetizer spread. Serve them alongside other small bites like whipped gorgonzola crostini or an olive and feta cheese log. They also pair beautifully with a cheese board filled with your favorite cheeses, fruits, and nuts, and a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for the adults!

White serving platter with puff pastry brie bacon jam bites.

Storage Suggestions

These pecan brie puff pastry bites are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for a day. Keep baked bites in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp pastry and melty brie.

You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked bites for up to a month. Bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and puffed.

Store the bacon jam separately for up to a week in the fridge if you want to assemble fresh later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made bacon jam?

You definitely can, but homemade bacon jam has a richer, fresher flavor that really elevates the appetizer. Plus, making it yourself allows you to adjust the bourbon, espresso, or sweetness to your taste. However, for ease, you can use jarred bacon jam if you prefer.

Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?

Yes! The bacon jam can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat slightly before assembling the bites for best flavor and texture.