Candied Bacon Crackers are a sweet and savory treat, combining the crispy crunch of crackers with the rich flavor of candied bacon. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, construction, variations, and tips for making this delicious snack.
Ingredients:
- Bacon (8–10 slices, preferably thick-cut)
- Crackers (Ritz crackers or any buttery crackers work well)
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Black pepper (freshly ground)
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted, for brushing the crackers)
- Chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
Construction:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the bacon strips on the sheet without overlapping.
- Sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Press gently so the sugar sticks.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Crackers:
- On a separate baking sheet, lay out the crackers in a single layer.
- Brush each cracker with a light layer of melted butter for extra flavor.
- Assemble:
- Scatter the chopped candied bacon pieces on top of each cracker.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the bacon for added crunch.
- Bake:
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5–8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the crackers to toast slightly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variations:
- Spicy Candied Bacon Crackers: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the bacon mixture before baking for extra heat.
- Sweet and Salty: Use a mix of salted and unsalted crackers to balance the sweetness of the bacon.
- Nutty Variations: In addition to pecans, try adding chopped walnuts or almonds for different textures.
- Cheese Lovers: After baking the bacon and crackers, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top for a cheesy variation.
- Herbed Candied Bacon Crackers: Add some finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the bacon before baking for an herbal twist.
Tips:
- Choosing Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a better texture and less shrinkage while baking.
- Maple Syrup Substitute: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
- Cracker Choice: Choose buttery crackers like Ritz for the best flavor combination with the candied bacon. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free crackers depending on dietary preferences.
- Make Ahead: These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a few days. They also make a great gift if you want to share your creations.
- Bacon Cooking: If you prefer crispier bacon, bake it for an extra 5 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugar.
Candied Bacon Crackers are perfect for parties, as a snack, or for a fun twist on appetizers. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings!