The Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Crackers recipe is a delightful and incredibly simple appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, this three-ingredient wonder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I stumbled upon this recipe while watching her show one morning and was instantly intrigued. Luckily, I had all the ingredients on hand, so I decided to give it a try immediately. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed! My husband and I couldn’t get enough of these savory bites, and they disappeared in a flash when I served them at our New Year’s Eve party.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Crackers with parmesan cheese, showcasing the crispy bacon and melted cheese on top of a cracker.
What makes these bacon wrapped crackers so special? It’s the effortless combination of salty bacon, buttery crackers, and savory Parmesan cheese. The best part? You can easily prepare these ahead of time and even freeze them, making them an ideal appetizer for busy holidays or impromptu gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party or simply craving a delicious snack, Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped crackers are sure to be a hit.
Why Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Crackers Are a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile and satisfying. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need three basic ingredients: crackers, bacon, and Parmesan cheese (or brown sugar for a sweet and savory twist).
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have these appetizers ready for the oven in minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and freeze until you’re ready to bake, saving you valuable time when entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The irresistible combination of crispy bacon, savory cheese, and buttery crackers is a guaranteed win for any palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday parties and game day gatherings to casual appetizer nights, these bacon wrapped crackers are always a welcome treat.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Crackers
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these addictive appetizers:
- Club Crackers: The buttery and slightly salty flavor of Club crackers provides the perfect base.
- Thin Sliced Bacon: Thin bacon cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully, wrapping snugly around the crackers.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Optional: Brown Sugar – For a caramelized sweet and savory variation, substitute brown sugar for Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Wrapped Crackers
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped crackers:
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place a baking rack on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and the bacon to crisp up nicely.
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Arrange Crackers and Add Cheese: Lay your crackers face up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each cracker.
Preparation steps for Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Crackers, showing crackers laid out on a baking sheet and topped with parmesan cheese before being wrapped in bacon. -
Wrap with Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half. Carefully wrap each cheese-covered cracker with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the cracker is completely covered and the bacon fits snugly. Be gentle to prevent the cheese from falling off.
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Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the bacon-wrapped crackers on the baking rack and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. These are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations for Bacon Wrapped Crackers
- Freezing for Later: Prepare the bacon-wrapped crackers up to the baking step, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
- Sweet and Savory Twist: For a delightful sweet and savory appetizer, replace Parmesan cheese with a sprinkle of brown sugar before wrapping with bacon. The brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a delicious glaze.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these bacon wrapped crackers as a standalone appetizer, or pair them with dips like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy cheese dip. They are also fantastic alongside a cheese and charcuterie board.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped crackers are a testament to the fact that simple recipes can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. With just three ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an appetizer that will impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you choose the classic Parmesan cheese version or opt for the sweet and savory brown sugar variation, these bacon wrapped crackers are guaranteed to disappear quickly. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this Pioneer Woman-inspired treat! For more easy and delicious appetizer ideas, be sure to check out other recipes on our site.
