Easy Bacon Crackers Appetizer

If there’s one appetizer that absolutely belongs at every party, potluck, and game day spread, it’s these bacon crackers. Salty, sweet, buttery, and impossibly crisp, they deliver big flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Club crackers topped with smoky bacon and brown sugar bake into the kind of bite-sized snack that vanishes before you can set the tray down. Easy to make, wildly addictive, and always the first thing gone.

Having a spread for game day is a must in our house! Our favorite apps and snacks are White Queso Dip and Buffalo Chicken Dip. Easy to make and always a hit at every party!

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Why You'll Love This Bacon Cracker Recipe

If you are new to the bacon cracker concept, you are truly in for an epic treat. The crunchiness of the crackers paired with the smoky bacon, both of which are topped with a caramelized brown sugar topping create a bite-sized, culinary utopia. Bacon presented in new ways? Yes Please!

Here are more reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

• A salty-sweet combination that's totally incredible!
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients!
• Perfect for game days, snack boards, holidays, and parties.
• Customizable spice level. You can omit the chili flakes and just use black pepper.
• Excellent make-ahead option for snacking.

Equipment Needed

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Knife or kitchen scissors
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon

Key Ingredients

Club crackers - The base that holds up well under the bacon and sugar. The buttery cracker is amazing with the bacon and brown sugar baked into the cracker.

Bacon - The main event. Both thin and thick cuts will work; cooking time will vary.

Brown sugar - Creates the signature candied bacon cracker topping

Cracked black pepper - Adds balance to the sweetness.

Red pepper flakes - optional for a subtle kick.

These club crackers with bacon are simple. But remember that each ingredient plays an essential role in creating those irresistible bacon brown sugar crackers.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.

Arrange the club crackers on the wire rack in even rows.

Cut the bacon into sizes that fit into each cracker, then place one piece of bacon on top of each cracker.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Spoon a small amount of the brown sugar mixture over each piece of bacon.

Bake for 15-18 minutes if using thin-cut bacon or 22-25 minutes if using thick-cut bacon. Cook until the bacon is crisp and the sugar caramelized. Watch closely to prevent them from burning or over-browning.

Make Ahead

If you want to make this before your guests arrive, you can mix the brown sugar topping together and cut the bacon into strips. They only take minutes to prepare so I would pop them in the oven right before your party starts so they can be fresh and still crisp when everyone arrives!

Storage

Once the crackers have cooled you can store in an airtight container. They will keep on the counter for up to 2 days. The crackers and bacon may not be as crisp but the overall flavor will still be amazing. These crackers are best served at room temperature. I do not recommend storing them in the fridge.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!