These Candied Bacon Crackers are the ultimate 5-ingredient appetizer that is just so dang good. They’re the easiest to make, we promise anyone can succeed. With sweet brown sugar and a hint of chili flakes for spice, they will disappear in no time.
When it comes to appetizers, they happen to be one of our favorite things to both make and eat. These candied bacon crackers are the ultimate bite plus use just 5 simple ingredients. They’re a tried and true Southern recipe we’ve been making for years for parties, celebrations, and tailgates.
The prep time is only 10 minutes, which just shows you that this recipe is foolpoof, beginner cooks and kids can master this recipe with ease. We add a hint of red chili flakes to our recipe for a kick of spice that compliments the sweetness of the brown sugar so nicely.
Watch out because these will be devoured quickly by your friends and family. If you are looking for more great appetizer recipes be sure to try Spicy Pepperoni Cheese Bread and Smoked Ranch Dill Pickle Dip.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- 5-ingredient appetizer. You may already have all of these ingredients in your kitchen, we usually do! It’s easy to shop for this recipe and it’s also affordable.
- Made in under an hour. If you are entertaining in a pinch, just whip these up (or have your friend make them for you!).
- Customize to your liking. We add red chili flakes for spice but some other great additions would be smoked paprika, chili powder or ranch seasoning.
These are So Delish! Warning!! Addicting!
They taste So Damn Good you’ll want to make them Every weekend!-Susan
Ingredients
- Bacon: Use regular cut not thick cut.
- Club crackers: Great flavor, Townhouse or Ritz also work.
- BBQ Rub: Use your favorite store-bought rub for this recipe.
- Brown sugar: Adds a kiss of sweetness to each bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives a hint of spice, optional to add.
How to Make Candied Bacon Crackers
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Get a baking sheet with a wire rack and line with crackers.
- Step 2: Cut 1 pound of bacon into 4 sections and place 1 slice on each cracker.
- Step 3: Sprinkle with brown sugar, BBQ seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven until the bacon is cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from the pan and allow to cool completely. Enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to bake the crackers on a wire baking rack. This is required to keep the cracker crispy and to cook the bacon evenly.
- Let the crackers cool completely before eating. This is to ensure that the bacon caramelizes correctly and also browns nicely.
- Add your own spices and flavors. You can mix up the flavorings with these crackers and add smoked paprika, chili powder, or ranch seasoning.
- Use your favorite BBQ rub for these bacon crackers. We call for a specific kind that we love, but if you don’t want to order it online, then just use whatever kind you love from the store.
- Let the bacon sit out for 10 minutes before topping the crackers. This keeps the bacon from curling up as it bakes.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, not sure if you will, then place them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat the crackers again int he oven to crisp them up or use the air fryer if you have one as well!
FAQs
- How do I keep the bacon from curling up on top of the crackers as it bakes?
Let the bacon sit out for 10 minutes at room temperature before placing on top of the cracker and baking.
- How long do bacon crackers keep?
Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You’ll want to reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp the cracker up again.
- If I can’t find Club crackers what else works well?
Try using Townhouse or Ritz. They are a delicious alternative.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
- Chopped Italian Sliders
- Smoked Bacon Deviled Eggs
- Crack Chicken Garlic Bread
- Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi
Candied Bacon Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon (not thick cut)
- Club crackers
- BBQ Rub KosmosQ Hot Dirty Bird
- brown sugar
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Get a baking sheet with a wire rack and line with crackers.
- Cut 1lb of bacon into 4 sections and place 1 slice on each cracker.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, BBQ seasoning, and red pepper flake.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F until the bacon is cooked through (25-30min).
- Use a spatula to remove each cracker bc they will sometimes stick. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
If you have any leftovers, not sure if you will, then place them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat the crackers again int he oven to crisp them up or use the air fryer if you have one as well! Tips:
- Be sure to bake the crackers on a wire baking rack. This is required to keep the cracker crispy and to cook the bacon evenly.
- Let the crackers cool completely before eating. This is to ensure that the bacon caramelizes correctly and also browns nicely.
