Sweet, salty, and addictively crunchy, Bacon Crackers are the kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer that vanishes in minutes. Each bite delivers crisp bacon, caramelized sugar, and a touch of heat.
With just five ingredients, these are deceptively simple to make but feel like something special. Serve them for game days, parties, or an easy holiday treat that’s guaranteed to impress.
Main Ingredients That Make Bacon Crackers Irresistible
- Club crackers – Their buttery, flaky texture makes the perfect base, sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Bacon – Thick-cut, smoky, and savory, bacon is the star here. When it crisps over the crackers, magic happens.
- Brown sugar – Adds that essential sweet balance, caramelizing into a glossy, crunchy coating as it bakes.
- Cayenne pepper – A whisper of heat that cuts through the richness and adds an unexpected zing.
- Black pepper – Enhances the savory elements and adds a layer of depth with each bite.
How to Make These Bacon Crackers Shine
Start by preheating your oven and setting up a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow air to circulate and the bacon to crisp perfectly. Lay out the club crackers in a single layer, each topped with a slice of bacon.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the tops, followed by a pinch of cayenne and black pepper. As they bake, the sugar melts and caramelizes while the bacon turns crispy. Let them cool and harden slightly before serving—this is when they reach peak crunch.
Sweet, Spicy & Savory: Tips for Bacon Cracker Success
Using a wire rack is essential—it ensures even heat distribution and prevents soggy bottoms. For extra-crispy bacon, go for thinner cuts rather than thick-sliced. If you like bold flavors, don’t shy away from doubling the cayenne.
Want to switch things up? Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a richer sweetness, or sprinkle chopped pecans for a nutty finish. These are endlessly customizable to suit your flavor cravings.
Keeping Them Crispy: Storage Tips for Bacon Crackers
After baking, these crackers will keep at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you’re prepping in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy later, pop them into a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh crunch.
They also freeze well—just make sure they’re cooled completely and separated by parchment if stacking. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack that tastes just-baked.
Crackers with Bacon Flavor
Ingredients
- Cayenne pepper for a subtle heat
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 box Club crackers approximately 36
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound bacon sliced into thirds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the Club crackers in a single layer on the prepared rack. Lay one piece of bacon over each cracker.
- Distribute about one teaspoon of brown sugar over each bacon-topped cracker, then lightly sprinkle with cayenne pepper and black pepper.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sugar has caramelized and the bacon reaches a crisp texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely to set and harden before serving.
