Spicy Candied Bacon Crackers with Jalapenos

These spicy candied bacon crackers are hands-down one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into a show-stopping snack. The sweet and smoky flavor of the candied bacon, the crunch of the cracker, and the heat from the jalapeno all come together for a perfect combination that you’ll want to make again and again.

If you’re anything like me, candied bacon is your weakness! This recipe for spicy candied bacon crackers takes the concept of candied bacon to a new level, combining bacon strips with a touch of spice, a hint of sweetness, and that perfectly crisp cracker base. 

As they cook, the crackers soak up the sweet bacon fat for an unbelievably buttery, crispy flavor. You get the sweet, smoky flavor first, but then then a little heat comes in from the jalapeno and red pepper flakes. They're so snackable and the perfect bite-sized treat for any game day party, holiday gathering, and more.

Whether you’ve seen me make these on social media or are just now hearing about them, I’m so glad you’re here to give them a try. These are the ultimate tasty treat for any gathering—or just for yourself if you’re up for it.

Love bacon-infused snacks just like me? Try this Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon or this out-of-control Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Fireball Glaze.

Ingredients

• Club Crackers - Or another buttery cracker. 
• Brown Sugar - To help candy the bacon. Either light or dark brown sugar will work.
• Seasonings - Season with black pepper, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder/
• Regular bacon - Either thin or regular-cut bacon. I don’t recommend thick cut bacon for this as it’s going to take too long to cook through and your sugar mixture will likely burn and produce off-flavors when cooking.  
• Sliced jalapeno - For a little heat. The jalapeno basically candies with the sugar from the bacon, so it ends up being absolutely delicious.

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• Preheat oven or smoker to 350F.
• Slice the jalapeno, set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the Brown Sugar, Red Pepper, Garlic Powder and Black Pepper and set aside. Mix well to combine.
• Slice a slab of bacon in half and wrap each half slice of bacon around the edges of the crackers, making sure that the part where the ends of the piece of bacon meet is on the bottom.
• Place bacon wrapped cracker on a wire rack in a single layer, being careful not to touch. If any pieces of bacon are touching, they won't crisp up.
• Place a pinch of the sugar mixture on top of each bacon wrapped cracker and spread evenly with your finger.
• Add a slice of jalapeno on top of each one and place in oven or smoker.
• Cook for 30-35 minutes until bacon is caramelized and turning an amber color but not burning. Check after 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven/smoker and allow to sit on the wire rack for minimum 15 minutes. This will allow the crackers to crisp back up as they absorbed the bacon grease will cooking.

You’re looking for that perfect caramelized color—a rich amber that tells you the caramelized sugar is ready and the bacon candy is cooked through.

Here’s a little trick: when the candied bacon crackers come out of the oven, they’ll still be a little soft. This is totally normal since the crackers have been absorbing all that delicious bacon grease while cooking. Let them sit on the wire rack for at least 15 minutes—this is key for that crispy edges texture. As the crackers cool – the crisp back up.

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Storing Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or two, though they’re truly best enjoyed on the same day. You can even crumble them over French toast for an extra indulgent breakfast food topping—talk about a flavor bomb! This amazing recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative with it.

Tips & Variations

• Use a large rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips for easy cleanup. A piece of parchment paper on there makes the cleanup even easier.
• Keep a close eye on the crackers toward the end of the baking time. Bacon can go from caramelized to burnt pretty fast! If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the jalapeno or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
• To get that millionaire’s bacon feel, go for pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a more classic maple bacon vibe.

How to Serve

Now my favorite part, let’s dig into the spicy candied bacon crackers.  Serve them soon after cooking and they’ll be a hit with everyone that tries them.  They are perfect for the big game, tailgate, or as a snack for brunch.

You can serve them on their own or with your favorite dip, like my Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball. Pair with your favorite appetizers, like my Dr. Pepper Little Smokie recipe or some of my Chicken Fried Jalapeno Poppers. It's fun to share them with friends and see what they think!

FAQs

More Candied Bacon Recipes

• Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon
• Spicy Candied Bacon
• Billionaire Bacon Twists
• Candied Bacon Waffles
• How to Make Candied Bacon Butter

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