Name: Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery crackers (such as Club or Ritz); 10 slices regular bacon (not thick cut), each cut into thirds; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you love the magical combo of salty, smoky, cheesy, and sweet, these Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are about to be your new obsession! Imagine crisp, buttery crackers topped with golden melted Parmesan, a dusting of brown sugar, and crispy bacon baked to irresistible caramelized perfection.

These party-perfect bites come together in minutes, require just a handful of ingredients, and disappear even faster. The contrast of flavors and textures is pure snack heaven-no wonder they're always the first thing gone at any gathering!

Ideal for holiday parties, game day, potlucks, or a weekend treat, this recipe is a breeze for beginners and a favorite with seasoned entertainers. It's inspired by my family's holiday table and has turned into an essential "must-make" appetizer everyone begs for year after year.

Golden, crispy Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers on a platter, ready to serve

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously easy to assemble, even last minute!
Only 5 convenient, budget-friendly ingredients required
The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy in every bite
An absolute showstopper for parties and potlucks
Always a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike

Key Ingredients for Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bacon

Bacon is the undeniable star of this snack, providing smoky, salty, and savory flavor. Use regular, not thick-cut, bacon to ensure it crisps up beautifully and cooks at the same rate as the crackers. For easy prep, slice the strips into thirds or quarters so you get the perfect amount of bacon on each cracker. Pork bacon delivers classic flavor, but you could swap in turkey bacon for a lighter variation-just watch the cook time as it crisps up a bit faster.

Parmesan Cheese

A generous sprinkle of Parmesan brings nutty, salty depth that pairs flawlessly with the bacon and sugar. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste, but pre-grated works in a pinch. Parmesan is the classic choice, but you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor; just note it's a tad saltier.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar gives these crackers their signature candied crunch and just the right touch of sweetness to balance the salty elements. Light or dark brown sugar both work well. No brown sugar handy? Maple sugar or coconut sugar give nice flavor twists, but the color and taste will be a bit different.

Buttery Crackers

Buttery crackers like Club or Ritz are the best canvas for these bites; they stay crisp under the toppings and offer a rich, flaky texture. Stick with classic varieties for best results. If you prefer, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free crackers, but choose sturdy ones to avoid sogginess.

Black Pepper

A dash of black pepper wakes up the flavors and gives the finished bites a barely-there spicy warmth. Freshly ground is preferred for extra zing. Want a bolder kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the brown sugar mix.

Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers cooking process

Instructions for Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup) and set a wire rack on top if you have one. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds to fit perfectly on your crackers.

Assemble the Crackers

Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle a mound of Parmesan cheese on each cracker so they're well covered but not overflowing. Lay a piece of bacon on top of each cheesy cracker.

Add Brown Sugar and Pepper

Sprinkle a generous pinch of brown sugar over each bacon-topped cracker, gently patting it so it sticks to the bacon. Finish with a touch of freshly ground black pepper on each.

Bake Until Crispy and Caramelized

Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, the cheese is melted, and the brown sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on the oven after 20 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary and you don't want the crackers to burn.

Cool and Serve

Let the crackers cool on the rack for 5 minutes to allow the cheese and sugar to set. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best crunchy, caramelized texture.

Recipe Variations

Sweet and Spicy Twist

If you love a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes into the brown sugar before adding it to the crackers. This gives every bite a delightful sweet-and-spicy finish you'll crave!

Maple Bacon Version

Swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a deeper, smokier sweetness. Just brush a little maple syrup directly onto the bacon before baking and finish with Parmesan as usual.

Cheddar Swap

Parmesan is classic, but sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite hard cheeses also work beautifully. Experiment to find your ultimate cheesy combo.

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free crackers in place of standard buttery crackers. Just ensure they're sturdy and not too thin, so they hold up during baking.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Try using vegetarian bacon strips or coconut bacon for a meatless-but still flavor-packed-twist. Adjust baking time as needed, since veggie bacon cooks quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers are delightful on their own as a crave-worthy snack, but they also make an amazing addition to any appetizer platter. Serve them with lightly pickled vegetables, a tangy mustard dip, or alongside a cheese and charcuterie board. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, bake them on a wire rack at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Freezing isn't recommended, as the crackers can lose their texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the crackers a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

A: Absolutely, though freshly grated Parmesan melts a little better and gives a richer flavor. Pre-shredded is handy and gets the job done.

Q: What’s the best way to keep these warm for a party?

A: Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve. This helps keep them crisp and melty.

Whether you're hosting a holiday bash or just want to snack in style, these Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers never disappoint! They're easy, fun, and totally addictive. Give this recipe a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how you liked it!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 214 ratings