Looking for a simple yet addictive snack that’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty? These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are just what you need! With crunchy oyster crackers coated in a rich caramel glaze and finished with a touch of kosher salt, these bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
4 cups oyster crackers
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the crackers don’t stick during baking.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
Simmer & Add Flavor: Lower the heat and let the caramel simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
Coat the Crackers: Place the oyster crackers in a large mixing bowl and pour the caramel sauce over them. Gently toss the crackers to coat them evenly, ensuring every piece gets a good layer of caramel.
Bake: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. You’ll know they’re done when the caramel has set and the crackers are golden.
Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salted caramel cracker bites cool completely. Once cooled, break apart any clusters and enjoy this delightful treat!
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Sharing: These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are ideal for parties, gatherings, or movie nights. Serve them in a large bowl or jar for a fun, shareable snack that everyone will enjoy.
Garnish for Extra Flair: For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle a little extra sea salt or crushed pretzels on top before serving. This enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
Pair with Beverages: These bites pair beautifully with sweet beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold glass of milk. They also work well with a cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
Storage Tips:
Keep Them Fresh: Store any leftover Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing Option: If you’d like to keep them for longer, freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month, and you can enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
Avoid Humidity: To maintain their crispy texture, store these bites in a dry place. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as the humidity could affect the caramel coating.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cracker for this recipe?
Yes! While oyster crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute them with other types of crackers like saltines, butter crackers, or even pretzels. Just keep in mind that different crackers will give the bites a slightly different texture and flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for parties or events.
Can I make these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites with a dairy-free option?
Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative, such as Earth Balance or another vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
How can I prevent the caramel from burning while cooking?
To prevent the caramel from burning, be sure to stir constantly while melting the butter and adding the brown sugar. Keep the heat at medium and reduce it to low when the caramel starts to bubble. This will allow it to thicken without overheating or burning.
Conclusion:
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a great snack for any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a party, going to a potluck, or just need a treat for yourself, they’ll be gone in no time! The combination of buttery caramel and a touch of salt makes them both irresistible and unique. Easy to make, fun to eat, and incredibly delicious—what more could you ask for?
So next time you’re craving something sweet and salty, give these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites a try—you won’t regret it!
📖 Recipe:
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Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 1 cup per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the perfect sweet and salty snack, featuring crunchy oyster crackers coated in a buttery caramel glaze with a hint of kosher salt. This easy-to-make treat is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion where you crave a delicious combination of caramel and salt. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these irresistible bites in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
4 cups oyster crackers
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla paste (or extract) and kosher salt.
- Place the oyster crackers in a large mixing bowl and pour the caramel mixture over them. Toss gently to coat all crackers evenly.
- Spread the coated crackers into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the caramel is set and the crackers are golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, break apart any clusters and enjoy!
Notes
Store the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For an added flavor twist, sprinkle extra sea salt or chopped nuts on top before baking.
These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to a month. Just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Party Food
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings (approximately 1 cup per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
