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Bacon Crackers combine buttery crackers with crispy sweet and salty bacon for a snack or appetizer that is both simple and irresistible. The brown sugar caramelizes on top of the bacon as it bakes, soaking into the crackers for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are ideal for any gathering, game day, or an easy afternoon treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Club crackers: offer a sturdy and buttery base that holds up well to the bacon and sugar topping. Choose rectangular crackers as they wrap more easily. Townhouse or Ritz crackers can work too but cutting bacon to fit is easier with rectangular shapes
- Thin sliced bacon: is key to cooking the bacon through without burning the crackers. Thin slices become crisp faster and meld beautifully with the sweet sugar topping
- Brown sugar: melts and caramelizes creating a sticky sweet glaze that coats the bacon and crackers adding a rich candied flavor. Use packed light or dark brown sugar for best results
- Black pepper: is optional but adds a nice subtle spice that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Freshly ground pepper works best but pre-ground will do in a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup then place an oven-safe wire rack on top to allow air circulation and help the bacon crisp evenly
- Prepare the Bacon and Crackers:
- Slice the bacon slices in half to create 32 smaller pieces. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around each club cracker, making sure it covers most of the cracker surface without overlapping too thickly. Arrange the crackers on the wire rack spaced evenly to allow heat to circulate around each piece
- Add Brown Sugar and Pepper:
- Using a teaspoon or your fingers sprinkle about half a teaspoon of brown sugar on top of the bacon on each cracker. Make sure it is spread evenly for consistent caramelization. Sprinkle a small amount of black pepper on top of each piece if using, which adds a gentle heat that complements the sweet and salty flavors
- Bake Until Crispy and Golden:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes as baking times may vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness. The bacon should be crispy and the sugar melted and caramelized with a golden brown color
- Cool Before Serving:
- Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the rack for about five minutes. Cooling helps the sugar to set and the crackers to become perfectly crisp without burning your fingers. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor
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Storage Tips
Store leftover bacon crackers at room temperature for up to two hours to keep them crispy. For longer storage place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat briefly in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness. You can freeze them for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
Honey can replace brown sugar for a different type of natural sweetness and sticky glaze. Swap black pepper for crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder if you like heat. Add cream cheese on each cracker before wrapping the bacon for a creamy contrast. Top with sliced jalapenos before baking for a spicy variation
Serving Suggestions
Serve bacon crackers alongside a cheese board or a fresh green salad. They are perfect with cold beer or cocktails making them a hit at any party or game day spread
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Recipe FAQs
- → What type of crackers work best?
Buttery club crackers, such as Townhouse or Ritz, are ideal due to their rectangular shape which holds bacon well.
- → Can I use thick bacon slices?
Thin bacon is recommended to ensure even cooking without burning the crackers.
- → What can I substitute for brown sugar?
Honey can be drizzled instead of brown sugar for a different sweet coating.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store at room temperature up to 2 hours or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Yes, try cream cheese under the bacon or sliced jalapenos on top before baking for extra flavor.
- → Is black pepper necessary?
Black pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat to balance the sweetness.