Candied Smoked Beef Crackers

These Candied Smoked Beef Crackers are the ultimate sweet, salty, and savory party appetizer. Buttery crackers are topped with smoked beef or turkey slices, brown sugar, and a touch of chili flakes, then baked until crisp, caramelized, and deliciously addictive.

Practical Information

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Course: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American-inspired
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 30 rectangular Club or Townhouse-style crackers
• 8 to 10 slices smoked beef or turkey slices
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes, optional
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch the drippings.
2. Place a wire baking rack on top of the lined baking sheet.
3. Arrange the 30 rectangular crackers evenly on the wire rack.
4. Cut the smoked beef or turkey slices into thirds or fourths, depending on the size of your crackers.
5. Place one piece of smoked beef or turkey in the center of each cracker, lengthwise.
6. Sprinkle enough brown sugar over each piece to cover it completely. The sugar will melt, caramelize, and help the topping stick to the cracker.
7. For a sweet-and-spicy version, add a small pinch of red pepper chili flakes and black pepper on each cracker.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the brown sugar is melted and the topping is caramelized.
9. Let the crackers cool on the wire rack for a few minutes before serving so the caramel can set and the crackers stay crisp.

Notes

Using a wire rack is important. Without it, the crackers may soften or burn before the topping is fully caramelized.

The parchment paper or foil makes cleanup much easier.

For a richer flavor, you can replace part of the brown sugar with a light drizzle of maple syrup.