Savory-Sweet Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe
These Savory-Sweet Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a quick and irresistible snack combining the crunch of oyster crackers with a rich, buttery caramel coating finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of cracker bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups oyster crackers
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (high-quality preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for finishing sprinkle)
Optional Add-Ins
- nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- pretzel crisps (for a twist)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the caramel-coated crackers.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Spread the Crackers: Evenly distribute the 2 cups of oyster crackers across the lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter until fully liquefied.
- Boil the Mixture: Add 1 cup brown sugar to the melted butter and stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- Coat the Crackers: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the oyster crackers, using a spatula to ensure all crackers are well coated. Optionally, add nuts, chocolate chips, or pretzel crisps at this stage if desired.
- Bake the Bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes, allowing the caramel to bubble and set around the crackers.
- Cool and Break Apart: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel cracker bites to cool completely. Once cooled, break them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt to finish.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is poured while warm to coat the crackers evenly.
- Watch the baking time carefully to prevent burning the caramel; 7-9 minutes is ideal.
- For a fun twist, substitute some oyster crackers with pretzel crisps for added crunch and flavor.
- Optional nuts or chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top right after coating with caramel and before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Keywords: salted caramel, cracker bites, oyster crackers, savory sweet snack, quick dessert, caramel snack
