Bacon Crackers

Not to be dramatic, but these bacon crackers can be the difference between a hosting disaster and a snack-time triumph. Picture this: You just got a text that your whole pickleball team (book club, the in-laws, you get the idea) is on the way over, and you weren’t expecting company. Don’t fret. Like a hero emerging from the shadows, this recipe for bite-sized candied bacon on buttery crackers or saltines hits you.

With just four ingredients and a quick trip to the oven, these crunchy, sweet and savory bites will have everyone convinced you had this planned all along. The buttery crunch of the cracker, the caramelized sweetness and the smoky bacon come together in a snack so addictive you might just start keeping a batch on standby for party appetizers or other snack-related emergencies.

Bacon Cracker Ingredients

TASTE OF HOME

• Crackers: Saltines or golden, buttery Club crackers are sturdy enough to hold the bacon and sugar without getting soggy.
• Bacon strips: Center-cut is the best type of bacon for this kind of snack. It has less fat than regular bacon, so you get more crispy meat in each bite. Less fat also keeps the crackers crispy as they bake.
• Brown sugar: As it melts, brown sugar creates a sweet, caramel-like glaze that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon. Light brown sugar is best for this candied bacon crackers recipe, though if you only have dark, that’s fine.
• Black pepper: A touch of black pepper cuts through the sweetness and adds just enough spice to balance each bite.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the crackers

TASTE OF HOME

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the crackers on a greased foil-lined baking sheet. Cut the bacon strips into 2-inch pieces. Place one piece of bacon on each cracker. Distribute brown sugar on top of each piece of bacon. Then, sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Bake and serve

TASTE OF HOME

Bake until the bacon is crisp and the sugar gets caramelized and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let these cool slightly before serving.

TASTE OF HOME

Bacon Cracker Variations

• Add a spicy kick: For a bit of heat, take a cue from this million-dollar bacon recipe and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• Try a maple twist: Instead of brown sugar, drizzle maple syrup over the bacon for a deep, rich sweetness.
• Keep it cheesy: Add a thin slice of cheddar or Parmesan under the bacon before baking, or sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.

How to Store Bacon Crackers

The cooled crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week.

How do you reheat bacon crackers?

To restore their crispiness, reheat bacon crackers in a 300° oven for about five minutes or until warmed through.

Bacon Cracker Tips

TASTE OF HOME

What are the best crackers to use for this candied bacon crackers recipe?

Saltines are excellent for bacon crackers, but buttery Club crackers or Ritz work well too. Just avoid anything too delicate or too thick.

Can you serve bacon crackers at room temperature?

Absolutely! These are just as tasty at room temp as they are warm. They’ll hold up just fine on the snack table if you’re serving them at a party.

What can you serve with bacon crackers?

Bacon crackers are fantastic on their own but also pair beautifully with various dips and side dishes. Try serving them with French onion dip, honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce. They also work well alongside fresh fruit, like apple slices, grapes or fruit skewers, to balance out the richness. Add them to a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, nuts and pickles for a heartier spread. And since you can’t have bacon without eggs, throw in some deviled eggs for the ultimate snack duo.