Maple Bacon Crack Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet & Salty Maple Bacon Crack Recipe

Biting into a maple bacon crack that shatters with an irresistible crunch, sending waves of sweet and salty bliss across your taste buds.

This addictive treat combines unexpected flavor profiles that dance between decadent and daring.

Crispy bacon meets rich maple syrup in a culinary mashup that defies traditional dessert boundaries.

Each batch promises a symphony of textures guaranteed to make you swoon.

The secret lies in balancing smoky, caramelized notes with a sugary glaze that coats every morsel.

Subtle hints of maple weave through each delicate piece, creating an experience more compelling than simple snacking.

You won’t be able to resist reaching for another piece of this irresistible confection.

Why Maple Bacon Crack Is Sweet And Savory Bliss

  • Savor Sweet-Savory Explosion: Maple bacon crack delivers an irresistible flavor combination that dances between sweet maple syrup, salty crispy bacon, and subtle spicy pepper notes.
  • Whip Up Effortless Indulgence: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for casual gatherings, game day snacks, potlucks, or unexpected sweet-savory cravings, this treat appeals to multiple taste preferences and works as an appetizer or dessert.
  • Experience Textural Delight: Crispy, flaky crescent dough provides a crunchy base, complemented by caramelized brown sugar, crisp bacon bits, and a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy elements that make each bite exciting.

Everything You Need For Maple Bacon Crack

Base Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Provides the crispy, flaky foundation for the entire dish, easy to work with and transforms into a delightful base.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture, choose thick-cut or center-cut for best results.
Sweet and Savory Toppings:
  • Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, caramelized sweetness that balances the savory bacon, use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
  • Butter: Helps crisp the dough and enhances overall richness.
Seasoning and Finishing Touches:
  • Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Add depth and subtle heat to complement the sweet and salty elements.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a final flavor boost and crunchy texture, enhances all other ingredients.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures nothing sticks to the baking sheet, optional if using parchment paper.

How To Make Maple Bacon Crack

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and dress it up with parchment paper, giving it a light spray of cooking oil. Gently unroll the crescent roll dough, using your fingers to smoosh those pesky seams together, creating one smooth, unified canvas.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Grab a pastry brush and paint the dough with melted butter, creating a golden foundation. Drizzle maple syrup in a mesmerizing zigzag pattern across the surface. Then sprinkle these delicious ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)

Scatter crispy bacon pieces across the top like delicious confetti.

Step 3: Transform in the Oven

Slide your masterpiece into the hot oven. Watch the magic happen for 18-22 minutes as the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and sugars caramelize. Right after pulling it out, shower the surface with a pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Unleash the Deliciousness

Let your creation rest and cool for 5-10 minutes. The wait is worth it as the treat becomes delightfully crisp. Slice into squares or break into rustic pieces. Dive in and enjoy the sweet, salty, spicy symphony of flavors!

Tips To Get Maple Bacon Crack Just Right

  • Seal the Seams: Pinch crescent roll dough edges tightly to prevent separation during baking, ensuring a uniform, crispy base.
  • Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, from a light sprinkle for mild warmth to a generous dash for extra kick.
  • Bacon Brilliance: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch, cooking it slightly beforehand to remove excess grease and enhance crispiness.
  • Salt Smart: Opt for flaky sea salt as a finishing touch, providing a delightful texture contrast and intensifying the sweet-savory flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this recipe in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, maintaining its irresistible crunch and taste.

How To Store Maple Bacon Crack For Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover maple bacon crack in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping its crispy texture intact.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm the pieces on a baking sheet at 325F for 5-7 minutes, restoring the original crunchiness and bringing back the delicious flavors.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly reheat small portions for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as this method can soften the crisp texture.
  • Best Consumed: Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal taste and crispiness, as the bacon and dough tend to lose their perfect texture over time.

What To Serve With Maple Bacon Crack

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair this sweet and savory treat with a robust dark roast coffee that cuts through the richness of bacon and maple, offering a bold counterpoint to the dessert's intense flavors.
  • Craft Cocktail Contrast: Mix a whiskey-based old fashioned with maple syrup to echo the recipe's maple notes, creating a harmonious drink that enhances the bacon's smoky undertones.
  • Complement with Creamy Coolness: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture balance the crispy, spicy-sweet crack and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Sparkling Wine Celebration: Choose a dry prosecco or champagne to add effervescence and lighten the dish's heavy flavors, creating a delightful balance between the salty bacon and sweet maple elements.

Ways To Change Maple Bacon Crack

  • Spicy Maple Sausage Crunch: Replace bacon with spicy breakfast sausage crumbles for a zesty protein-packed alternative that delivers bold, savory flavors.
  • Sweet Pecan Paradise: Swap bacon for chopped pecans and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a nutty, warm dessert-like version that's perfect for brunch.
  • Chocolate Maple Sensation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the baked dough after cooling, adding rich chocolate notes that complement the maple sweetness.
  • Herb-Infused Maple Crisp: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the brown sugar topping for an aromatic, sophisticated take on the classic recipe that elevates the overall flavor profile.

FAQs About Maple Bacon Crack

The name comes from how addictively delicious and irresistible this sweet and savory treat is – once you start eating it, you can’t stop!

  • Can I use regular salt instead of flaky sea salt?

While you can use regular salt, flaky sea salt provides a better texture and more intense burst of flavor that complements the maple and bacon perfectly.

  • Is the cayenne pepper necessary?

The cayenne is optional but adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of maple and brown sugar. If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip it completely without affecting the overall recipe.

  • What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon provides the most flavor and best texture, but any standard bacon will work well. Just make sure to cook and crumble it before adding to the dough.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Maple Bacon Crack Recipe

Maple Bacon Crack Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet and salty maple bacon crack delivers an irresistible blend of crispy bacon, maple syrup, and buttery crackers that will tantalize taste buds. Rich layers of indulgence promise to make this treat your new favorite snack for gatherings or quiet moments of pure deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a little kick)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. Meticulously unroll the crescent roll dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, carefully pressing the perforated edges together to create a seamless rectangular canvas.
  2. Lavishly brush the entire dough surface with melted butter, creating a rich and glossy foundation for the subsequent layers of flavor.
  3. Generously drizzle maple syrup across the buttered dough, allowing it to create an even, glistening coating that will caramelize during baking.
  4. Liberally sprinkle brown sugar over the syrup-coated surface, ensuring a comprehensive and uniform distribution that will provide a delectable sweet crunch.
  5. For an elevated flavor profile, dust the surface with a nuanced blend of black pepper and optional cayenne, adding a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish.
  6. Strategically scatter crispy, crumbled bacon across the seasoned dough, ensuring each potential bite will include a perfect balance of ingredients.
  7. Transfer the prepared sheet to a preheated oven set at 375F (190C), allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a tantalizing treat.
  8. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, watching carefully as the edges turn a golden-brown and the surface becomes beautifully caramelized.
  9. Immediately upon removal from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt across the surface to enhance the overall flavor complexity and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  10. Allow the maple bacon creation to cool for 5-10 minutes, during which time it will naturally crisp and set, making it easier to slice or break into delectable pieces.
  11. Serve warm and enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors in this irresistible culinary creation.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper, allowing spice-sensitive guests to enjoy the dish comfortably.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free crescent roll dough, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance bacon’s crispiness by pre-cooking it until extra crunchy, ensuring a perfect textural contrast in every bite.
  • Elevate presentation by cutting into elegant diagonal shapes or rustic hand-broken pieces, creating a versatile appetizer or sweet-savory snack.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star