exterior and soft, doughy center. Traditionally dipped in chocolate sauce, churros have traveled far beyond Spain, becoming a favorite around the world. But what if you could enjoy that same churro taste in a bite-sized snack, with a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors? These mini churro bites, made from oyster crackers, offer a unique twist on the classic churro, bringing together the crunch of crackers with the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon sugar. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for those who crave the essence of churros in a form that’s ideal for snacking, party platters, or even as a sweet treat on the go.
With only a few ingredients and a short time in the oven, these churro bites are quick to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or last-minute snack cravings. Enjoy them on their own, with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping, or even paired with ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. The sweet and salty combination makes these churro bites a crowd-pleaser, perfect for all ages and occasions.
PREPARATION TIME
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 8 cups of small oyster crackers
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Crackers:
Place the 8 cups of small oyster crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crackers, tossing them gently until they are evenly coated. This step is crucial to ensure the sugar and cinnamon stick to the crackers and form that irresistible churro flavor. - Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a sweet and salty coating. - Coat the Crackers:
Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered oyster crackers. Gently toss the crackers again, ensuring that each piece is coated with the sweet and salty cinnamon sugar blend. The crackers should be thoroughly covered, giving them a dusty, flavorful appearance. - Bake the Churro Bites:
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through baking, give the crackers a quick stir or toss to ensure even baking. The crackers should turn a light golden brown and become crisp, filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon. - Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. The cooling process allows the coating to harden slightly, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Once cooled, transfer the mini churro bites to a serving bowl or an airtight container if storing for later.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Dipping Style:
Serve the churro bites in a bowl with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. This brings the traditional churro experience to your snack, allowing you to enjoy the sweet and salty flavor with an added layer of indulgence. - Paired with Ice Cream:
For a special dessert, add these churro bites as a topping on a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The warm spice of cinnamon and crunch of the crackers add a unique contrast to the creamy, cold ice cream, making this a memorable treat. - Party Platter Addition:
These mini churro bites can also be an unexpected addition to a cheese or snack platter. The sweet and salty flavors complement cheeses and fruits, creating a diverse flavor profile for guests to enjoy.
These mini churro bites are the perfect solution for churro lovers who want an easy, no-fuss snack with all the delicious flavors of the traditional treat. The sweet and salty combination, paired with the unique texture of oyster crackers, makes these bites versatile and enjoyable for any occasion. They’re easy to make, taking less than half an hour from start to finish, and they’re an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, family movie nights, or as a quick homemade snack. By adding a side of chocolate sauce, ice cream, or even pairing them with savory items, these churro bites can adapt to any situation.
Enjoy a touch of Spanish flavor with this simple, innovative recipe. Perfect for sharing, these churro bites are bound to become a new favorite among family and friends, adding a fun twist to your snack rotation. Give them a try, and let the delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar satisfy your churro cravings in a whole new way.