Description
Savory Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Crackers with Smoky Cheese Spread are a delightful appetizer featuring buttery crackers sandwiched with a creamy, smoky cheese blend and wrapped in crispy, golden bacon. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized treats combine rich flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crackers and Bacon
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 box of buttery round crackers (such as Ritz)
Cheese Spread
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Garnish
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare Cheese Spread: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Crackers: Spread a generous teaspoon of the smoky cheese spread onto each cracker. Top each with another cracker to form a sandwich.
- Wrap with Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each cracker sandwich with a piece of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed to keep them intact while baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped cracker sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the crackers halfway through to crisp the bacon evenly until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baked crackers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes so the cheese spread sets slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the crackers for an added fresh flavor and appealing presentation before serving.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon if it unravels during baking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to heat preference or omit for milder flavor.
- These appetizers are best served warm but can be made ahead and reheated.
- For a smoky depth, use smoked bacon if available.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the shredded cheddar.
