Candied Bacon Crackers

These candied bacon crackers are going to be your new favorite at your next party. Savory, salty, and sweet in every crispy bite! I always make a big batch of these at holiday parties or game days because they never last long. 

The combination of the buttery crackers, brown sugar, and bacon is too good. These are perfect for a busy cook because you don’t need much except some basic ingredients, and the oven does all of the work.

Why You Will Love This

• Sweet and salty flavors in one bite.
• Quick to prepare and assemble on the pan.
• Simple ingredients to make this recipe.
• Feeds a crowd at your parties and holidays.
• Can add a little heat if you’d like.

What You Need

You only need a small handful of ingredients to pull these addictive snacks together. Having everything laid out makes the quick assembly process completely stress-free.

• Buttery round crackers: Which is a great base for this recipe. You can use anything that would stand up to the weight of the bacon. I used Ritz crackers which worked great.
• Bacon: Use thin cut bacon so it bakes perfectly in the oven. You will cut each strip in half.
• Brown sugar: The brown sugar melts over the bacon making a caramel type glaze. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
• Black pepper and cayenne pepper: Just a dash of pepper gives these crackers a sweet spicy kick. This is optional.
• Maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup takes this to the next level.

How To Make It

Here is how easily this comes together.

Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of it. 

Arrange the Base

Place buttery crackers in a single layer on the rack leaving room between crackers. 

Wrap the Bacon

Wrap each half of bacon around the cracker. Try to spiral it slightly so it sits flat and cooks evenly. 

Add the Sweetness

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and pepper. Sprinkle generously over each bacon-wrapped cracker.

Glaze and Bake

For an even shinier look, drizzle a few drops of maple syrup over the tops. Then, bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and the sugar is caramelized.

Tips

• Use a wire rack so the bacon grease drips off and the crackers remain crispy.
• Don’t use thick-cut bacon. It will take too long to cook and the crackers will turn mushy.
• Watch the crackers closely during the last few minutes in the oven to avoid burning the sugar.
• Allow to cool on the rack for 10 minutes to let the sugar harden.
• Line the pan with heavy-duty foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

How to Store

• Store: Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended, because the cracker base will get mushy when thawed.
• Reheat: Place the crackers in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to recrisp the bacon and reheat the sugar.

How to Serve

• Set them on a festive platter with a bowl of mixed nuts.
• Include them on a charcuterie board with cheeses and olives.
• Warm and serve as a quick appetizer before a big holiday meal.
• Serve with a cold craft beer or sparkling cider.