why make this recipe
This snack is salty, sweet, and crunchy. It uses simple store-bought ingredients and comes together fast. You can make a big tray for a party or a small batch for movie night. The mix of Parmesan, candied bacon, and crackers is a crowd-pleaser and feels a little fancy but is very easy to make.
introduction
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers pair crisp Club crackers with a slice of Parmesan, a strip of bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of red pepper. The bacon candys as it bakes and the cheese melts just enough to stick to the cracker. If you like easy party snacks, try this recipe and see how one small bite can be bold and addictive. For another simple savory idea, try the garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaves recipe for a different take on Parmesan and comfort food.
how to make Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment to catch drippings. Place a cooling rack on top of the lined sheet.
- Thinly slice the Parmesan wedge to match the width and length of the Club crackers.
- Slice each bacon strip into four pieces so they match the cracker length.
- Place one slice of Parmesan on each cracker. Top with a bacon piece, then sprinkle brown sugar, and finish with red pepper flakes.
- Put the assembled crackers on the cooling rack, side by side.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Start checking at 30 minutes.
- When the bacon is cooked and the cracker edges brown, remove from oven.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb. thin-sliced bacon
- 1.5 sleeves Club crackers (about 44 crackers)
- 8 oz Parmesan wedge
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Directions :
- Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch the drippings from the crackers and place a cooling rack on top the lined baking sheet.
- To prep, thinly slice parmesan wedge, trying to match the width and length of the Club crackers. Slice the bacon into fours so they also match the length of the crackers.
- To assemble, place one piece of parmesan onto the cracker, top with bacon, followed by the brown sugar, and finally the red pepper flakes. Repeat with remaining crackers.
- Place each cracker onto the cooling rack side by side. Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Begin checking on them at 30 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked through and the edges of the crackers begin to brown, they are finished.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
how to serve Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Serve them on a platter at parties or set a bowl nearby for casual snacking. They work well with simple sides like pickles, olives, or a fresh green salad. Let them cool a little so the cheese sets and the crackers stay crisp.
how to store Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Store leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they soften, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to crisp them again. Do not refrigerate—cold air makes the crackers soggy.
tips to make Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
- Use thin-sliced bacon so it crisps in the time allowed. Thick bacon may need more time and can over-brown the crackers.
- Cut the Parmesan thin and even so it melts evenly on the cracker.
- Check at 30 minutes and watch for browning at the cracker edges to avoid burning.
- Use a cooling rack over the pan so drippings fall away and crackers stay crisp.
- If you want less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them off for kids.
variation (if any)
- Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar or gruyere for a different flavor.
- Add a small dab of Dijon mustard under the cheese for a tangy bite.
- Use maple-flavored brown sugar or a light sprinkle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- For less spice, replace red pepper flakes with smoked paprika.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cracker?
A: Yes. Use any sturdy cracker that can hold a slice of cheese and bacon. Thinner crackers may break, so pick a firm one.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. For best crispness, bake just before serving.
Q: Are these okay for kids?
A: They are fine for kids if you skip or reduce the red pepper flakes for less heat.
Q: What if the bacon drips too much onto the crackers?
A: Place the cooling rack high enough above the pan so drippings fall away. The crackers will stay crisper that way.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a party?
A: Yes. Use multiple baking sheets and rotate them in the oven as needed to bake evenly.
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful snack combining salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors using simple ingredients. Perfect for parties or movie nights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. thin-sliced bacon
- 1.5 sleeves Club crackers (about 44 crackers)
- 8 oz Parmesan wedge, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a cooling rack on top.
- Thinly slice the Parmesan to match the size of the Club crackers.
- Slice the bacon into quarters to match the length of the crackers.
- On each cracker, place a piece of Parmesan, followed by a piece of bacon, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Arrange the crackers on the cooling rack side by side.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, rotating halfway through, and begin checking at 30 minutes.
- Remove when the bacon is cooked and the edges of the crackers are brown.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 crackers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
