Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are a delicious treat that combines crunchy crackers, crispy bacon, and a sweet touch of brown sugar. It’s a snack that can’t be resisted!
Honestly, who can say no to the combo of bacon and cheese? I love serving these at parties, and they disappear faster than I can make them. They’re a real crowd-pleaser! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a crunchy base. If you don’t have saltines, other crackers like Ritz or water crackers will work, giving a slightly different flavor but still delicious!
Bacon: Thin slices are ideal for this recipe as they crisp up nicely. You can use turkey bacon for a lighter version, but it may not crisp the same way. I prefer classic pork bacon for the best flavor!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key for that sweet glaze. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar works as a substitute, but keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is perfect here. For a twist, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a vegan option—just adjust for saltiness.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a lovely kick. If you don’t have it, ground black pepper works too. You could even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky version!
How Do I Ensure My Bacon Comes Out Crispy?
The key to crispy bacon lies in the preparation and cooking process. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a cooling rack over a baking sheet—this allows the fat to drain as it cooks, keeping the bacon crisp.
- Cut your bacon slices to fit the crackers, ensuring even coverage without overlap. This ensures all parts cook evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven and don’t rush—25-30 minutes is essential for that perfect crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens vary!
After baking, allow them to cool completely on the rack. This is vital because they continue to firm up as they cool, giving that satisfying crunch!
How to Make Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crackers:
- 12 saltine crackers
For the Candied Bacon:
- 12 slices of bacon (thin slices work best)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper (for a hint of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside around 40 minutes to have these fantastic snacks ready to serve. Don’t forget to let them cool down a bit after baking before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bacon will cook evenly and get nice and crispy. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat—this will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the Crackers:
Lay out your saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a little to allow for even cooking and better candied flavor!
3. Combine Cheese and Pepper:
In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. This combination will give your crackers that delicious cheesy and spicy kick. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix!
4. Coat the Crackers:
Press each saltine cracker lightly into the Parmesan and pepper mixture to coat the tops. This will add fantastic flavor. Place the coated crackers on an oven-safe cooling rack set over the baking sheet. This setup allows the grease to drip off, keeping the crackers crispy.
5. Add the Bacon:
Now, it’s time to add the bacon! Place one slice of bacon over each cracker. If your bacon slices are too long, feel free to trim them so they fit nicely on the cracker without hanging over the edges.
6. Sweeten with Sugar:
Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over each slice of bacon. Make sure to cover it well—the more sugar, the better the candied result! If you’re adding cayenne, now’s the time to sprinkle a tiny bit on top.
7. Season with More Pepper:
Add a little more freshly cracked black pepper over the bacon slices to enhance the flavor even more. This little touch makes a big difference!
8. Bake Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the crackers bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the time approaches—you’re looking for that perfect crispness and a gorgeous caramelized glaze on the bacon.
9. Cooling Down:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the crackers cool completely on the rack, as they will harden and crisp up as they cool down.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers make a fantastic sweet and salty appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in!
Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, and sweet bite of these delicious treats! 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are great for this recipe, you can use other types like Ritz, Townhouse, or even whole grain crackers. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the bacon and sugar.
How Do I Store Any Leftovers?
Store any leftover Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, for best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy them the same day!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the crackers and add the bacon and toppings, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar). This will give you that characteristic caramel flavor you need!
