Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe For Snack Lovers

Crafting these delectable candied bacon crackers will transform your snack game into a flavor-packed adventure.

Crispy saltine foundations create the perfect canvas for sweet and savory magic.

Bacon lovers rejoice as each bite promises an irresistible blend of smoky, caramelized goodness.

Maple syrup and brown sugar work their delightful chemistry to coat every morsel.

Crunchy textures mingle with rich, decadent notes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat that feels both indulgent and ingenious.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these addictive little bites.

Prepare to become the ultimate snack hero at your next gathering.

Why Candied Bacon Crackers Are Perfect for Snacking

  • Spice Up Snack Time: Transform ordinary crackers into an irresistible treat with a sweet and spicy twist that will have everyone reaching for more.
  • Master Quick Appetizers: Learn a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to impress guests.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Create a delectable bite-sized appetizer that combines the savory crunch of bacon with a caramelized sugar coating, guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different types of crackers or adjust the chili powder to match your preferred heat level, making this recipe adaptable to personal tastes.

Ingredients for Candied Bacon Crackers

Base Ingredients:
  • Bacon: Thinly sliced and provides the savory, crispy foundation for the crackers.
  • Crackers: Serves as the crunchy base that holds the candied bacon topping.
Seasoning:
  • Brown Sugar, Chili Powder: Blend creates a sweet and spicy coating that caramelizes the bacon during baking.
Finishing Touches:
  • No additional ingredients needed for this simple recipe.

How to Bake Candied Bacon Crackers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the oven to fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Slice the Bacon

Take your bacon and carefully cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Chili powder

Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended and create a spicy-sweet mixture.

Step 4: Dress the Crackers

Take each piece of bacon and roll it in the sugar and chili powder mixture. Make sure the bacon is completely coated with the flavor blend. Place each coated bacon piece on top of a cracker, ensuring it sits nicely.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Put the prepared crackers with bacon into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the bacon becomes crisp and the sugar caramelizes without burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool down completely. This helps the sugar coating set and the bacon become extra crispy. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Pro Tips for Sweet and Savory Balance

  • Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure a robust flavor and better texture on crackers.
  • Check bacon periodically while baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect crispiness.
  • Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a unique twist on the sugar coating.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to 2 days.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevents crackers from sticking.

Flavor Variations for Candied Bacon Crackers

  • Maple Pecan Crunch: Swap chili powder for chopped pecans and drizzle pure maple syrup over the bacon crackers before baking for a sweet and nutty version.
  • Spicy Sriracha Bacon: Replace brown sugar mix with sriracha sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Bacon Crackers: Add dried rosemary and thyme to the sugar mixture, creating an aromatic and savory snack with complex herb notes.
  • Garlic Parmesan Bacon: Mix grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the sugar coating, delivering a rich and savory appetizer with deep umami undertones.

Pairing Suggestions for Crackers

  • Craft Bourbon Pairing: Select a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker's Mark to complement the candied bacon's caramelized sugar and spicy chili notes.
  • Fresh Apple Cider Splash: Serve alongside cold, crisp apple cider to balance the rich, salty-sweet crackers with a refreshing fruity undertone.
  • Tangy Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top or serve as a side to create a bold, creamy contrast against the crunchy, sweet-spicy bacon crackers.
  • Maple Whiskey Drizzle: Create a light maple whiskey glaze to enhance the bacon's sweetness and add an extra layer of decadent flavor complexity.

Storage Tips for Candied Bacon Crackers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap crackers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain crisp texture.
  • Warm crackers on a baking sheet at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This restores crispiness and brings back the original flavor.
  • Remove frozen crackers from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs on Candied Bacon Crackers

  • Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can use any sturdy cracker like saltines, water crackers, or butter crackers that can hold the bacon piece.

  • How do I prevent the bacon from burning?

Keep an eye on the crackers while baking and check them around the 10-minute mark to ensure the bacon doesn’t overcook or burn.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the crackers a few hours before serving and store them at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder adds a mild kick, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a sweeter, less spicy version of the candied bacon crackers.

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Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe

Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy crackers meet irresistible candied bacon in this mouthwatering Southern-style appetizer that blends sweet and salty flavors. Guests will devour these addictive bites, craving more of the perfectly caramelized bacon crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat Protein:

  • 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams bacon

Crackers and Sugar:

  • 1 box buttery crackers
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon (tsp) chili powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. Slice bacon into bite-sized fragments, creating uniform pieces for even coating and cooking.
  3. Create a spicy-sweet blend by combining brown sugar with chili powder in a mixing vessel.
  4. Thoroughly coat each bacon segment in the sugar and spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Arrange the seasoned bacon pieces strategically atop individual crackers, positioning them carefully.
  6. Transfer the prepared crackers to a baking sheet, maintaining proper spacing between each item.
  7. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, watching for the bacon to transform into a crispy, caramelized texture.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the candied bacon crackers to cool completely, which will help them set and develop a satisfying crunch.
  9. Once cooled, serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Notes

  • Swap bacon for turkey bacon to create a lighter version that’s lower in fat but still packed with flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to customize the heat level and add unexpected depth to the crackers.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the crackers from sticking, ensuring a perfect crispy texture every time.
  • Store these delicious snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 343
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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