Holiday Bacon Appetizer

I saw this recipe demonstrated on the Pioneer Woman cooking show, and instantly knew I had to save it for a special occasion. I didn't have to wait long, because my family was invited to spend Christmas dinner with my friend, Claire's family. Brilliantly, they skip the big fancy dinner and just opt for a meal of appetizers and drinks. It. is. fantastic. So much more relaxed and fun than a sit-around-the-table affair, and we were so happy to be included. These appetizers fit in perfectly, and were very easy to assemble and bake. There are two versions, and I must admit, I made less of the brown sugar ones thinking that they were a gamble and would be shunned. In reality, I should have made more of those than the classic Parm version, because everyone seemed to like the sweet/savory combo better (myself included). I guess they can also be made with bits of blue cheese, which sounds yummy as well. This is certainly a thumbs up recipe that was inexpensive, easy, and yielded great results. I will certainly this appetizer idea in my back pocket for future use!

Oh, one more thing...

I've been remiss (read: lazy) with the photos lately, so you will just have to imagine what these little beauties look like. :)

Holiday Bacon Appetizer
From: The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

1 sleeve country club-style crackers
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 pound thinly sliced bacon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Lay the crackers face up on a large rack over a baking sheet (or broiler pan). Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the grated Parmesan onto each cracker. Cut the package of bacon in half (or cut pieces individually) and carefully, so the cheese doesn't fall off, wrap each cheese covered cracker with one half piece of bacon, completely covering the cracker. It should fit snugly around the cracker, but not be pulled too taut. Place the bacon-wrapped crackers onto the rack. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 2 hours. Serve immediately or at room temperature!
Notes

Cook's Note: Can also use brown sugar (with or without a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the sugar) or blue cheese instead of Parmesan! As I said, the brown sugar (with cayenne) version was fantastic!