Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers are perfect little bites of yum! Tasty cream cheese pairs with crispy bacon on crunchy crackers, making a treat everyone loves.
Who can resist that crispy, cheesy combo? I whip these up for parties, and they’re always gone in a flash! They’re super easy to make, which means more time to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a great crunch and a bit of saltiness. If you can’t find saltines, try using Ritz crackers or any other plain cracker to keep that crunchy texture.
Cream Cheese: This is the base and gives the dip its creamy texture. You can use light cream cheese for a lower-fat option or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re maintaining a specific diet.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds a nice tangy flavor. You can swap it with mozzarella for a milder taste, or use pepper jack for a kick!
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a flavor boost. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can work too, but they may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Bacon?
Getting your bacon crispy is essential for this recipe. Here’s my method for perfectly cooked bacon:
- Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. This will save on cleanup later.
- Arrange your bacon slices closely but not touching. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it! Some bacon cooks faster than others. You want it crispy but not burnt.
- Let it drain on paper towels after baking to absorb extra grease and maintain that crunch.
How to Make Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 slices of bacon
- Optional: a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or fried onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake the bacon plus an additional 30 minutes to chill before serving. So, expect to spend around 1 hour in total, but it’s totally worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook the bacon so it gets nice and crispy!
2. Bake the Bacon:
Lay out the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Make sure they’re not overlapping. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching closely until they are crispy. Once done, remove from the oven, place the bacon on paper towels to absorb excess grease, and let them cool. After cooling, cut each slice into halves or thirds so they fit perfectly on the crackers.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the bacon is baking, grab a medium bowl and combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix it together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your crackers!
4. Assemble the Crackers:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a cracker and spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of it. Make sure to cover it well. Next, place a piece of crispy bacon directly on top of the cream cheese layer on each cracker.
5. Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional):
If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or fried onions on top of each cracker. This gives them a nice touch and even more flavor!
6. Chill Out:
Arrange all your assembled crackers on a serving tray and pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the toppings set nicely and makes them easier to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers are ready to be served! They’re delicious either chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a tasty snack for yourself!
Enjoy these rich, creamy, and crispy bites as a delightful finger food or special treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese for extra creaminess, mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for some heat!
How Can I Make These Crackers Vegetarian?
You can easily switch to vegetarian bacon or omit the bacon altogether. Try adding sliced olives or roasted peppers for flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crackers may soften slightly, but they’re still flavorful!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the crackers and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Just wait to add any optional toppings like fried onions until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
