Candied Bacon Cracker Bites

Posted by Boss Hog Credit: Thespruceeats.com on Dec 12th 2023

The holidays wouldn't be right without all those special treats we enjoy this time of year. How about something salty, creamy, crispy and sweet?  These tasty Bacon Bites should be added to the list of must haves, although they're great year round.

• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 orange, like navel or cara cara
• 30 salted buttery crackers, such as Townhouse or Club (about 1 sleeve)
• 15 pitted medjool dates, halved
• 10 to 12 ounces bacon strips cut crosswise into thirds
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 300 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over it.
2. Put 4 ounces cream cheese, softened in a medium bowl, then zest and juice 1 orange over the top. Stir until combined. You can add the orange juice to taste, if desired, you may not use all of it.
3. Dollop about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the salted side of each cracker, then top each with a date half.
4. Lay a piece of bacon over the top of each, and place on the prepared rack. Sprinkle each cracker with about 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar.
5. Bake until the bacon is crisp and glazed with the sugar, 50 to 60 minutes.
6. Cool for at least 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle and the caramelized sugar has hardened on the bacon.