Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites are the perfect sweet and salty treat for any occasion. Crispy phyllo cups hold a delightful mix of tender bacon, brown sugar, and maple syrup that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Easy to make and absolutely addictive!
Ingredients
- 2 (15 count) packages frozen phyllo cups (30 total)
- 1 lb regular-cut bacon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the phyllo cups on the baking sheet and set them aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, fry the bacon in batches until it is nearly cooked but still chewy—not crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels, then chop it into small pieces once cooled a bit.
- Step 3: Place about 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar into each phyllo cup. Add a small drizzle of maple syrup on top of the sugar. Fill each cup generously with the chopped bacon, mounding it slightly above the rim. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the bacon.
- Step 4: Bake the cups for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the phyllo is crisp, the bacon is caramelized, and the maple syrup mixture is bubbling. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use real maple syrup for a richer, deeper flavor, or pancake syrup for a more budget-friendly option.
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the phyllo cups before assembling.
- Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the brown sugar for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be rewarmed gently.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use thick-cut bacon instead of regular-cut?
Thick-cut bacon may not cook as evenly in the skillet and might be too bulky for the phyllo cups. It’s best to stick with regular-cut or thin-cut bacon for the right texture and fit.
Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the bacon and assemble the cups ahead of time, then bake them just before serving. However, baking and serving immediately will give the best caramelization and crisp texture.
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Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
Description
These Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites are irresistible bite-sized appetizers featuring crispy phyllo cups filled with sweet maple caramel and chewy bacon bits. Perfect for parties or a savory-sweet snack, they combine the smoky flavor of bacon with rich maple syrup and brown sugar caramelization for an addictive treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (15 count pkgs) frozen phyllo cups (30 total)
- 1 lb regular-cut bacon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (pancake maple syrup or real maple syrup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with cooking spray. Place the frozen phyllo cups on the baking sheet and set aside briefly to get ready for filling.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon in batches until it is just about done but still chewy, not crispy. This ensures the bacon will finish cooking with the phyllo cups in the oven. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and allow it to cool briefly. Then, chop the bacon into small bits to fit perfectly in the cups.
- Fill the phyllo cups: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar into each phyllo cup, then add a small squirt of maple syrup on top of the sugar. Next, mound the chopped bacon into each cup, filling it past the brim. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the filled cups to help create a sweet caramel topping.
- Bake to caramelize: Bake the filled phyllo cups for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cups are crisp, the bacon is caramelized and crisp, and the maple caramel is bubbly and golden. Once baked, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let the caramel set slightly.
Notes
- Use regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut for proper texture and fitting in the phyllo cups.
- You can substitute real maple syrup for pancake syrup for a more authentic maple flavor.
- Ensure bacon is not too crispy before baking, as it will continue cooking inside the oven with the cups.
- Allow the bites to cool after baking so the caramel hardens slightly for easier handling.
- Phyllo cups can be found in the frozen section of most supermarkets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple bacon bites, caramel bacon appetizers, phyllo cup appetizers, sweet and savory snacks, maple caramel bacon
