Candied Bacon Crackers: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Appetizer

Bacon Crackers 11

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, sometimes the simplest recipes create the biggest wow factor. These candied bacon crackers are exactly that – an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crispy that comes together with just four ingredients. Trust me, once you set these out at a party, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “bacon!”

What Makes These Bacon Crackers Special

Let’s talk about what happens when you combine buttery Club crackers with bacon and a touch of brown sugar. The bacon crisps up perfectly while the sugar caramelizes, creating a delectable treat that hits all the right notes. Add a touch of black pepper for complexity, and you’ve got an appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Just Four Simple Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Club crackers (about 24 crackers)
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

That’s it! The magic is in how these simple ingredients transform during baking.

Let’s Make Some Magic

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the Club crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. They can be close together but shouldn’t overlap.
3. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Lay one piece of bacon across each cracker, tucking the ends underneath. This prevents the bacon from shrinking away during baking.
4. Sprinkle each bacon-topped cracker generously with brown sugar. Don’t be shy – this is what creates that amazing candied coating. Add a light dusting of fresh black pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and the sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon Crackers

After making these countless times, I’ve discovered a few tricks:

• Partially freeze the bacon before cutting – it makes getting clean cuts much easier
• Use thick-cut bacon for extra meaty goodness
• Line your baking sheet with foil and then parchment for the easiest cleanup
• Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring

Creative Variations

While the classic version is amazing, here are some fun twists:

• Add a sprinkle of cayenne for heat
• Try different cracker varieties (Ritz work well too)
• Drizzle with maple syrup instead of brown sugar
• Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning

Storage Tips (If They Last That Long!)

Let’s be honest – these rarely make it to the storage container! But if you do have leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking
• Avoid refrigerating as this can make the crackers soggy

Perfect Pairings

These bacon crackers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

• A cheese board
• Pre-dinner cocktails
• Game day spreads
• Holiday appetizer platters

Nutritional Notes

Per serving (2 crackers):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 9g *Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Make-Ahead Tips

Need to prep these in advance? Here’s how:

1. Cut bacon and arrange on crackers
2. Store prepared crackers covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours
3. Add sugar and pepper just before baking

These candied bacon crackers are proof that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. They’re perfect for everything from casual game days to elegant holiday gatherings, and they never fail to impress. Give them a try – I guarantee they’ll become one of your go-to appetizer recipes!

Remember to tag us in your creations using #BaconCrackerMagic – we love seeing your versions of this recipe!