Tender bacon bits ride atop wafers light as air when you make these sweet, savory, and slightly spicy treats!
This recipe is yet more proof that bacon makes everything better. Not that crackers really need to be improved upon. They are a humble yet satisfying snack—but pairing crackers with the smallest slivers of bacon transforms them into an elegant hors d’oeuvre. Whenever I invite people over for dinner at my house, I always like to welcome them with a drink and a nibble. These bite-sized delights are perfect for that purpose, but in all honesty, I sometimes just bake them as a snack to enjoy while watching a movie. And I must confess that I often end up overindulging—they’re that good!
The candied bit comes from the sweet touch of brown sugar, while optional red pepper flakes loop in a smattering of heat. This dish combines buttery crackers, savory bacon, light sweetness, and a little kick to deliver delicious complexity that’s both familiar and surprising. There’s a little something in each mouthful for everyone, making these tiny treats the perfect party companion.
Whether you bake them for a special occasion, an indulgent afternoon snack, or a fun weekend nibble, their salty-sweet flavors will be a big hit!
Are Candied Bacon Crackers Healthy?
As you can guess from the name, candied bacon crackers are an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation. They’re high in sugar, sodium, and fat, and they don’t offer significant nutritional benefits beyond a small amount of protein from the bacon. This recipe isn’t a fit for most special diets, like low-carb, low-sugar, or heart-healthy regimens. However, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers. Ultimately, these are a fun party snack or occasional splurge—not an everyday healthy choice.
What Type of Cracker Should I Use?
Club crackers are my go-to choice because they have a lovely, buttery taste that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory flavors of this recipe. Plus, their rectangular shapes fit more evenly on the rack than round crackers. But you can really use any cracker that suits you. If you want more complex flavors, consider an herbed selection. Whole-wheat crackers would give the dish a heartier texture. And if you really want the bacon to shine, saltines or water crackers offer a plain, clean background for its savoriness to take center stage.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the candied bacon crackers cool completely, then lay them in a single layer inside an airtight container. If there are too many leftovers for one layer, separate layers with a sheet of waxed paper. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month, but the bacon may become chewy and the crackers may take on moisture as they defrost—affecting both the texture and overall quality. Let them thaw in the fridge before warming them in a 300-350°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This should restore some of their original crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these candied bacon crackers as a happy hour nosh alongside handcrafted adult beverages, like Strawberry Mojito, Rum Horchata, Cosmopolitan, or this retro-inspired Bee’s Knees Cocktail. Make them part of a full finger-food spread that includes Healthy California Roll Sushi Bites, Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts, Crab Puffs, and Spanakopita Triangles. And don’t forget to offer a sweet finish, like these Easy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Brownies or these zesty Lemon Cookies!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 rectangular crackers such as club crackers
- 8-10 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes optional
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange the crackers neatly on top of the rack.
- Cut the bacon slices into thirds or quarters, ensuring each piece will fit on a cracker. Place one piece of bacon on each cracker.
- Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon on each cracker.
- For a spicy kick, lightly sprinkle red pepper chili flakes and black pepper over the crackers, if desired.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the brown sugar has melted and the bacon is crispy.
- Let the crackers cool before serving.
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