Creating candied bacon crackers with cream cheese is an absolute delight that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors in one bite. The process starts with buttery crackers that are topped with a generous layer of cream cheese. Adding thick cut bacon brings a smoky richness, while jalapeño slices introduce a spicy kick. The bbq seasoning and brown sugar sprinkled on top turn these crackers into an irresistible snack.
The recipe went viral on social media, gathering positive comments and suggestions from people who couldn’t get enough of this delicious appetizer. One of the biggest hits was the idea to add cream cheese before the bacon and jalapeños for an extra creamy and spicy bite.
Discovere Candied Bacon Crackers Recipe-The Answer
I discovered these candied bacon crackers to be the perfect appetizer for any occasion, be it holidays, game days, or a casual party. The crackers are layered beautifully with all the ingredients, making each bite a burst of flavor. They are not just a snack but a budget-friendly treat that takes less than an hour to prepare. Imagine serving these at your next gathering, paired with a michelada or a martini. The combination of salty, creamy, and crispy textures is bound to become everyone’s new addiction. These crackers are truly the snack of your dreams, bringing a festive vibe to any event.
Ingredients for Candied Bacon Crackers with Cream Cheese
- 30 Club Crackers
- 1 Pack of Thick Cut Bacon (cut into thirds)
- 2 Jalapeños (sliced thin)
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet BBQ Rub or Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 16 oz Cream Cheese (cold)
These simple ingredients come together to create a perfect blend of flavors that is sure to impress your guests.
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet
- Lay the club crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Add Cream Cheese
- Using cold cream cheese, cut thin slices and carefully top each cracker with the cream cheese.
- Season each piece of cream cheese lightly with a sweet BBQ rub or brown sugar.
- Top with Bacon and Jalapeño
- Top each piece of cream cheese with a piece of bacon and a thinly sliced jalapeño.
- Season again with BBQ seasoning or brown sugar.
- Cook the Crackers
- Place the crackers onto your smoker or in your oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is cooked through and to your preferred doneness.
- Finishing Touch
- Remove the crackers from the smoker or oven and drizzle with honey on top.
- Allow the crackers to sit for 5 minutes to firm up as they cool. They are best served warm.
Ingredients you will need to make these:
To make these candied bacon crackers with cream cheese, you will need club crackers as the base. Start by spreading a layer of cream cheese on each cracker. Then, place thick-cut bacon on top, adding a savory crunch. For a touch of heat, add thinly sliced jalapeños. Drizzle some hot honey over the bacon to balance the flavors with a bit of sweetness. Sprinkle a mixture of sweet bbq rub and light brown sugar to create a perfect blend of sweet and savory. These ingredients come together beautifully to make an irresistible snack that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
How to Make Candied Bacon Crackers with Cream Cheese
Creating candied bacon crackers with cream cheese is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a holiday, or just a regular day. These tasty snacks are incredibly easy to make. Start by laying club crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep things clean. Using a wire rack is also a great idea. Take cold cream cheese and cut thin slices to top each cracker. Season the cream cheese lightly with a sweet bbq rub or brown sugar. Be sure to sprinkle just a little, as too much can cause the sugars to burn during cooking.
Next, place a piece of bacon on each cracker, and add a fresh jalapeño slice on top. These crackers need 25-30 minutes in the oven or smoker at 350°F until the bacon is crispy. Surprisingly, the crackers stay crispy even after absorbing the bacon fat. As they cool to room temperature, they will harden back up. Trust the process, and you will get a delightful result. To finish, drizzle some hot honey over them and serve by the dozen to your guests. These will go fast, so it’s always better to make extra.
Adding Cream Cheese and Hot Honey
The addition of cream cheese brings an extra layer of flavor and texture to this delightful appetizer. Whether you use regular cream cheese or experiment with a flavored variety like strawberry, the result is always delicious. The balance of sweet and spicy is enhanced by drizzling some hot honey over the top, creating a perfect finish to these candied bacon crackers.
Can I Make This Recipe in My Oven?
A common question I receive about this recipe is whether it can be made in the oven. The answer is always yes. While I often smoke my food using a smoker as the heat source, many of my recipes can be adapted for the oven. The flavor might be slightly different, but the end result is still delicious.
What You Will Love About Candied Bacon Crackers
These candied bacon crackers with cream cheese are incredibly addictive. I promise you will not be able to eat just one. The candied bacon is made with brown sugar, creating a perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors. A tiny jalapeno slice on top adds a kick, making these crackers much more exciting than your usual dip. These little guys are truly unique and perfect for any occasion. If you love snacks with a twist, these will definitely become your favorite. For something equally delicious, you should also try “Creamy spicy garlic noodles with shrimp.”
Tips for Making Bacon Cracker Bites
- Cutting the Bacon
- Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into thirds. Remember to wash the shears afterward.
- Adjust the size of the bacon to fit the cracker. For larger crackers, cut the bacon in half; for smaller Saltines, use shorter pieces. It’s fine if the bacon wraps around the cracker and onto itself.
- Bacon Thickness
- Avoid thick bacon, as it takes too long to cook and crisp, leading to potential sugar burning.
- Cooking Method
- Skip the wire rack for more efficient and accurate cooking. This prevents the crackers from absorbing excess grease and ensures the bacon cooks evenly without burning.
- Cooling Time
- Be patient and enjoy these bites slightly warm after letting them cool for at least 5 minutes. This allows the candied bacon to crisp up perfectly for the ideal bite.
- Serving Suggestion
- For a unique twist, try pairing these bites with a honey pepper pimento chicken sandwich. This combination is sure to impress your guests and add delightful variety to your menu.
How to Store
You can store these candied bacon crackers with cream cheese in an airtight container and serve them the next day, but honestly, they are best a few minutes after they are cooked. If you are in a rush, prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the bacon and slice the jalapeños the day before, then on the day of, assemble everything together.
Make Ahead
I prefer to enjoy this recipe the same day, especially because it’s so quick to prepare, but you can make these ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 200 F oven until warmed and the bacon is slightly sizzling, about 8 minutes.
FAQS
What Goes Well with Crackers and Cream Cheese?
One of my childhood favorites as a snack or appetizer was something my mom and grandma would make. They would introduce me to crackers, cream cheese, and pepper jelly. It was always a hit at family gatherings. The combination of cream cheese with the pepper jelly on crackers is a perfect blend of flavors that everyone loves.
Does Candied Bacon Need Refrigeration?
The best practice for storing candied bacon is to keep it in the refrigerator. Before storing, let the caramelized bacon cool to room temperature. This helps keep condensation at bay when the meat is stored in the fridge, ensuring your delectable bacon stays crisp and delicious.