Bacon Crackers with Sweet and Salty Flavor Recipe
Sweet and salty bacon crackers are a delightful appetizer combining crispy bacon wrapped around salted club crackers, sprinkled with caramelized brown sugar and a hint of black pepper for a perfect balance of flavors. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and perfect for parties or snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 32 crackers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 32 Club-style crackers (rectangular salted crackers, about 8 oz total)
- 16 slices of thin bacon, cut in half widthwise (about 12 oz total)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar (about 2 oz), lightly packed
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 180°C) to prepare for baking the bacon-wrapped crackers.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Rack: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a heatproof wire rack on top. This allows heat circulation and lets the bacon fat drip away, ensuring crispiness.
- Wrap Crackers with Bacon: Cut each slice of bacon in half widthwise. Wrap each half slice of bacon around one club-style cracker, covering it completely without overlapping the bacon onto itself. This ensures even cooking of bacon on the cracker.
- Arrange on Rack: Place each bacon-wrapped cracker on the rack, leaving small gaps between each so heat can circulate evenly.
- Add Brown Sugar and Pepper: Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar on each wrapped cracker to add sweetness that will caramelize during baking. Optionally, add a pinch of ground black pepper on each for a subtle contrast and slight kick.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking at the 20-minute mark to ensure the bacon is crispy and the brown sugar has caramelized without burning. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the rack for about 5 minutes. This cooling step allows the caramelized sugar to set perfectly, making the crackers crunchy and easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and salty bacon crackers warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use thin slices of bacon for best wrapping and crispiness results.
- Monitor closely near the end of baking time to prevent sugar from burning.
- Black pepper is optional but adds a nice flavor contrast.
- Allow cooling time so the sugar topping sets and snacks hold their shape.
- These crackers can be made ahead and reheated briefly before serving.
