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Bacon Crackers offer a quick and delicious way to satisfy cravings with minimal effort. Combining buttery club crackers wrapped in thin bacon slices and topped with brown sugar and black pepper creates a sweet and savory treat perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack anytime. This recipe comes together fast and delivers that irresistible balance of flavors and textures everyone will enjoy.
I first made these for a lastminute gettogether and was amazed how everyone kept coming back for more. They have been a go to snack ever since in our house.
Ingredients
- Club crackers: offer a sturdy and buttery base that holds up well to bacon and sugar. Rectangular shapes like Townhouse or Ritz crackers are best for easy wrapping and even cooking.
- Thin sliced bacon: cooks quickly and crisps evenly without burning the crackers. Thinner slices meld perfectly with the sweet sugar glaze.
- Brown sugar: melts and caramelizes creating a sticky candied coating. Use packed light or dark brown sugar for the richest flavor.
- Black pepper: is optional but adds a subtle spice that balances the sweetness nicely. Freshly ground pepper works best for that perfect touch.
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. The rack lets air circulate around the bacon wrapped crackers ensuring they crisp evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the Bacon and Crackers:
- Cut each bacon slice in half to make 32 smaller pieces. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around each club cracker, covering most of the surface without layering bacon too thickly. Arrange the wrapped crackers spaced evenly on the wire rack so heat reaches all sides.
- Add Brown Sugar and Pepper:
- Sprinkle about half a teaspoon of brown sugar evenly over the bacon on each cracker. This melts and caramelizes during baking for a golden, sticky topping. Add a pinch of black pepper on top if you like a gentle heat that perfectly 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 since ovens vary and bacon thickness can affect cook time. The bacon should be crispy and the sugar melted into a beautiful caramelized glaze.
- Cool Before Serving:
- Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the rack for about five minutes. Cooling helps the sugar set and makes the crackers perfectly crispy without burning your fingers. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
I love how the brown sugar transforms simple ingredients into a treat that feels special and how every time I make these I am reminded of fun family celebrations filled with laughter and delicious food
Storage Tips
For best crispiness store leftover bacon crackers at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage put them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat briefly in a hot oven or toaster oven to revive their crunch. You can freeze baked crackers for up to one month. When ready to enjoy thaw in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try honey instead of brown sugar if you want a different type of natural sweetness and sticky glaze. Swap black pepper for crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne powder if you prefer a spicier kick. Add a layer of cream cheese on each cracker before wrapping the bacon for a creamy contrast. Jalapeno slices on top make for a fun spicy twist.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon crackers make a fantastic addition to a cheese board or a bright green salad. They are also perfect paired with cold beer or your favorite cocktail making them irresistible at any party or casual get together.
These bacon crackers are simple to make and impossible to resist. Serve them warm for best flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of crackers work best?
Buttery club crackers like Townhouse or Ritz are ideal due to their rectangular shape, which holds the bacon securely and crisps well.
- → Can I use thick bacon slices?
Thin bacon slices are best to ensure even cooking and avoid burning the crackers.
- → What can substitute for brown sugar?
Honey can be used as an alternative to brown sugar for a different natural sweetness and sticky glaze.
- → 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, adding cream cheese under the bacon or sliced jalapenos on top before baking adds creamy or spicy flavors.
- → Is black pepper necessary?
Black pepper is optional but adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness nicely.