If you love crispy bacon and cheese, then these Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are for you! Imagine crunchy crackers topped with sweet, smoky bacon and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness.
I could devour a whole plate of these! They’re perfect for parties or just a tasty snack. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy the yumminess! Who can resist that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a nice crunch! If you want something different, consider using other types of crackers, like Ritz or even animal crackers for a fun twist.
Bacon: The star ingredient! I prefer thick-cut bacon because it gives more texture and flavor. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option, but the sweetness won’t caramelize as well.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the candy coating. If you’re looking for a paleo option, coconut sugar works nicely as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for that cheesy flavor! Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can be used if you’re vegan. They won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll still taste great!
Spices: The black pepper and cayenne or paprika add some heat. Feel free to adjust these spices or even add garlic powder for a unique flavor boost!
How Do You Bake Bacon Perfectly Without Burning It?
Baking bacon on crackers can be tricky if you don’t keep a close watch! Here are some tips for perfectly baked bacon:
- Use a wire rack over a rimmed sheet pan. This helps the bacon cook evenly and lets fat drip away.
- Monitor the baking closely, especially in the last few minutes. Ovens can vary in heat, so check for golden, bubbly perfection.
- Let the crackers cool on the rack after baking. This allows the candy coating to harden and makes them crispier!
If you follow these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy, perfectly candied bacon crackers that everyone will love!
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 12 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes before you can dive into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bacon will cook evenly when you place it in. To prepare for baking, line a baking sheet with a wire rack sitting over it to catch any drippings from the bacon.
2. Prepare the Crackers:
Next, arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re spaced out well so that the heat can circulate around them. This will help them stay crispy while baking!
3. Add the Bacon:
For the bacon, cut each slice in half. Now, Lay one half-slice of bacon across each cracker. Don’t worry if it overlaps a little, as it’ll shrink while cooking!
4. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and the optional cayenne or paprika if you want an extra kick. This mixture will create that sweet and cheesy topping that makes these crackers irresistible!
5. Sprinkle the Mixture:
Once your topping is ready, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over each bacon-topped cracker. You can press down gently to help it stick, ensuring that every bite will be delicious!
6. Bake Away!
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the bacon to be nice and crispy, and the sugar to be bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye, especially at the end, to prevent burning!
7. Cool and Crunch:
When done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool on the rack for a few minutes. The sugar coating will harden as they cool, giving you that delightful candy-like crunch!
8. Serve and Store:
Once the crackers have cooled, carefully remove them from the rack and serve them up! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Enjoy the perfect balance of salty, sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors with these addictive Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative! However, keep in mind that it may not get as crispy or caramelized as regular pork bacon, so adjust your baking time as needed.
Can I Prepare These Crackers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-topped crackers ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just ensure they are covered to avoid drying out. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftover Crackers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay crispier this way compared to storing them in the fridge, which can make them soggy.
What Can I Serve on the Side with These Crackers?
These crackers make a great appetizer! Serve them alongside a cheese platter, fresh vegetables, or a tangy dip, like a ranch or spicy mustard, for an extra flavor kick!
