Hey y'all! If you're searching for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing snack, Bacon Wrapped Cheese Crackers always steal the show. These crispy, salty, cheesy bites are the ultimate finger food—perfect for game nights, holiday get-togethers, or just when those savory snack cravings hit. They’re crunchy, gooey, smoky, and oh-so-easy to make. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- The perfect blend of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and crunchy crackers in each bite.
- Easily customizable for gluten-free or spicy snack lovers.
- The ultimate make-ahead party appetizer—just bake and serve!
- Kid-approved and guaranteed to wow a crowd at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 32 square buttery crackers (like Club or Ritz)
- 16 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half (32 pieces total)
- 16 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut into quarters (32 squares)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a bit of kick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a sweet-savory twist)
Directions
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Set a rack on the sheet if you want extra-crispy bacon.
- Arrange crackers on your workspace. Place a slice of cheese on each cracker.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each cheese-topped cracker with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the seam is on the underside, then place seam-side down on the baking rack or sheet.
- Sprinkle black pepper or brown sugar over the top, if desired.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking. (Check at 15 minutes to avoid over-browning.)
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving—the cheese will be hot and gooey!
Notes
- Thin-cut bacon works best and crisps up faster than thick-cut.
- Using a rack helps render the bacon fat and keeps the crackers crisp.
- For minimal mess, line your baking tray with foil or parchment.
Variations
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Swap in gluten-free crackers for a gluten-friendly version.
- Brush bacon with maple syrup or hot honey before baking for a sweet-savory flavor.
Required Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Baking rack (optional, for crispier bacon)
- Sharp knife
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Storage Instructions
- Store cooled Bacon Wrapped Cheese Crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with ranch or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Pair with cold beer or sparkling cider for the perfect party vibe.
- Perfect alongside a veggie platter, chips and salsa, or mixed nuts.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overstuff with cheese—just a single quarter-slice prevents excess oozing.
- If using thick-cut bacon, increase bake time by 5 minutes or pre-cook it slightly.
- Let crackers cool slightly before moving for the cheese to set and avoid breakage.
FAQ
Can I make Bacon Wrapped Cheese Crackers ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble ahead, refrigerate (up to 24 hours), then bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze these snacks?
Absolutely. Freeze baked crackers in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in oven for best texture.
What's the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar delivers amazing flavor and meltiness, but feel free to use your favorite, like Gouda or Swiss.
Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 32 crackers
Ingredients
- 24 buttery rectangular crackers (such as Club Crackers)
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into cubes
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
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2In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
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3Spread about ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of a cracker. Top with a cube of cheddar cheese and place another cracker on top, forming a sandwich.
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4Wrap each cracker sandwich with half a slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath the sandwich. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese has melted. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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