These Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are a delicious and addictive snack that combines the irresistible flavors of churros with a salty twist! Made with oyster crackers coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture and a sprinkle of salt, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying your sweet and salty cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. You can have a batch of these delicious churro bites ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful and Addictive: The combination of buttery crackers, sweet cinnamon sugar, and a touch of salt creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and addictive.
Versatile: These churro bites are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them on their own as a snack, serve them alongside your favorite dips and spreads, or use them as a crunchy topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Ingredients

Oyster crackers: These small, buttery crackers provide a perfect base for the sweet and salty coating.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the coating.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting spice note.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the coating.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a crunchy texture to the topping.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Churro Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crackers

Spread the oyster crackers in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
Continue boiling for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet.
Use a rubber spatula to fold and stir the crackers until they are evenly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the crackers are lightly golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Cool

While the crackers are baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the salt.
When the crackers are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. This will allow the coating to set and become crunchy.
Once cooled, break the crackers apart into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Coating: Make sure the crackers are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the crackers will make them too hard. Bake them just until the coating is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Cool Completely: Allow the crackers to cool completely before breaking them apart and serving to prevent them from sticking together.

How to Serve

These Sweet and Salty Churro Bites are delicious on their own as a snack or can be enjoyed:

At the movies: A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for sharing.
At parties: Serve them in bowls or individual cups for a fun and festive party snack.
As a topping: Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
With coffee or tea: A delightful accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea break.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can also freeze the churro bites for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as saltine crackers, graham crackers, or even Ritz crackers. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with margarine if needed.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.

4. How can I make these churro bites less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet snack, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.