Winning 2025 Bacon Bash Texas dish: Spicy Maple Caramel Bacon Crack with Pederson’s Farms bacon next to warm spiked mulled apple cider.

Red, White & Pork

Spicy Maple Caramel Bacon Crack + Warm Spiked Mulled Apple Cider

This recipe took first place in Battle of the Bacon—a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and smoke, starring Pederson’s Farms bacon and a boozy mulled cider that tastes like fall in a cup.

Make it at home, share it with friends, and you’ll understand why this one took home 1st place at Bacon Bash Texas 2025!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 10 people

Course: beverage, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern, Texas

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

¼ cup pure maple syrup

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 slices Pederson’s Farms thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Pinch of coarse sea salt (optional for finishing)

Equipment

1 Half-sheet baking pan
1 Saucepan
1 Parchment paper or foil

Instructions

Bacon Crack

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Arrange crackers in a single layer to cover the pan.

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.

Once boiling, let it bubble for 3 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.

Pour caramel over crackers and spread evenly.

Sprinkle with bacon crumbles and press lightly.

Bake for 5–6 minutes, until bubbly.

Cool completely on the pan. Once firm, break into 1x2-inch pieces.

Optional: Sprinkle sea salt before cooling for that perfect salty-sweet finish.

Notes

Red, White & Pork are a Texas-based cooking team known for their bold flavors and good hearts. They took home the 2025 Bacon Bash Texas title with this sweet-and-spicy showstopper.

You can prepare the Bacon Crack up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Substitute club crackers for saltines for a slightly richer flavor.
Pederson’s Farms bacon adds the perfect balance of smoky flavor — use thick-cut for best texture.

Warm Spiked Mulled Apple Cider (Pairing)

This recipe took first place in Battle of the Bacon—a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and smoke, starring Pederson’s Farms bacon and a boozy mulled cider that tastes like fall in a cup.

Make it at home, share it with friends, and you’ll understand why this one took home 1st place at Bacon Bash Texas 2025!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings: 12 mugs

Course: Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine: Fall, Texas

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 gallon 128 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
6 whole cloves
2 star anise pods optional
1 medium orange sliced (with peel)
1 small apple sliced
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup brown sugar optional, to taste
1 tsp freshly grated ginger or ½ tsp ground
1½ cups bourbon spiced rum, or apple brandy (to taste)
Garnish: cinnamon sugar or thin apple slice optional

Instructions

In a large pot, combine cider, spices, orange slices, apple slices, and ginger.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer 30–40 minutes to infuse.
Sweeten with maple syrup and brown sugar to taste.
Off heat, stir in bourbon/rum/brandy. (Do not boil after adding alcohol.)
Ladle into cups (3 oz for tastings). Garnish if desired.

Notes

Non-alcoholic: Skip the spirits for a family-friendly version.
Batch service: Keep on “warm” in a slow cooker for events.