Cowgirl Crackers
If you love bacon, melty cheese, jalapeños and buttery crackers, these Cowgirl Crackers belong in your party snack rotation. Each cracker is topped with Colby Jack cheese, wrapped in bacon and finished with brown sugar, Blazing Star BBQ Pork’n Rub, hot honey and fresh jalapeño. They are sweet, smoky, savory, spicy and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 40 minutes
Cooking temperature: 350°F
Yield: Approximately 8 to 10 servings
Cowgirl Crackers Ingredients
- 1 box buttery round crackers, such as Ritz
- 1 block Colby Jack cheese, sliced into cracker-sized squares
- 1 package original-cut bacon, slices cut in half
- Brown sugar, for sprinkling
- Blazing Star BBQ Pork’n Rub, for seasoning
- Melinda’s Hot Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
How to Make Cowgirl Crackers
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 350°F.
- Cut each strip of bacon in half and set the pieces aside.
- Arrange the buttery crackers on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Place a cracker-sized slice of Colby Jack cheese on top of each cracker.
- Carefully wrap each cracker and cheese stack with a half slice of bacon.
- Sprinkle each bacon-wrapped cracker lightly with brown sugar and season with Blazing Star BBQ Pork’n Rub.
- Drizzle the tops with hot honey and place one jalapeño slice on each cracker.
- Smoke or bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Allow the Cowgirl Crackers to cool slightly before serving warm.
Watch the Recipe
Why Cowgirl Crackers Work
These appetizers balance several flavors and textures in every bite. The buttery cracker provides the crisp base, while the Colby Jack cheese melts underneath the smoky bacon. Brown sugar and hot honey add sweetness, Pork’n Rub brings savory barbecue flavor, and the fresh jalapeño finishes everything with a mild kick.
Recipe Tips
- Use original-cut or thinner bacon so it becomes crispy before the cheese cooks too far.
- Place the crackers on a wire rack so heat can circulate around the bacon.
- Do not use too much brown sugar. A light coating provides plenty of sweetness.
- Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat or leave them intact for a spicier bite.
- Watch the cheese near the end of cooking because some may melt through the bacon.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook Cowgirl Crackers in the oven?
Yes. Bake them on a wire rack at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Can I make Cowgirl Crackers on a smoker?
Yes. Cook them on the smoker at 350°F. The smoker adds another layer of flavor to the bacon, cheese and Pork’n Rub.
What type of bacon works best?
Original-cut or thinner bacon works best because it has enough time to become crispy. Thick-cut bacon may require additional cooking time.
How can I make them less spicy?
Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, use smaller jalapeño slices or replace them with candied jalapeños for a sweeter bite.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer so the crackers and bacon become crisp again.
Shop the Flavor
Shop Blazing Star BBQ on Amazon
More Blazing Star BBQ Recipes
