If you’re in search of a quick and delicious snack that offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty, look no further than Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of caramel with the satisfying crunch of oyster crackers, creating a snack that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a tasty bite, these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the perfect choice. Let’s explore how to create this mouthwatering treat in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 9 oz. bag of oyster crackers
- 2 sticks of salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Kosher or table salt
- 1 ½ Tbsp butter
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven will be at the perfect temperature to bake the crackers and caramel mixture evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Next, line a large baking sheet (one with sides) with parchment paper. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan and make cleanup much easier. Pour your oyster crackers onto the baking sheet, spreading them out in an even layer. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 sticks of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly to ensure that the butter and sugar combine well and do not burn.
Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. At this point, the mixture should start to lighten in color and become smooth. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent the caramel from burning and to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Coat the Crackers
Once the caramel sauce is ready, pour it over the oyster crackers on the baking sheet. Using a rubber spoon or spatula, stir the crackers to ensure they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Crackers
Sprinkle the coated crackers with a generous pinch of kosher or table salt. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. This will allow the caramel to set and the crackers to become crispy.
Step 6: Stir and Cool
After baking, remove the crackers from the oven and stir them around once more to ensure they are evenly coated with the caramel. Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the parchment paper with the crackers from the pan and allow them to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
Enjoy Your Creation
Once the crackers have cooled, they are ready to enjoy. These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are perfect for snacking on their own or for serving as a part of a larger spread at gatherings. The combination of the sweet caramel and the salty crackers creates a flavor profile that is incredibly addictive.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions. Here are some ideas for when to serve these delightful treats:
- Party Snack: Serve them in a bowl at a party or gathering. They’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Movie Night: Enjoy them as a sweet and salty treat during a movie night at home.
- Gifts: Package them in decorative bags or jars to give as gifts during the holidays or as a thoughtful homemade present.
- Potluck: Bring them to a potluck or picnic. They’re easy to transport and will stand out among other dishes.
Tips for Customizing Your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
While this basic recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to suit your preferences or to add a unique twist. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the crackers have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Pretzel Mix: Combine the oyster crackers with mini pretzels before adding the caramel for a variety of textures.
Nutritional Information
While these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a treat, it’s always good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (assuming about 20 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 150-170 calories
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
These values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie or fat content, you could experiment with using less butter or a sugar substitute.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. The combination of the rich, buttery caramel with the crunchy, salty crackers makes for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, these bites are sure to be a hit.
With easy-to-follow steps and the possibility for endless customization, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious Salted Caramel Cracker Bites can be? Enjoy the process of making them, and most importantly, savor every sweet and salty bite!
Print
Irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites: A Delectable Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 40 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are an irresistible treat that combines the sweet and salty flavors of caramel and crackers with a touch of chocolate. These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking, holiday gifts, or party desserts. They are easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 9 oz. bag of Oyster crackers
- 2 sticks of salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla
- Kosher or table salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Line a large baking sheet (with sides) with parchment paper and pour your crackers out in an even layer. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter completely and then add the brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.
Stir constantly until the butter is fully incorporated and comes to a rolling boil. Allow to cook, continuing to stir constantly, for 1-3 minutes until the mixture turns lighter in color and is smooth.
Pour the mixture over your crackers and, using a rubber spoon or spatula, stir to coat all of the crackers well. Sprinkle them with salt and bake for 7-9 minutes. Stir them around again to be sure they are coated well. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then remove the parchment paper from the pan. Allow to cool another 10 minutes and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg