These Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are a fun snack that combines crispy bacon and cheesy goodness! Sweet, salty, and crunchy, they’re hard to resist.
Who doesn’t love crispy bacon? Honestly, I could eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They’re perfect for parties or just a tasty treat at home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a nice crunch and serve as the base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free crackers or even puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Bacon: Bacon strips are essential for this recipe. I suggest thin-cut bacon for more crispiness, but regular-cut works too. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon can be a decent substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Pecorino Romano or even store-bought grated Parmesan in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with that candy-like crust. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might try coconut sugar, but the taste may vary slightly.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but I love a little kick! If you’re sensitive to heat, you can skip it or use a very small amount. Alternatively, smoked paprika can give a tasty depth without too much heat.
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Turns Out Perfectly Crispy?
Getting bacon crispy can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Use a wire rack! This lets air circulate around the bacon so it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Keep an eye on the cook time—ovens can vary. Start checking around 15 minutes, especially towards the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- If you’re not sure, a little chewy bacon is better than burnt bacon. The caramelization will still add great flavor!
How to Make Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Saltine Crackers: 1 pack (about 40 crackers)
- Bacon: 1 pound strips (thin or regular cut)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (packed)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15–20 minutes to bake. In total, you can enjoy these tasty treats in about 30–40 minutes, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup a breeze, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help keep the bacon crispy!
2. Arrange the Crackers:
Next, take your saltine crackers and lay them out in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even baking!
3. Add the Bacon:
Now it’s time to get your bacon ready! Place one strip of bacon on each cracker. If the strips are too long, you can cut them to fit nicely on the crackers. This is where the magic starts!
4. Mix Your Toppings:
In a small bowl, grab your grated Parmesan cheese, brown sugar, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Give them a good mix until well combined. This mixture will add that sweet and salty flavor!
5. Sprinkle the Mixture:
Now take your Parmesan and sugar mixture and sprinkle it evenly over each slice of bacon on the crackers. This gives each cracker a delicious candied coating!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. You want the bacon to become crispy and caramelized, but make sure it doesn’t burn!
7. Cool and Set:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Let the crackers cool completely on the rack. The bacon will harden slightly, leaving you with that perfect candied topping!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, gently remove the crackers from the rack. You can serve them immediately for snacking or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later. They’re great for parties or just as a treat at home!
Enjoy these amazing, crunchy, sweet, and salty Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers whenever the craving strikes!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other types like Ritz crackers, wheat crackers, or even gluten-free crackers if you need. Just ensure they can hold the weight of the bacon and toppings!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet version, simply reduce the brown sugar in the mixture. You can start with 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup and adjust based on your taste. Feel free to add more black pepper or cayenne for a savory kick!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crackers in advance! Once baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to refresh their crunchiness, just pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.
What Should I Do If the Bacon Isn’t Crispy Enough?
If your bacon isn’t crispy after the suggested baking time, you can return them to the oven for a few more minutes. Just be sure to keep a close eye to prevent burning. The goal is that perfect balance of crispy and caramelized!