Bacon crackers are a retro appetizer that’s been making a comeback in kitchens everywhere, including mine. The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and buttery crackers is simple but addictive. I’ve tested different crackers and types of bacon, and the sweet spot is regular-cut bacon over Club crackers, baked on a rack so the bottoms stay crisp.
Need more snacky-snacks? Sure! Try Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders, Meatball Bombs or some Queso Dip. If you’re in a bacon era (no judgment), you should also try Million Dollar Bacon for brunch.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
These little bacon crackers hit that magic combo of salty, sweet, crunchy, and smokey. Quick and easy to make last minute, you’ll have these ready for guests really fast!
They take almost no effort, work with pantry ingredients, and somehow still feel like a party trick you’ll get asked to bring again and again.
Can I make these ahead?
Yep. Bake them, cool completely, then store airtight. Reheat for a few minutes so they crisp back up.
Can I use turkey bacon?
You can, but it won’t caramelize the same way and may need less cook time. Keep an eye on them.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Buttery crackers. Club crackers work best, but Ritz, saltines or townhouse crackers can be used.
- Bacon. Regular cut works better than thick cut bacon because it cooks through evenly. Cut each strip of bacon into 4 pieces, that’ll fit perfectly on your crackers.
- Brown sugar. Light or dark brown sugar will work – dark gives a deeper molasses flavor.
- Cayenne pepper. Optional, but adds a nice kick. You can use smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor, or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
How to make this recipe
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped by heating the oven to 350°F, then line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lay the crackers out in a single layer on the rack, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Add the bacon by placing half a slice over each cracker so it covers most of the surface.
Mix the brown sugar and cayenne in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon. Add a little black pepper on top, then slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has melted into a bubbly glaze. Let the crackers cool for a few minutes so the sugar can set before serving.
Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems and Solutions
- Bacon not crisping. Bake a few extra minutes, keeping an eye on them so the sugar doesn’t burn.
- Sugar burns before bacon is done. Lower the oven temp to 325°F and cook a little longer.
- Crackers too soft. Make sure you’re baking on a rack so the heat circulates underneath.
- Too greasy. Drain the bacon crackers briefly on paper towels before serving.
Kylee’s Notes
- Use regular-cut bacon for the best crispness at the same time the crackers are done.
- A wire rack helps air circulate so the bottoms stay crisp.
- If making ahead, store in an airtight container and reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Try different seasonings like everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder for variety.
How to store leftovers
Store cooled bacon crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp. Avoid the microwave – it can make the crackers soggy.
More recipes to love:
- Baked Coconut Shrimp. These easy baked coconut shrimp are the perfect appetizer or light dinner. Crispy, crunchy and with a dipping sauce, this one is a winner!
- Buffalo Chicken Dip. Super easy to make, and always the first to be devoured, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is a great appetizer recipe for parties and gatherings!
- Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers. These little beauties are the best appetizer in town! A yummy mix of spicy sausage, cream cheese, onion and garlic mean these disappear fast! Make a double batch for a crowd.
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Bacon Crackers
Ingredients
- 24 buttery rectangular crackers (like Club crackers)
- 6 slices bacon (cut into quarters)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh ground black pepper
Directions
- Get prepped: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Cut 6 slices bacon slice into 4 pieces per slice.
- Assemble the crackers: Lay the 24 buttery rectangular crackers out in a single layer on the rack.24 buttery rectangular crackers
- Add the bacon: Place a piece of bacon over each cracker.6 slices bacon
- Top with sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ½ cup brown sugar with ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle evenly over the bacon. Grind some Fresh ground black pepper over the top.½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, Fresh ground black pepper
- Bake: Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. The sugar will harden slightly as it cools.
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Notes
- Use regular-cut bacon for the best crispness in the same time the crackers are done.
- A wire rack helps air circulate so the bottoms stay crisp.
- If making ahead, store in an airtight container and reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Try different seasonings like everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder for variety
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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