Boursin Candied Bacon Crackers

If you’re looking for a quick and impressive appetizer that everyone will rave about, these Boursin Bacon Crackers are it. Buttery Club crackers are layered with creamy Boursin cheese, topped with smoky bacon, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for that perfect touch of sweet heat. As they bake, the brown sugar caramelizes while the bacon crisps and the cheese melts into a savory, creamy base — creating the most irresistible bite-size snack.

They’re the kind of easy, no-fuss appetizer that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your guests ask for the recipe before they even finish the first one. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a game-day spread, or just want something simple yet special for a cozy night in, these Boursin Bacon Crackers always deliver. Sweet, salty, creamy, and crisp — every bite feels like a little holiday magic.

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Why You’ll Love These Bacon Crackers

• Ridiculously easy: You only need three basic ingredients—bacon, crackers, and brown sugar. No measuring cups, no fancy prep, and no stress.
• Sweet + salty perfection: The brown sugar caramelizes in the oven while the bacon crisps, giving you that perfect golden glaze with every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser: These vanish faster than any dip or cheese board. Everyone from kids to grandparents loves them.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble them the night before and pop them in the oven right before guests arrive. Instant party win!
• Perfect for every occasion: They fit seamlessly into any holiday spread, game day table, or casual Friday night snack board.
• Minimal cleanup: With parchment paper or foil, cleanup is a breeze—no greasy mess to scrub.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a Christmas open house, or a backyard BBQ, these bacon crackers are the kind of snack that turns any gathering into something special.

Simple Ingredients to Make Boursin Bacon Crackers

You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card below, but here’s a closer look at what makes these bacon crackers so perfect:

• Boursin cheese: Soft, herby, and spreadable — this adds a creamy layer of flavor that takes these crackers over the top.
• Buttery crackers: Club crackers (or any similar rectangular style) hold up best in the oven.
• Bacon: Thin-sliced bacon crisps evenly and doesn’t overpower the cracker.
• Light brown sugar: Adds the perfect caramelized sweetness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A little sprinkle adds that subtle “sweet heat” that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Pro Tip: Use scissors to cut bacon. Trust me, it makes life so much easier.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & prep: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you want crispier bacon, set a wire rack on top.
2. Lay out the crackers: Arrange your Club crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan.
3. Spread the Boursin: Using a butter knife or small spatula, spread a thin layer of Boursin cheese on each cracker. This creamy base melts slightly as it bakes, giving that irresistible savory flavor.
4. Add the bacon: Cut thin-sliced bacon into small pieces (about one-third or half strips). Place one piece on top of each cracker.
5. Sprinkle the sweetness: Add about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar over each cracker, letting it coat the bacon evenly.
6. Add the heat: Lightly sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you want them.
7. Bake: Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the brown sugar is bubbling and caramelized.
8. Cool & serve: Let the crackers cool for about 5–10 minutes. They’ll firm up as the sugar sets, becoming perfectly crunchy on the edges and melty in the center.

Watch How to Make Boursin Bacon Crackers

If you’re a visual learner, this quick video will walk you through exactly how to make these irresistible Boursin Bacon Crackers from start to finish. You’ll see how I layer creamy Boursin cheese onto buttery Club crackers, top them with smoky bacon, sprinkle with brown sugar, and finish with crushed red pepper flakes for that perfect balance of sweet heat.

Tips & Variations for Perfect Boursin Bacon Crackers Every Time

These easy tips and creative variations will help you customize your Boursin Bacon Crackers for any occasion — from cozy family nights to elegant holiday parties — and make sure they turn out perfectly crisp, creamy, and full of flavor every single time.

• Choose your Boursin wisely: Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic, but Shallot & Chive adds mild onion flavor, and Cracked Black Pepper gives a touch of spice. Around the holidays, try Fig & Balsamic or Rosemary & Black Garlic for a festive twist.
• Adjust the heat: Crushed red pepper flakes bring that addictive sweet-heat balance. Add a light sprinkle for subtle warmth or more for a kick. For extra flavor, drizzle with hot honey or spicy maple syrup right after baking.
• Use thin-cut bacon: Thin bacon crisps evenly without overpowering the cracker. If using thick-cut, bake a few extra minutes and blot with paper towels to keep things crisp, not greasy.
• Spread the cheese edge to edge: Make sure the Boursin fully covers the cracker surface. It helps the bacon stick and ensures the brown sugar caramelizes evenly.
• Add a sweet finish: After baking, brush with a little warm maple syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze for a glossy look and deeper caramel flavor — like candied bacon made elegant.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

