Maple Candied Bacon Crackers (Printable)
Crispy crackers topped with smoky bacon and maple glaze for a sweet, salty bite.
# Components:
→ Crackers
01 - 24 buttery rectangular crackers, such as Club or Ritz
→ Topping
02 - 8 slices bacon, cut into thirds
03 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
04 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 - Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top.
02 - Place crackers evenly in a single layer on the wire rack.
03 - Set one piece of bacon atop each cracker.
04 - In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
05 - Generously spoon or brush the maple-brown sugar mixture over each bacon-topped cracker.
06 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until bacon is crisp and topping is bubbling and caramelized. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
07 - Allow crackers to cool for 5 minutes on the rack before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in just half an hour including prep and bake time
- Uses five main ingredients you can find in most supermarkets
- Perfect mashup of sweet smoky salty flavors with an irresistible crunch
- No complicated steps or special cooking skills needed
02 -
- High in protein and flavor but easy to double for crowds
- Crackers act as sponges soaking up every drop of glaze
- Bacon stays tender yet crisp thanks to the oven rack
03 -
- Best made in small batches so every bite stays caramelized
- Lining the pan is a must for easy cleanup
- Watch closely the last few minutes as the sugar can burn quickly
- Try drizzling a touch of extra maple syrup onto crackers just before serving for even more shine and flavor
- Always bake on a rack to keep crackers crispy underneath
- If stacking for transport layer crackers with parchment so the glaze does not stick
- That little pinch of cayenne makes all the difference when you want your Bacon Crackers to taste bakery-quality at home