Homemade Bacon Crackers are savory, crispy bites packed with bits of real bacon and a subtle sharpness from cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and crisp, these crackers are perfect for snacking on their own, pairing with dips, or adding to a charcuterie or cheese board. With their irresistible flavor and crunchy texture, they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crackers offer a wonderful balance of rich, cheesy, and smoky flavors. You’ll love them because:
- They’re made with real bacon and cheddar for authentic, bold taste.
- Easy to prepare with basic pantry and fridge ingredients.
- Baked, not fried, for a crisp yet light texture.
- Perfect for parties, picnics, or an anytime snack.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings or cheeses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Pulse to combine.
- Slowly add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll out thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into squares or desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Cool before serving.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 crackers
- Calories: 120 kcal per cracker
Variations
- Herb addition: Mix in fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or chives.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat.
- Cheese change: Substitute with parmesan or gruyère for a different flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Shape variety: Use small cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Refresh in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough; thaw and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking.
How do I keep the crackers crisp?
Store them in an airtight container and cool completely before storing.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Do I need a food processor?
No, you can cut the butter into the flour by hand using a pastry cutter or fork.
Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, but the cheese adds flavor and helps bind the dough.
How thin should I roll the dough?
About 1/8 inch for a crisp texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re flavorful and fun for snacking.
What dips go well with these?
Try serving with hummus, mustard, or cream cheese spreads.
Can I sprinkle salt on top before baking?
Yes, a light sprinkle of flaky salt enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Bacon Crackers are a deliciously crispy, savory snack that combines the smoky taste of bacon with the richness of cheddar cheese. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these crackers are sure to become a favorite at parties, picnics, or casual snack times. Enjoy them on their own or as part of a larger platter for an irresistible treat.
Print
Homemade Bacon Crackers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 crackers 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Savory, crispy crackers with bits of real bacon and a hint of cheddar—baked to perfection and made for irresistible snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, pulse together flour, baking powder, salt, and butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon, pulsing to combine.
- Slowly add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together.
- Roll out dough thinly on a floured surface and cut into squares.
- Place squares on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until crisp and golden.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container to keep crackers crisp.
- Sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt before baking for extra flavor.
- Great served with dips, cheese spreads, or on a charcuterie board.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg