These Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers are a tasty little snack that’s perfect for parties or movie nights! Creamy cheese mixed with crunchy bacon makes a winning combo that everyone loves.
Honestly, who can resist this delightful mix? I often find myself snacking on them while watching my favorite show. So easy to make, and even easier to eat—just try not to eat them all at once! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a nice crunch. If you can’t find saltines, consider using butter crackers or even Ritz for a buttery flavor.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! You could substitute with neufchâtel for a lighter option. Vegan cream cheese also works great for dairy-free diets.
Bacon: While regular bacon is tasty, turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon alternatives are fantastic substitutes. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives are lovely for garnish but feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or thyme for a unique touch!
How Do You Ensure the Bacon Is Perfectly Cooked on the Crackers?
The key to crispy bacon on these crackers lies in partially cooking it first. This step helps prevent the bacon from becoming too tough or burnt in the oven.
- Cook bacon over medium heat until it’s just flexible, not crispy—about 4-5 minutes.
- Slice each piece into smaller bits before placing it on the cream cheese. This allows for even coverage.
- Keep an eye during baking to ensure your bacon gets crispy without overcooking!
How to Make Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 16-20) square saltine crackers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices bacon
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Estimated Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Altogether, you can have these delicious snacks ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important as it ensures your crackers will bake evenly!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are partially cooked (flexible but not fully crispy). This will help them cook perfectly on the crackers without burning later in the oven.
3. Cut the Bacon:
Once the bacon is cooked, lay the slices on a cutting board. Cut each strip into smaller pieces that will fit nicely on top of your crackers—usually about 2-3 pieces per bacon strip should be perfect!
4. Spread the Cream Cheese:
Take your softened cream cheese and spread about 1 teaspoon onto each saltine cracker. Make sure it’s evenly coated for that creamy goodness in every bite.
5. Add Bacon on Top:
Place a piece of the cut bacon on top of the cream cheese on each cracker. Make sure each cracker gets its fair share of bacon. Yum!
6. Arrange and Prepare for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over it. Arrange your bacon-covered crackers on the sheet or rack, making sure they’re spread out and not touching.
7. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out! You want the bacon to be crispy and the cream cheese slightly warm.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, take the crackers out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cream Cheese Bacon Crackers are now ready to be served! They’re perfect for sharing (or not!) as a delicious snack or appetizer. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy, and savory bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cracker?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers offer a great crunch, you can use butter crackers, Ritz, or even whole grain crackers for a different flavor profile and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Crackers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they often vanish quickly!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Just keep in mind that they might lose some crunch over time!
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
No problem! Turkey bacon or even veggie bacon are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly. You can also skip the bacon altogether for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese and cracker assembly ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture!