Club crackers topped with crispy bacon and caramelized brown sugar—this Bacon Crackers recipe is the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat.
I’ll never forget the first time I made Bacon Crackers. It was a Sunday afternoon, and my sister called to say she was dropping by—with friends. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love hosting, but last-minute snack duty? That’s a different story. My pantry looked like it had been raided by snack-loving gremlins, and I was this close to surrendering to the idea of plain chips and salsa.
Then I saw it: a lonely pack of club crackers sitting in the back corner, next to some brown sugar and half a pack of bacon. It was like fate. I remembered a recipe I’d seen floating around online and decided to wing it. Crackers, bacon, sugar—how hard could it be?
Spoiler alert: It was ridiculously easy. And the best part? They were such a hit, people kept asking me for the “fancy appetizer recipe.” Fancy! Little did they know it only took three ingredients and an hour in the oven. Now, these Bacon Crackers are my go-to whenever I want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Crackers Recipe?
These little bites are everything you want in a snack: buttery, crispy, sweet, and salty. The bacon gets perfectly crispy while the brown sugar melts into this caramel-like glaze. And the cracker? It stays just firm enough to hold all that deliciousness without falling apart.
The best part is how versatile they are. Game day? Perfect. Potluck? You’ll be the hero. Casual night in with a movie? They’re even better than popcorn.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Club Crackers: Buttery and just the right size. They’re the perfect vehicle for all that bacon and sugar goodness. Ritz crackers are a decent substitute, but trust me—club crackers are the MVP here.
- Bacon: Go with thin-cut bacon for faster, crispier results. Thick-cut works too, but it’ll need a little extra oven time.
- Brown Sugar: The magical ingredient that transforms this snack into something unforgettable. It caramelizes beautifully and balances the smoky bacon perfectly.
How To Make Bacon Crackers?
This recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever.
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Preheat Your Oven
First, set your oven to 250°F (120°C). Yes, it’s a low temperature, but trust me—this slow bake is key to getting everything crispy and caramelized. - Set Up Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with foil (hello, easy cleanup!) and place a cooling rack on top. This setup lets the bacon grease drip away, so your crackers don’t turn into soggy messes. - Assemble the Crackers
Lay out the club crackers on the cooling rack in a single layer. Top each cracker with a third of a slice of bacon. It doesn’t have to be perfect—this isn’t a beauty contest. - Sprinkle the Sugar
Generously sprinkle brown sugar over each bacon-topped cracker. You can go light or heavy depending on how sweet you want them, but more sugar means more caramelization, so… you know what to do. - Bake the Crackers
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about an hour, or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Your kitchen will smell so good you’ll want to eat them straight out of the oven, but patience is key. - Cool and Serve
Let the crackers cool for a few minutes before serving. The sugar will set as they cool, creating that perfect sticky glaze. Trust me, they’re worth the wait.
Storage Options:
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doubtful), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To bring back their crispiness, just pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. But honestly, they’re best fresh, so make as many as you think you’ll need—and then some.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Add Spice: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or smoked paprika over the sugar for a little heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of parmesan or sharp cheddar before baking.
- Sweet and Smoky: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Cracker Swaps: Ritz crackers, saltines, or even pretzel crisps can work in a pinch.
- Gourmet Vibes: Add a dollop of fig jam or a light drizzle of honey before serving.
What to Serve with Bacon Crackers?
These snacks are stars on their own, but they also play well with others:
- Charcuterie Boards: Add them to a meat-and-cheese platter for an extra punch of flavor.
- Dips: Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli.
- Drinks: They’re amazing with a smoky old-fashioned, a crisp beer, or even a bubbly prosecco.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the crackers, refrigerate them, and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
Yes, but keep in mind it’ll take longer to cook. Thin-cut is faster and crisps up beautifully.
How do I avoid greasy crackers?
That cooling rack trick is everything. It lets the grease drip away so the crackers stay perfectly crisp.
So, what do you think? Ready to make these ridiculously easy Bacon Crackers? I promise, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to snack for every occasion. Got a fun twist or variation? I’d love to hear it—let’s get creative in the kitchen together!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Bacon Crackers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package 13.7 ounces club crackers
- 1 lb. sliced bacon cut into thirds
- Brown sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Next place a cooling rack, on top of a baking sheet. This will help ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn't get greasy.
- Now take each club cracker. Add a third of a slice of bacon to it. Lay them out on the baking sheet lined with the cooling rack.
- For a touch of sweetness to balance out the bacon sprinkle some brown sugar evenly over the crackers topped with bacon. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Once everything is prepared place the baking sheet in your oven. Let it bake for an hour or until you see that the bacon has turned brown and crispy.
- Finally when ready take out the bacon crackers from the oven. You can serve them either warm or, at room temperature. Enjoy this combination of flavors and textures!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
