The Best Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crispy, savory candied bacon crackers dance between sweet and salty temptations that will make your taste buds sing.

Crackers become magical when dressed with caramelized bacon goodness.

Small gatherings or game nights deserve these irresistible snacks that everyone will adore.

Maple syrup and brown sugar create a glorious coating that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch with layers of smoky, sugary brilliance.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum flavor.

You’ll want to make these again and again for any casual celebration.

Prepare to be the snack hero among your friends!

Candied Bacon Crackers FAQs For Snacking Success

• What makes the glaze special?

The glaze combines sweet maple syrup with brown sugar and a hint of heat from black and cayenne pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that enhances the bacon’s richness.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can reduce or increase the cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat preference. Start with a small pinch and add more gradually if you want more kick.

• Why use a wire rack when baking bacon?

The wire rack allows fat to drip away, ensuring the bacon cooks more evenly and becomes crispier without sitting in its own grease.

Why Candied Bacon Crackers Are A Sweet And Savory Win

• Customize Flavor Profile: Create a mouthwatering blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes with brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne that dance on your taste buds.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Elevate simple butter crackers into gourmet appetizers that look professionally prepared and guarantee compliments from everyone at the party.
• Quick Party Hack: Transform basic ingredients into a stunning starter that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness in just a few simple steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day gatherings, holiday celebrations, cocktail parties, or casual weekend snacking with its irresistible combination of crispy bacon and crunchy crackers.

Everything That Goes In Candied Bacon Crackers

• Bacon: A rich, flavorful meat that provides a crispy and savory base for the appetizer.

• Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Create a sweet and sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully on the bacon.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Add a warm, spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

• Butter Crackers: Provide a crisp foundation for the glazed bacon bite.
• Chives, Parmesan Cheese: Offer fresh herbal notes and a salty, umami finish to the appetizer.

How To Make Candied Bacon Crackers Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange Bacon

Place bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack positioned over the prepared baking sheet. This allows excess fat to drip down during cooking.

Step 3: Initial Bacon Baking

Bake bacon for 12-15 minutes until it starts to crisp but remains slightly flexible. You want the bacon to be partially cooked but not completely done.

Step 4: Create Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 5: Dry Bacon

Remove bacon from the oven and gently pat each slice with paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 6: Glaze the Bacon

Brush each bacon slice generously with the prepared sweet and spicy glaze, ensuring even coating on both sides.

Step 7: Caramelize Bacon

Return glazed bacon to the wire rack and continue baking for 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Prepare Crackers

Arrange butter crackers in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Cool Bacon

Remove bacon from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 10: Cut and Position Bacon

Cut each bacon slice into thirds and place a piece diagonally across each cracker.

Step 11: Add Finishing Touches

• Chopped chives
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 12: Serve Immediately

Serve while crackers are crisp and bacon is warm and glossy.

Tips To Get Crispy Candied Bacon Crackers

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy removal and effortless cleanup during baking.
• Master Bacon Placement: Arrange bacon on a wire rack over the baking sheet to let excess fat drip down, creating perfectly crisp results.
• Balance Bacon Texture: Remove bacon just before fully crisp to maintain a pliable texture that will hold the glaze beautifully.
• Control Glaze Perfection: Watch carefully during final caramelization to achieve a sticky, glossy coating without burning the bacon.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Sprinkle chives and parmesan to add depth and complexity to the final appetizer, creating a gourmet touch.

Tasty Twists On Candied Bacon Crackers

• Vegetarian Maple Glazed Option: Replace bacon with tempeh or seitan strips, using the same sweet and spicy glaze for a plant-based alternative that maintains the recipe's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Use gluten-free water crackers or rice crackers instead of butter crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the crispy base.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon and reduce or omit added salt, creating a lighter version that still delivers robust taste.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify cayenne pepper quantity to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions, allowing individuals to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.

What Goes Great With Candied Bacon Crackers

• Pair Spicy Maple Bacon Crackers with Complementary Flavors
• Sip Bourbon Cocktail: Craft a smooth bourbon cocktail with hints of maple and citrus to mirror the bacon's sweet and spicy glaze, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the bacon and balances its intense flavors.
• Serve Chilled Apple Cider: Pour a cold, slightly tart apple cider that complements the maple notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy, savory cracker appetizer.

How To Store Candied Bacon Crackers The Smart Way

• Store glazed bacon crackers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to preserve flavor and texture. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Arrange crackers on baking sheet, loosely covered with foil. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, restoring initial crispness.
• Place crackers on toaster oven tray. Heat at medium setting for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy candied bacon crackers bring sweet and savory magic to any gathering, offering irresistible layers of flavor. Guests will devour these addictive bites that perfectly balance salty, sugary notes with crunchy textures you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bacon and Crackers:

• 8 slices bacon
• 16 butter crackers (such as Ritz)

Sweet Coating:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack placed over the prepared baking sheet, allowing excess fat to drip down during cooking.
3. Bake bacon for 12-15 minutes until it begins to crisp but remains pliable, ensuring it’s not fully cooked through.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until a smooth, glossy glaze forms.
5. Remove bacon from the oven and carefully pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove excess grease.
6. Brush each bacon slice generously with the prepared sweet and spicy glaze, coating evenly on both sides.
7. Return glazed bacon to the wire rack and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. While bacon caramelizes, arrange butter crackers in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Once bacon is sticky and deeply glazed, remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes until slightly firm.
10. Cut each bacon slice into thirds and place a piece diagonally across each cracker.
11. Sprinkle chopped chives and grated parmesan cheese over the topped crackers for added flavor and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately while crackers are crisp and bacon is warm and glossy.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for mild or spicy preferences.
• Ensure bacon remains slightly undercooked initially to prevent burning during second baking phase.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more substantial texture and better glaze absorption.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg