Cheddar Bacon Crackers

These bacon crackers are the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can pull them out of the oven. Buttery crackers form the base, sharp cheddar melts just enough to hug the chewy candied bacon, and everything gets showered in a sweet-heat brown sugar seasoning that caramelizes low and slow in the oven. They’re salty, sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for one more—the ultimate poppable party bite.

These Cheddar Bacon Crackers Are…

• Perfect game day food for football parties, tailgates, and watch nights
• Easy party snacks that can be prepped quickly with minimal ingredients
• Sweet, smoky, and spicy thanks to the brown sugar seasoning blend
• Poppable and shareable, making them ideal for grazing tables
• Baked low and slow for perfectly chewy-crisp bacon and caramelized edges

Behind This Recipe

Game day food is a big deal in our house. We love football, we love gathering around the TV, and we really love bacon—so snacks are never an afterthought on weekends like these. I’m always looking for new, easy ways to make something fun and crowd-pleasing that I can share with my family and my internet food community.

These bacon crackers were inspired by two longtime favorites: my Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites and my viral Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers. This version combines the ease of a cracker snack with the bold, sweet-savory punch of candied bacon—no wrapping required, just layering and baking.

Key Ingredients

A few simple ingredients do all the heavy lifting here, and each one plays a role. Be sure to review my full recipe card below for detailed measurements.

• Buttery crackers (like Ritz) – Create a rich, sturdy base that holds up to the toppings
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness of the seasoning
• Bacon – The star of the show; it renders into the cracker while absorbing the brown sugar spice blend
• Brown sugar – Caramelizes in the oven, coating the bacon crackers with sweet crunch
• Chili powder & chipotle powder – Bring smoky warmth and subtle heat
• Paprika & cayenne – Add color and customizable spice
• Garlic & onion powder – Round out the seasoning with savory balance
• Red pepper flakes – Finish with a little extra kick (optional but recommended)

How to Store, Reheat & Serve Leftovers

These bacon crackers reheat beautifully and are just as irresistible the second time around. The best part is that they do not need to be served warm – room temperature is ideal.

To store:
We simply throw the leftovers in a zip-top bag or an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Remove them from the fridge and allow to sit for 30 minutes to remove the chill. Place leftover bacon crackers on a baking rack set over a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and brought back to life. This keeps the bacon from getting greasy and reactivates the caramelized brown sugar coating. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crackers and dulls their texture.

How to serve leftovers:
Serve warm or at room temperature as an easy snack, party nibble, or game day appetizer. Leftover bacon crackers are great added to a grazing board with cheeses, nuts, and pickles, or set out in a bowl for casual snacking. If you’re hosting, a quick reheat before kickoff brings them right back to life.

How to Make Bacon Crackers

These bacon crackers come together through simple layering and a low-temperature bake that ensures everything cooks perfectly without burning.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 300°F and setting up a baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack on top. This setup lets the bacon cook evenly while excess fat drips away and doesn’t leave you a big mess.
2. Lay the buttery crackers out in a single layer – think neat rows with a little breathing room. Top each cracker with a cracker-cut square of sharp cheddar, just large enough to cover the surface without hanging too far over the edges.
3. Next, place a 2-inch piece of bacon directly on top of the cheese. Don’t worry if it looks tall at first; everything settles as it bakes.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and spices until the mixture looks sandy and evenly blended. Spoon or pinch the seasoning generously over each bacon cracker. You want a visible coating so it caramelizes into that sticky, sweet crust.
5. Finish with a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of additional heat if desired, then slide the pan into the oven.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, until the bacon is deeply golden, the sugar is bubbling and caramelized, and the edges look crisp. Let the bacon crackers cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll firm up slightly as they rest and become perfectly poppable.

Looking for More Game Day Food?

• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
• The Best Street Corn Salad
• Italian Grinder Sliders
• Jalapeno Popper Hot Corn Dip
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

If you make these bacon crackers, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share how you served them for game day. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next party.