Bacon Cracker Appetizers
Suppose you love being the holiday guest who brings the treat everyone raves about. In that case, I have the recipe for you: these holiday bacon cracker appetizers made with Club crackers and Parmesan are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory.
One of my favorite go-to appetizers for festive holiday gatherings and dinners, these addictive bundles of bacon and buttery crackers deliver a savory crunch. And the tangy cheese takes them to the next level. Being bite-sized, they’re super convenient party snacks.
They’re always a hit with my family and friends, so if you make them, have this link ready to pass along the recipe!
Something else you will love about these holiday bacon appetizers? They’re incredibly easy to make, leaving you time to celebrate the occasion instead of being in a rush to prepare a dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time.
What goes best with holiday bacon cracker appetizers?
Let’s say you aren’t bringing them to a party but planning your own spread. So, what else to serve with savory bacon crackers? Another advantage of these apps is they are versatile. They can be standalone snacks or paired with other dishes for a well-rounded seasonal spread.
For more appetizer options to create a party spread, serve them with a charcuterie board, deviled eggs, and fresh veggie and fruit trays.
You can make these bacon appetizers part of a main course by pairing them with my Thanksgiving salad with hot bacon dressing, a roasted vegetable salad, or alongside this creamy, cheesy potato soup.
Serve with festive cocktails or mocktails, like a cranberry spritzer or warmed, mulled cider. And of course, this is the best time of year for traditional hot wassail!
Typical seasonal spreads include their share of classic holiday desserts. It’s hard to pick favorites, but you can start with this pumpkin pie, peppermint bark cookies, and holiday pecan snowball cookies.
Ingredients needed to make holiday bacon appetizers
I promised you simple, and these really are. Here’s your short list of items to gather for whipping up a batch of these goodies.
- Club Crackers: Form the buttery, crunchy center.
- Bacon: The piece of bacon hugs the crackers in rich, salty, savory flavors and satisfying texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends a rich, tangy flavor and forms a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Brown Sugar: Brings a sweet, caramelized layer that contrasts with the salty bacon.
- Crushed Red Pepper or Chili Powder: Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Aluminum foil
Frequently asked questions about holiday bacon easy appetizers
Besides “Can I have this recipe?” here are a few other questions you may have with answers. Let me know in the comments section if you have a question I haven’t covered, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can I make these bacon appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the appetizers up to 24 hours in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake them as directed and enjoy!
Can I use other types of crackers or cheese?
While Club crackers and Parmesan cheese are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different crackers or cheese varieties to suit your preferences. Some popular variations include Ritz crackers, Townhouse crackers, or sharp cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.
Can I make these candy bacon crackers in the microwave?
While you can cook bacon in the microwave, don’t try it with these apps, which bake all together. You need the slow baking at low heat and bit of broiling time to give them their crunchy texture.
Tips for doubling the recipe for a larger crowd?
You may need to use multiple baking sheets to accommodate a larger batch and adjust the baking time accordingly. As a rule of thumb, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time for each batch you add to the oven at once. Keep an eye on them as they bake and adjust the time as needed.
To ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. This will help them crisp up evenly and cook to perfection.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Allow the appetizers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try
If you like this recipe for holiday bacon appetizers, you will love these other yummy recipes.
- Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- BLT Loaded Tater Tots
- Creamy Mac and Cheese (Grandma’s Recipe)
- Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
- Stuffed Italian Chicken Roll-Ups
Bacon Cracker Appetizers
Equipment
- Baking pan
- Wire Rack
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Club crackers ~ 40 crackers
- 20 slices of bacon
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper or chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on it.
- Cut the bacon pieces in half.
- Lacy crackers on the wire rack. Top each cracker with 1 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese.
- Lightly stretch out the cut pieces of bacon and wrap it around a cracker.
- Put about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar on each bacon-wrapped cracker. Sprinkle the tops with red pepper or chili powder.
- Bake for 2 hours and then broil on high for 3-5 minutes (watch them closely) until the brown sugar is caramelized and crispy on top.
- Serve appetizers immediately or at room temperature.