Description
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are a savory and sweet appetizer perfect for gatherings. This recipe pairs crispy bacon and nutty Parmesan cheese atop buttery Club crackers, finished with a crunchy layer of brown sugar and a kick of red pepper flakes. Baked to perfection, these crackers offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch any drippings from the crackers, then place a cooling rack on top of the lined baking sheet to allow air circulation under the crackers while baking.
- Prepare the ingredients: Thinly slice the Parmesan wedge to roughly match the width and length of the Club crackers. Cut the bacon into quarters so each piece matches the length of the crackers for perfect layering.
- Assemble the crackers: Place one piece of Parmesan cheese on each cracker. Top the cheese with a piece of the cut bacon, then sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon, and finish with a dash of red pepper flakes. Repeat this for all crackers.
- Bake the crackers: Arrange each assembled cracker on the cooling rack side by side. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. Begin checking at 30 minutes. The crackers are done when the bacon is fully cooked and the edges of the crackers are golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the crackers to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using thin-sliced bacon ensures quicker and more even cooking.
- Keep an eye on crackers after 30 minutes to avoid burning, as ovens may vary.
- For less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- These crackers can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
