Description
This irresistible bacon saltine cracker candy combines crispy crackers, gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and smoky bacon for the ultimate sweet and savory game day treat. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for parties or snacking anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 40 saltine crackers (regular salted)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 226g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (220g)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340g)
- Pinch flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels, cool, then chop or crumble.
- Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line another rimmed baking sheet (10×15 inches) with fresh parchment or foil. Lay saltine crackers in a single, tight layer to cover the pan.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a gentle boil (about 4-5 minutes). Once boiling, let bubble for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Carefully pour hot caramel over saltines, spreading quickly and evenly with a spatula. Bake for 5 minutes; caramel will bubble and soak into crackers.
- Remove pan from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until chips are glossy and soft, then spread into a smooth layer. If chips aren’t melting, return pan to oven for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly over melted chocolate. Press lightly so it sticks. Add flaky sea salt or extra toppings if desired.
- Let candy cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to fridge for 1 hour until fully set (or freezer for 20 minutes).
- Lift candy out of pan using parchment edges. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. If chocolate cracks, let it warm up a bit before cutting.
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for best crunch. For gluten-free, use GF crackers; for dairy-free, use vegan butter and chocolate chips. Caramel sets quickly, so spread fast. Candy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temp, or frozen for up to 2 months. Customize with nuts, chili flakes, or white chocolate drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 2-inch square)
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: bacon cracker candy, game day snacks, sweet and salty, easy dessert, party food, football treats, Christmas crack, bacon recipes