These Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are a fun and tasty treat! With crispy bacon and a sweet, cheesy topping, they are perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Who can say no to bacon, right? I love how easy they are to make—just bake and enjoy! You might want to double the batch; trust me, they’ll disappear fast! 🥓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Buttery Crackers: I suggest using Ritz crackers for their rich flavor and buttery texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain crackers or naweted saltines can work too.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for added chewiness and flavor. However, turkey bacon is a leaner option if you’re watching your fat intake, just note that it may not get as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts nicely. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-grated Parmesan or even a hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Brown Sugar: For a twist, try using maple sugar or coconut sugar for a unique flavor profile. Just keep the quantities the same, but note that each will affect the sweetness slightly different.
How Do I Ensure My Bacon Crackers Turn Out Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture with your bacon can be tricky. The key is the cooking method! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This elevates the crackers and allows hot air to circulate, avoiding sogginess.
- Don’t overlap the bacon on crackers. It needs space to cook evenly.
- Watch closely in the last few minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and you want your bacon crispy but not burnt.
Cooling on the rack is important too. As they cool, the sugars form a crunchy layer, making bites even more delightful!
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sleeve (about 15) buttery crackers (like Ritz or similar)
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes to enjoy these crunchy delights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a baking sheet and line it with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleaning up easier! Then, place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This allows any fat from the bacon to drip away, ensuring your crackers stay crisp.
2. Arranging the Crackers:
Now, it’s time to arrange the crackers! Place them in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they fit tightly without overlapping—this helps them bake evenly.
3. Adding the Bacon:
Take the bacon slices and lay one slice over each cracker. If your bacon slices are too long, you can cut them in half or thirds to fit nicely.
4. Topping with Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the bacon-covered crackers. The Parmesan will add a delicious cheesy flavor and help with browning.
5. Mixing the Sugar and Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and optional cayenne or chili flakes if you want a little spice. This will create the sweet-and-salty glaze that makes these crackers irresistible!
6. Sprinkling the Sugar Mixture:
Now, generously sprinkle your brown sugar mixture over the cheese-topped bacon slices. Use enough to cover each bacon piece well.
7. Baking Time:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the bacon should be crisp and caramelized, and the sugar should have formed a sticky glaze.
8. Cooling:
Once they’re done, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the rack for about 10 minutes. They will harden as they cool, so don’t skip this step!
9. Serving:
Carefully take the Parmesan candied bacon crackers off the rack and serve them up! They make for a fantastic snack, appetizer, or party treat. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet, and salty bite!
Enjoy your sweet, salty, crispy Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While buttery crackers like Ritz work best for flavor and texture, you can substitute them with whole grain crackers or even saltines if you prefer a healthier option. Just keep the size similar to ensure even baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed will help maintain their crunch. If they lose crispness, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of that texture!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Spice Level?
Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar to suit your sweetness preference. For spice, you can increase the cayenne or chili flakes if you enjoy a kick—or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crackers ahead by assembling them and keeping them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add some extra baking time if they are cold from the fridge!