- Add your own spices and flavors. You can mix up the flavorings with these crackers and add smoked paprika, chili powder, or ranch seasoning.
- Use your favorite BBQ rub for these bacon crackers. We call for a specific kind that we love, but if you don't want to order it online, then just use whatever kind you love from the store.
- Let the bacon sit out for 10 minutes before topping the crackers. This keeps the bacon from curling up as it bakes.
Making these tomorrow! Thanks homie.
🙌🙌🙌
How do you keep the bacon from curling and exposing the cracker. My bacon is raw and the cracker is burned! 😭
Let your bacon sit out just a little while. Cold bacon ends to curl up more.
Try this with crack dip game changer I promise u
Making these today! I wanted to try the dirty bird rub but this time I’m using what I have on hand. Can’t wait!!
Hope you enjoy!
This was even on my birthday. Thank you for the nice special recipe.
My mouth is watering just looking at these! Going to have to make some this weekend if I can find club crackers! The store was OUT last trip!
Townhouse should work as well!
In the oven on Ritz Crackers just now! So excited to try them!
What tempature?
350
Making these today! I wanted to try the dirty bird rub but this time I’m using what I have on hand. Can’t wait!!
This looks amazing!! I’m SO going to try this! I’ve never bought that BBQ rub that you mentioned, can you give an idea of something comparable that can be purchased at Walmart or a grocery store? Thanks! Can’t wait to try it!!
Any rub you like will work. I like this one bc it has a little heat to it. Might be able to find this one at Walmart.
Hey Deb! Same for me because I don’t grill. Did you end up finding something to use? I really want to make these! TIA!
I’ve made this recipe several times. Everyone loves it
Addictive!!
Do you serve these warm? Can they be made ahead of time?
You can def make them ahead of time. I personally prefer them room temp.
How do you store these when they are done?
They are ok on the counter for a bit but prob best to store in the fridge overnight!
First off Merry Christmas!! I made these last Christmas and was asked to make them again this yea they were a huge hit!!! Just curious, does it matter if it’s dark brown or light brown sugar Is it a preference thing or just whatever you have on hand??
Merry Christmas! I think either would be fine. I typically have light in the pantry, though.
Wonder how it would be with the everything spice sprinkled on them?
Tasty!
How would the spicy ranch dressing work?
Would be good for dipping.
These are So Delish! Warning!! Addicting!
They taste So Damn Good you’ll want to make them Every weekend!
Glad you enjoyed!
We are making these now for a get together tonight. How do you store any leftovers?
Prob best to put them in the fridge.
Amazing recipe. Making these for the Super Bowl party tomorrow. Can they be made a day ahead, or will they get soggy?
Yes! I make em night before or morning of pretty often!
Do you reheat them or serve cold
Preference, I like them both ways!
Same. How long can they sit out for?
I leave em out for a few hours. Prob best to store in fridge overnight.
I’m making these today for the Superbowl tomorrow 😁
Awesome, hope you love em!
Any tips for how you kept the bacon flat on the cracker when they cooked? Making these tmrw for super bowl!
Try letting it set out and warm up just a bit before putting on the crackers.
What if you don’t have a wire rack
My fear is they might get soggy with the fat rendering down and nowhere to escape. The crackers would just be sitting in the excess.
Can you use a baking sheet without an wire rack?
My fear is they might get soggy with the fat rendering down and nowhere to escape. The crackers would just be sitting in the excess.
Making these tonight! They look insane Can’t wait to try! Go chiefs I guess 😂
We are making these today for our lil family super bowl party 😍😍😍
I like the thick cut bacon and a piece of pickled jalapeno on the top. I have used the townhouse brand crackers, but the Walmart version hold up better.
Love the recipe tasty spicy I added a dab of sliced jalapeño on all of them perfect!! Keep up the good recipes
Is there a way to keep these for a few days?
In the fridge they would be fine. They don’t usually last one at our house, though. 😂
So glad I stumbled on this recipe! Every time I make these, they’re the first thing gone! Perfect for a party
Love to hear it!