Bacon Crackers Recipe

The Perfect Bacon Crackers Recipe for Crispy Snack Lovers

Crispy, savory bacon crackers spark joy in every snack lover’s heart.

Crackling sounds fill the kitchen when you break these delectable treats.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Salt and crunch combine perfectly in this simple recipe.

Home cooks adore how quickly these crackers come together.

Personal touches like extra pepper or herbs make them uniquely yours.

Bacon Crackers Loaded with Savory Goodness

  • Maximize Flavor Explosion: Blend sweet, salty, and spicy notes in one bite, creating a taste adventure that surprises and delights your palate.
  • Quick Party Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal ingredients and simple preparation, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute snack cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing chili flakes, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through without complex modifications.
  • Versatile Appetizer Magic: Serve as a game day treat, cocktail party nibble, or unexpected potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients to Make Bacon Crackers

Base Ingredients:
  • Clubhouse Crackers: Serve as the crispy foundation for this appetizer.
  • Bacon: Provides a savory and rich protein layer that adds depth to the cracker.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Red Pepper Chili Flakes, Ground Pepper: Create a sweet and spicy flavor profile that caramelizes and enhances the overall taste of the bacon crackers.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper, Foil, Wire Rack: Essential tools for proper preparation and cooking of the bacon crackers, ensuring even heat distribution and crispy texture.

How to Prepare Bacon Crackers

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Turn the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet to help bacon cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Arrange Crackers

Spread Clubhouse crackers across the wire rack, making sure they do not touch each other.

Step 3: Add Bacon Pieces

Cut bacon slices into thirds or quarters. Center a piece of bacon on each cracker, ensuring it fits perfectly.

Step 4: Sweeten and Spice

Sprinkle brown sugar generously over each bacon-topped cracker, covering the entire surface. For those who enjoy a kick, add:
  • Red pepper chili flakes
  • Ground black pepper

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully as the brown sugar melts and the bacon becomes crisp and golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the crackers from the oven.

Let them cool to room temperature, which allows the sugar to set and the bacon to reach the ideal crunchiness. Serve and enjoy these irresistible bacon crackers as a snack or appetizer.

Tips to Perfect Bacon Crackers

  • Opt for thick-cut bacon to prevent burning and ensure a perfect crisp texture during baking.
  • Drain excess grease from crackers using paper towels after cooking to reduce oiliness and enhance crunchiness.
  • Try different seasoning variations like smoked paprika, maple syrup, or garlic powder to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Store leftover bacon crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispy texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace Clubhouse crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or almond flour-based crackers.

Variations to Refresh Bacon Crackers

  • Vegetarian Cracker Topper: Replace bacon with thinly sliced tempeh or seitan strips, seasoned with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap Clubhouse crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour-based crisp breads for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Maple Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add cayenne pepper for a sweet-hot combination that creates a bold flavor experience.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon, and sprinkle minimal salt-free herb blend to reduce sodium while maintaining robust taste.

Pairing Ideas for Bacon Crackers

  • Riesling's light sweetness and high acidity beautifully balance the salty bacon and caramelized brown sugar, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the rich appetizer.
  • Prepare an Old Fashioned with bourbon, highlighting the smoky bacon notes while the cocktail's subtle sweetness complements the caramelized sugar undertones.
  • Select a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola, whose tangy, sharp profile cuts through the bacon's richness and provides a luxurious contrast to the crispy cracker base.

Storage Advice for Bacon Crackers

  • Store leftover bacon crackers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain crispness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Carefully place crackers in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F and spread crackers on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning. This method restores original crunchiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can experiment with similar-sized buttery crackers like Ritz or water crackers. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the bacon and brown sugar.

  • Is it necessary to use a wire rack?

Absolutely. The wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, ensuring crispy bacon and preventing soggy crackers. It helps achieve the perfect texture and prevents the crackers from becoming greasy.

  • How do I know when the bacon crackers are done?

Look for crispy bacon edges, fully melted brown sugar, and a golden-brown color. The bacon should be cooked through but not burnt, and the crackers should maintain their crispness.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a few hours before serving. Store at room temperature on a flat surface, and they’ll maintain their crunchiness.

Print
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Bacon Crackers Recipe

Bacon Crackers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 30 1x

Description

Savory bacon crackers provide a crispy, irresistible snack perfect for parties and gatherings. Salty, smoky flavors combine with buttery cracker bases, creating an addictive appetizer you won’t be able to stop eating.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 810 slices bacon (high-quality)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 30 Townhouse or Club crackers (rectangular shape)
  • 1 tsp (teaspoon) red pepper chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 pinch freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for crispy bacon-topped crackers.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then position a wire rack on top for optimal air circulation.
  3. Distribute Clubhouse crackers evenly across the wire rack, ensuring no overlapping.
  4. Slice bacon into thirds or quarters, depending on cracker and bacon dimensions.
  5. Center a bacon piece on each cracker, creating a uniform layer of coverage.
  6. Thoroughly coat bacon with brown sugar, ensuring complete and even distribution for caramelization.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper chili flakes and ground pepper for an added spicy kick.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for bacon crispness and sugar melting.
  9. Remove from oven and let crackers cool to room temperature, allowing flavors to settle and textures to crisp.
  10. Serve and enjoy the sweet, savory, and potentially spicy appetizer.

Notes

  • Ensure bacon thickness remains consistent for even cooking, preventing some pieces from burning while others stay undercooked.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and more substantial bite on the crackers.
  • Consider using low-sodium bacon to control salt levels, especially for those watching their sodium intake.
  • Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika or garlic powder for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 30
  • Calories: 92 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 135 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 2.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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