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Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

Maple caramel bacon crack bites with shiny glaze are baked until the bacon is crisp and the caramel bubbles and caramelizes. Saltine crackers get wrapped in bacon and finished with peppery maple caramel for a crunchy, glossy bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bacon crack bites
  • 24 club crackers or saltines Use plain crackers for best crisping.
  • 12 thin-cut bacon Halve crosswise; wrap each cracker with one half-slice.
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar Packed for a thick caramel glaze.
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup Adds flavor and helps the caramel bubble.
  • 2 tbsp butter Melted for a smooth glaze paste.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper For a peppery balance.
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper Use a pinch if preferred for mild heat.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Prep and assemble
  1. Preheat oven to 350F, then set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet for even crisping.
  2. Wrap each cracker in a half slice of bacon, stretching it to cover, and place seam-side down on the rack.
  3. Stir brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, black pepper, and cayenne into a thick paste.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the maple mixture over each bite so the surface is glossy and coated.
Bake and finish
  1. Bake 22-25 minutes at 350F until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
  2. Cool 10 minutes on the rack so the caramel hardens before serving.

Notes

Pro tip: Keep the bacon seam-side down so the wrap holds while the glaze bubbles. Store airtight in the fridge up to 3 days; re-crisp in a 350F oven for 5 minutes. Freezing isn’t recommended because the caramel texture softens when thawed. Dietary swap: use turkey bacon for a lighter option (baking time may be 1-3 minutes longer for crispness).