Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet-meets-savory snack, Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are about to become your newest obsession. Each bite-sized morsel is perfectly crisp, coated in a blanket of homemade caramel, kissed with cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt. These little treats take a humble bag of oyster crackers and transform them into something magic—deliciously addictive, easy to whip up, and perfect for parties or a cozy movie night. You’ll find yourself sneaking back to the kitchen for just one more handful… and with this recipe, that’s entirely understandable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of basic pantry staples, you’re on your way to a batch of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. Each ingredient pulls its weight to bring out the gorgeous, golden crunch and irresistible flavor you’ll crave.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup): The foundation of true caramel, this adds a rich, creamy depth and ensures luscious, glossy bites.
• Oyster Crackers (1 bag, 9 oz): These petite, crunchy crackers create the perfect texture and soaking surface for the caramel.
• Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): For that deep toffee-like sweetness and chewy caramelization—crucial for flavor and sticky perfection.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A splash of vanilla rounds out the caramel, offering a warm, fragrant backdrop in every bite.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel, making the flavor really pop.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint is all it takes to add cozy, aromatic warmth that plays beautifully off the caramel.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to fend off any sticky cleanup. Spread your oyster crackers out in a single, even layer—the more spread out they are, the more evenly they’ll crisp up and bathe in caramel later.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

Grab a medium saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture frequently as it simmers; you’ll see it start to thicken and bubble after just a couple of minutes. That gorgeous, glossy caramel is what will turn these simple crackers into Salted Caramel Cracker Bites you won’t forget.

Step 3: Coat the Crackers

While the caramel is still hot and pourable, drizzle it generously and evenly over your pan of oyster crackers. Use a spatula to gently toss and turn the crackers so every last one gets coated—this is key for pops of caramel sweetness in every nibble.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the crackers bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want them golden and bubbling, but not burnt! This quick trip in the oven sets the caramel and crisps everything up for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Cool and Break

Once they’re out of the oven, patience is your friend—let the crackers cool completely on the pan. As they set, they’ll firm up beautifully. When they reach room temperature, simply break them into bite-sized clusters and try to resist eating them all at once. Store any leftovers (if you somehow have any) in an airtight container to keep them fresh and snappy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Garnishes

To add a little flair, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites right after baking for an extra burst of salty crunch. You can even dust them with a little more cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a fancy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert, or serve alongside sliced apples and grapes for a playful sweet-and-savory snack platter. They’re amazing with coffee or hot cider, making any coffee break instantly more exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in small mason jars tied with ribbon—a sweet hostess gift or party favor. Pile them high in a pretty bowl for game night or serve them atop a board with nuts and dried fruit for a charming twist on the snack board craze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week, though chances are slim they’ll last that long in your house!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. Place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature—no fuss required.

Reheating

If your bites have lost a bit of their original crunch, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and pop into a 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Let them cool again, and they’ll be as crisp as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! If you use salted butter, just reduce the added salt by half to keep the flavor balanced. It works beautifully, so use whatever you have on hand.

What if I don’t have oyster crackers?

No problem—mini saltines or even small pretzel twists can sub in for oyster crackers. The texture will be a little different, but the caramel still shines through.

How long do Salted Caramel Cracker Bites stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll taste their best for up to a week. Beyond that, they might lose a bit of crunch, but they’re still delicious.

Can I add nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, almonds, or a handful of mini chocolate chips make lovely additions. Add these after baking, while the caramel is still soft, so they stick perfectly.

Are Salted Caramel Cracker Bites gluten free?

Most oyster crackers contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free versions if needed. Just double-check your ingredient labels to ensure your bites are safe for gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

The next time your snack cravings hit, whip up a batch of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites and share them (or not!) with friends and family. One taste, and you’ll see why they disappear so quickly—crunchy, caramel-kissed, and utterly irresistible. Happy snacking!

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