If you adore a snack bursting with sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness all wrapped up in a perfect bite, then this Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Brown Sugar and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need to try. Combining the crispy saltiness of pepper bacon with the natural sweetness of brown sugar and the nutty sharpness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this snack transforms humble crackers into a show-stopping treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something truly addictive, these little bundles of joy will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a few key ingredients, each bringing something unique and essential to the flavor, texture, and color of the final dish.
- Club crackers (38-45): Multi-grain crackers add a great crunch and a wholesome flavor base that holds all toppings beautifully.
- Thin-sliced pepper bacon (1 pound): The star ingredient that wraps everything in salty, smoky goodness and crisps up wonderfully in the oven.
- Dark brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep caramel sweetness that perfectly balances the savory bacon and cheese.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the brown sugar and pork, melting just enough to hold everything together.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Brown Sugar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rack
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place an oven-safe wire cooling rack on top. Be sure to spray the rack with cooking spray so the bacon doesn’t stick. This setup allows air to circulate around the crackers, helping the bacon crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Arrange the Crackers
Lay all your club crackers flat in neat rows on the wire rack. This keeps them steady and ready for their delicious toppings. Trust me, lining them up perfectly will pay off with even cooking and the best presentation.
Step 3: Cut and Prep the Bacon
Take your thin-sliced pepper bacon and cut each slice in half. These smaller bacon pieces are perfect for wrapping around the bite-sized crackers without overwhelming them. It also helps them cook evenly and get that irresistible crisp.
Step 4: Add Brown Sugar and Parmesan
Place about a teaspoon of dark brown sugar or freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each cracker. You can choose to use just one or mix them up – either way, these toppings bring the magic in both flavor and texture.
Step 5: Wrap the Bacon Carefully
Now, gently wrap half a slice of bacon around each cracker, making sure the cheese or sugar stays put. Working delicately here ensures no toppings fall off during cooking. Wrap the bacon so the seam is underneath the cracker, which helps keep everything tightly secured.
Step 6: Arrange for Baking
Place each bacon-wrapped cracker seam-side down on the wire rack. This positioning lets the bacon crisp on all sides and prevents them from unwrapping as they bake.
Step 7: Bake Low and Slow
Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for a full 2 hours. The slow, gentle heat renders the fat out of the bacon, leaving it perfectly crispy while allowing the sugar to caramelize slowly, creating a gorgeous glazed finish.
Step 8: Quick Broil for Extra Crispiness
If your bacon isn’t quite as caramelized or crispy as you’d like after baking, pop the crackers under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so the sugar doesn’t burn—it goes from perfect to dark in seconds!
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Brown Sugar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the crackers just before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the richness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper also amps up the flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bacon-wrapped crackers make a fantastic appetizer alongside crisp garden salads or a tangy homemade coleslaw to balance out their sweetness and saltiness. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit platters—think juicy melon or grapes—to cleanse the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your crackers on a stylish wooden serving board or slate platter, grouping them in little mounds or neat rows. Add small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mustard or creamy ranch nearby for guests to customize their bites. You can even layer them atop mini lettuce cups for a fun bite-sized salad twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bacon-wrapped crackers in an airtight container once completely cooled. Store them in the refrigerator where they will stay tasty for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply follow the reheating instructions below.
Freezing
These crackers freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crunch and bacon crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for about 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bacon soggy and the crackers lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! While club crackers work perfectly for this recipe due to their size and sturdiness, you can experiment with other crackers like Ritz or whole wheat varieties, just keep in mind they might alter the texture slightly.
What kind of bacon is best?
Thin-sliced pepper bacon is ideal because it crisps up well and adds a nice peppery kick that complements the brown sugar and Parmesan. However, you can use regular or flavored bacon depending on your taste preferences.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip it on some crackers and use just Parmesan cheese to balance the sweet and savory elements. Additionally, using a smoky or spicy bacon can offset the sweetness wonderfully.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped crackers a day ahead and store them uncovered in the fridge. Bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Are these suitable for kids?
This recipe is generally kid-friendly, but keep in mind the pepper bacon has some spice, and the sugar makes them quite sweet. Adjust toppings accordingly to suit your child’s palate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that feels like a celebration in every bite, you really can’t go wrong with this Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Brown Sugar and Parmesan Recipe. The way the sweet and savory flavors marry with crispy bacon and crunchy crackers is pure magic, and it’s so easy to make! So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly irresistible snack that’s bound to impress.
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Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Brown Sugar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy bacon-wrapped crackers topped with a choice of dark brown sugar or freshly grated Parmesan cheese, baked low and slow for the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. An irresistible appetizer or snack that combines the crunch of multigrain crackers with caramelized bacon and flavorful toppings.
Ingredients
Crackers
- 38–45 Club crackers (Multi-grain, 1 sleeve)
Bacon
- 1 pound thin-sliced pepper bacon
Toppings
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare rack: Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place an oven-safe wire cooling rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange crackers: Lay the club crackers flat in rows on the wire cooling rack, ensuring even spacing so heat circulates around each cracker.
- Prepare bacon: Cut each slice of thin-sliced pepper bacon in half, so the pieces will fit perfectly wrapped around the crackers.
- Add toppings: Place about 1 teaspoon of either the freshly grated Parmesan cheese or dark brown sugar on top of each cracker, according to your preference.
- Wrap crackers: Carefully wrap half a slice of bacon around each cracker with topping, making sure the cheese or sugar stays in place.
- Position on rack: Place each bacon-wrapped cracker seam-side down on the wire rack to ensure they hold together during baking.
- Bake low and slow: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven at 250°F for 2 hours, allowing the bacon to cook thoroughly and the sugar or cheese to meld with the cracker.
- Optional broil for crispness: If desired, finish by broiling the crackers for 1-2 minutes to crisp and caramelize the bacon. Watch very closely to avoid burning the sugar.
Notes
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and avoid soggy crackers.
- Monitor closely during broiling as sugar can burn quickly.
- Thin-sliced bacon works best for wrapping and even cooking.
- Multi-grain or club crackers provide a sturdy base and extra flavor.
- These crackers can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
