Hey y'all! If you're looking for the ultimate sweet and salty snack, Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack might just steal the show at your next gathering. These addictive bites blend crispy crackers, smoky bacon, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze, resulting in a crunchy, flavorful treat that's perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun night in. Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack Recipe
- Quick and easy – just 10 minutes of prep!
- Perfect blend of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in every bite.
- Always a hit at potlucks, parties, and family get-togethers.
- Customizable with different toppings and spices.
- Minimal clean-up – just one baking sheet needed!
Ingredients for Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- 1 sleeve (about 36) buttery rectangular crackers (like Club crackers)
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon, sliced into thirds
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Directions: How to Make Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top for even crisping.
Step 2: Assemble the Crackers
- Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Place a piece of bacon (about ⅓ slice) on top of each cracker.
Step 3: Add the Sweet & Spicy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of the sugar mixture over each bacon-topped cracker.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes on the rack before serving (they’ll crisp up as they cool).
Notes for Making Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Use thin-cut bacon for optimal crispiness – thick-cut bacon won’t crisp up as well in this recipe.
- Try different cracker brands – buttery crackers like Club or Townhouse work best (source).
- For easy cleanup, make sure to line your baking sheet with foil!
Variations on Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Cheesy Bacon Crackers: Add a thin slice of sharp cheddar under the bacon before baking.
- Maple-Pepper Bacon Crackers: Mix a little maple syrup into the brown sugar and add cracked black pepper.
- Spicy Sriracha Bacon Crackers: Drizzle a bit of Sriracha sauce on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Required Equipment for Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
Storage Instructions for Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Serve as an appetizer at cocktail parties, tailgates, or holiday gatherings.
- Pair with a creamy dip like ranch or pimento cheese.
- Enjoy with cold beer, sparkling wine, or sweet iced tea for ultimate snacking pleasure.
Pro Tips for Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Let the crackers cool completely for the ultimate crunch and easy removal from the rack.
- Use a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure even crisping (learn more here).
- Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking—brown sugar can go from golden to burnt quickly!
FAQ: Candied Bacon Crackers – Sweet & Salty Snack
- Can I make Candied Bacon Crackers ahead of time?
- Yes! They can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container; reheat briefly before serving for best texture.
- What’s the best type of bacon to use?
- Thin-cut or regular bacon works best as it crisps up perfectly; avoid thick-cut for this recipe.
- Are there any gluten-free options?
- Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free crackers. Read more about gluten-free options at Celiac.org.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 24 buttery rectangular crackers (such as Club or Ritz)
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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3Place a half slice of bacon on top of each cracker, tucking the edges under if needed.
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4In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon-topped crackers.
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5Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over each cracker for extra sweetness.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized. Let cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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