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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake bacon for 12-15 minutes until it begins to crisp but remains pliable, ensuring it’s not fully cooked through.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until a smooth, glossy glaze forms.
- Remove bacon from the oven and carefully pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Brush each bacon slice generously with the prepared sweet and spicy glaze, coating evenly on both sides.
- Return glazed bacon to the wire rack and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- While bacon caramelizes, arrange butter crackers in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once bacon is sticky and deeply glazed, remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes until slightly firm.
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds and place a piece diagonally across each cracker.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and grated parmesan cheese over the topped crackers for added flavor and visual appeal.
- 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