These Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are a perfect mix of cinnamon sugar, caramel, and the irresistible crunch of oyster crackers. They are quick to make and incredibly addictive—great for any snack time or party!
Ingredients:
- 5 cups oyster crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, ensuring the foil covers all edges to prevent spillage.
2. Prepare the Crackers:
- Spread the oyster crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they toast evenly without overlapping, which is important for coating them later.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter and light brown sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly as it comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, let it bubble for 2 minutes while stirring to dissolve the sugar completely and start caramelizing.
4. Add Flavorings to the Sauce:
- After removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in 2 teaspoons cinnamon and vanilla extract. These will infuse the caramel with a warm, churro-like flavor.
5. Coat the Crackers:
- Pour the hot caramel mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and toss the crackers, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the caramel.
6. Bake the Coated Crackers:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. You’ll see the caramel bubbling around the crackers, signaling it’s cooking and hardening slightly for that perfect crunch.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the crackers bake, combine granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This mixture will provide the sweet and salty finish.
8. Finish the Churro Bites:
- After baking, immediately sprinkle the crackers with the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still hot to help the sugar stick better.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the caramel will harden, forming a crunchy, candy-like coating.
- Once cooled, break the crackers into bite-sized pieces. They’re now ready to serve and enjoy!
Enjoy:
These Churro Bites are perfect for snacking or sharing at your next gathering! The sweet and salty combination with a crispy crunch will leave everyone reaching for more.