These Boursin Bacon Crackers are one of those magical appetizers you can prep ahead, store easily, and reheat without losing that irresistible crunch. Here’s how to make hosting effortless:

Make-Ahead

• Assemble the day before: Prepare everything — spread the Boursin, add the bacon, sprinkle the brown sugar and crushed red pepper — and place the crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Bake straight from the fridge: No need to bring to room temperature! Pop them straight into a preheated 350°F oven and simply add 3–5 extra minutes to your baking time.
• No soggy crackers: The creamy Boursin acts as a barrier, keeping your crackers crisp even after chilling overnight.
• Batch prep for parties: Hosting a crowd? Assemble multiple trays and refrigerate. Bake one sheet at a time as guests arrive so your home smells amazing and the snacks stay warm and fresh.
• Time-saving trick: If fridge space is tight, layer the assembled crackers between sheets of parchment paper in a large airtight container.

Storage

• Cool completely before storing: Let your crackers cool fully before transferring them to a container — this keeps condensation from softening the bacon.
• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Room-temperature serving: You can serve them straight from the fridge or let them sit out for about 15 minutes before your guests arrive — they’ll taste just as delicious.
• Freezer-friendly option: Freeze unbaked assembled crackers on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

• Oven method (best texture): Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until the bacon re-crisps and the sugar is glossy again. This keeps them perfectly crunchy.
• Air fryer method (quick fix): Pop a few into the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes — it brings them right back to life and adds extra crisp edges.
• Avoid the microwave: While tempting for convenience, microwaving makes the crackers soft and chewy instead of crisp. Stick to oven or air fryer reheating for the best results.
• Party hosting tip: Keep a small tray warming in the oven at 200°F during your gathering so fresh, warm crackers are always ready to serve.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin cheese gives these crackers that creamy, herby richness that melts beautifully under the bacon, you can easily swap in garlic and herb cream cheese, goat cheese, or Alouette spread. For a sharper bite, try mixing a little shredded Parmesan or Gruyère into your spread. The key is using a soft, spreadable cheese that helps the bacon and brown sugar caramelize perfectly on top.

Do I have to use thin-sliced bacon?
Yes — thin-sliced bacon really is best for this recipe. It crisps up evenly in the oven without overpowering the cracker or the cheese. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and can release too much fat, which softens the crackers. If you only have thick-cut on hand, pre-bake the strips for 8–10 minutes before wrapping so they start crisping before assembling.

How spicy are they with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The heat level is mild and balances beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar. The crushed red pepper doesn’t make them “hot,” it just gives a tiny kick at the end of each bite. If you want a stronger flavor, sprinkle a bit more before baking or drizzle with hot honey afterward. To make them kid-friendly or milder, skip the red pepper entirely — they’re still incredibly delicious!

Do I need to flip them while baking?
No flipping necessary! These bake best when left undisturbed. For the crispiest results, use a wire rack over your baking sheet so the bacon fat can drip down as it cooks. You’ll get evenly crisp bacon and perfectly caramelized sugar on top.

You’ll Also Love These Easy Holiday Appetizers

If you loved these Boursin Bacon Crackers, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my favorite festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer ideas. Each one is simple to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

• Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Bites – These adorable Christmas tree-shaped cheese bites are buttery, flaky, and filled with melty cheese. Perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to your appetizer spread!
• Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies – Another sweet-and-salty favorite! These mini smokies are wrapped in bacon, coated in brown sugar, and baked until caramelized and crispy. They’re always the first thing to disappear at every party.
• Spinach Dip Holiday Wreath Appetizer – Turn classic spinach dip into a stunning edible wreath that doubles as holiday décor! It’s creamy, cheesy, and so fun to serve on a festive board.
• Pasta and Meatball Bite Appetizers – These mini skewered pasta and meatball bites are the perfect hand-held comfort food — all the cozy flavors of Italian night, in appetizer form.
• Snowman Cheese Ball Appetizer – This adorable snowman-shaped cheese ball is as fun to make as it is to eat! Creamy, savory, and irresistibly cute, it’s the ultimate winter party centerpiece.