Bacon Crackers Sweet Savory

Bacon Crackers are a quick and irresistible snack that brings together buttery crackers wrapped in thin slices of bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar and a touch of black pepper, then baked until crispy and caramelized. They offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for parties, game days, or an easy afternoon treat that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

I first made these for a lastminute party and everyone kept coming back for more. They have been a goto ever since.

Ingredients

• Club crackers: Club crackers offer a sturdy and buttery base that holds up well to the bacon and sugar topping. Choose rectangular crackers that wrap more easily. Townhouse or Ritz crackers work too, but cutting bacon to fit is easier with rectangular shapes
• Thin sliced bacon: Thin sliced bacon is key to cooking the bacon through without burning the crackers. Thin slices become crisp faster and meld beautifully with the sweet sugar topping
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar melts and caramelizes creating a sticky sweet glaze that coats the bacon and crackers adding a rich candied flavor. Use packed light or dark brown sugar for best results
• Black pepper: Black pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle spice that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Freshly ground pepper works best but preground will do in a pinch

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup then place an ovensafe wire rack on top to allow air circulation and help the bacon crisp evenly

Prepare the Bacon and Crackers:

Slice the bacon slices in half to create 32 smaller pieces. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around each club cracker, making sure it covers most of the cracker surface without overlapping too thickly. Arrange the crackers on the wire rack spaced evenly to allow heat to circulate around each piece

Add Brown Sugar and Pepper:

Using a teaspoon or your fingers sprinkle about half a teaspoon of brown sugar on top of the bacon on each cracker. Make sure it is spread evenly for consistent caramelization. Sprinkle a small amount of black pepper on top of each piece if using, which adds a gentle heat that complements the sweet and salty flavors

Bake Until Crispy and Golden:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes as baking times may vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness. The bacon should be crispy and the sugar melted and caramelized with a golden brown color

Cool Before Serving:

Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the rack for about five minutes. Cooling helps the sugar to set and the crackers to become perfectly crisp without burning your fingers. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor

I love how the brown sugar transforms simple bacon and crackers into something special and how every time I make these they bring back memories of festive family gatherings

Storage Tips

Store leftover bacon crackers at room temperature for up to two hours to keep them crispy. For longer storage place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat briefly in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness. You can freeze them for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Honey can replace brown sugar for a different type of natural sweetness and sticky glaze. Swap black pepper for crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder if you like heat. Add cream cheese on each cracker before wrapping the bacon for a creamy contrast. Top with sliced jalapenos before baking for a spicy variation

Serving Suggestions

Serve bacon crackers alongside a cheese board or a fresh green salad. They are perfect with cold beer or cocktails making them a hit at any party or game day spread

Serve these bacon crackers warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They make an easy, crowd pleasing snack for any gathering.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of crackers work best?

Buttery club crackers like Townhouse or Ritz are ideal due to their rectangular shape that holds the bacon securely and crisps well.

→ Can I use thick bacon slices?

Thin sliced bacon is recommended for even cooking and to prevent crackers from burning while achieving a crispy finish.

→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?

Honey can be drizzled as a natural alternative, providing a different sweet glaze and sticky texture on the bacon and crackers.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store at room temperature up to 2 hours to keep crisp, or refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days. They also freeze well for a month.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Yes, adding cream cheese under the bacon or sliced jalapenos on top before baking adds creamy or spicy layers of flavor.

→ Is black pepper necessary?

Black pepper is optional but adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze nicely.