Description
Indulgent Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are a perfect savory-sweet appetizer combining crispy bacon glazed with brown sugar and sharp Parmesan cheese atop buttery crackers. This easy-to-make snack offers a delightful blend of salty, sweet, and cheesy flavors, ideal for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crackers
- 1 box Butter Crackers (Triscuits or baguette slices as alternatives)
Bacon Topping
- 12 slices Bacon (turkey bacon for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (maple sugar can enhance flavor)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used for bolder taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (cayenne pepper optional for extra kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing it for baking the bacon and crackers.
- Prepare Bacon: Lay bacon slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each slice to create a candied glaze.
- Bake Bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
- Cool Bacon: Remove the candied bacon from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces suitable for topping the crackers.
- Assemble Crackers: Arrange the butter crackers on a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped candied bacon evenly over the crackers. Generously grate or sprinkle Parmesan cheese atop each cracker, and finish with a dash of black pepper or cayenne pepper for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the bacon is still slightly warm and the cheese is fresh to maximize the flavor combination and texture contrast.
Notes
- Use turkey bacon for a lower fat alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Maple sugar can replace brown sugar to add a richer sweetness.
- Pecorino Romano cheese gives a bolder, tangier cheese flavor compared to Parmesan.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick if desired.
- Triscuits provide a nice sturdy base and can be substituted with thin baguette slices for texture variation.
