Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means. The house will be filled with family, laughter, and the amazing smell of a roasting turkey. It is one of my favorite times of year. But let’s be honest, it can also be a little bit hectic in the kitchen.
Finding appetizers that are simple to make but still feel special can be a real challenge. You want something that will wow your guests without adding more stress to your day. That is where this recipe comes in. It is one of the best Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers you will ever make.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this maple bacon dip so great? First off, it is incredibly simple. We are talking about a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes of your time. There is no complicated cooking process here, which is a huge win on a busy holiday.
The flavor combination is just fantastic. You get the salty, smoky taste from the beef bacon mixed with the sweet creaminess of the maple yogurt dip. Paired with tart, crunchy apple slices, it is a truly satisfying bite. It hits all the right notes.
This is also a wonderful recipe to make ahead of time. You can whip up the dip a day or two before the big event, so all you have to do is slice some apples when your guests arrive. It is a brilliant way to manage your time and your sanity. We all need that during the holidays.
It is the kind of Thanksgiving Party Food that looks elegant but is secretly low effort. People will think you spent a lot of time on it, but you will know the truth. This is one of those fantastic Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers that will become a new family tradition.
Ingredients
The shopping list for this recipe could not be easier. You only need a few simple things to create these amazing thanksgiving appetizers. Here is what you will need to grab.
- 8 slices thick cut beef bacon
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon maple flavoring
- 4 to 5 Granny Smith apples
- Juice of 1 lemon
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious appetizer in no time. Let’s walk through it together. It is so easy, you will have it memorized after making it once.
Step 1: Cook The Bacon
First things first, let’s get that bacon sizzling. Place your eight slices of beef bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. You do not need any oil in the pan. The bacon will release its own fat as it cooks.
You will want to cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn it occasionally so it cooks evenly on both sides. The goal is to get it slightly crisp, but not burnt. You still want a little bit of chewiness to it. Once it is done, transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off any excess grease. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Mix The Dip
Now for the creamy part. In a medium sized bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and the maple flavoring. It is a simple mix that packs a ton of flavor.
Use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything together until it is completely smooth. You want to make sure the brown sugar dissolves and there are no lumps. This should only take a minute or two. The dip should be creamy and uniform.
Step 3: Combine And Garnish
Go back to your cooked bacon. Once it is cool enough to handle, chop it up into small pieces. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but a finer chop works well for a dip.
Take about two thirds of your chopped bacon and fold it directly into the yogurt mixture. This distributes that wonderful smoky flavor throughout the dip. Transfer the dip to your serving dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining one third of the bacon over the top as a garnish. It looks so inviting!
Step 4: Prepare The Apples And Serve
Just before you are ready to serve, it is time to prep the apples. Cut your Granny Smith apples into thin slices. To keep them from turning brown, toss the slices in the juice of one lemon. The acidity prevents oxidation and keeps them looking fresh and crisp.
Arrange the apple slices on a platter around your bowl of dip. Now you are ready to serve one of the most delightful Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers. Watch it disappear quickly!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of this delicious dip left over, storing it is a breeze. Simply cover the serving dish with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The texture might change slightly as the bacon softens in the dip, but the flavor will still be fantastic. I recommend storing any leftover apple slices separately in a sealed bag or container in the fridge to keep them crisp.
Tips
Want to make your Holiday Appetizers Thanksgiving even better? Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, feel free to use your favorite type of bacon. While beef bacon adds a unique savory flavor, classic pork bacon works just as well.
When it comes to apples, Granny Smith provides a wonderful tart contrast to the sweet dip. However, other crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji would also be delicious. Use what you have or what you love most.
Do not feel limited to just apples for dipping. This dip is incredibly versatile. It is great with pretzel crisps, sturdy crackers, or even pear slices. Offering a variety of dippers makes your platter of thanksgiving appetizers even more appealing.
For the best texture, I suggest adding the bacon just before serving. You can make the yogurt base a day or two in advance. Then, just before your guests arrive, cook the bacon, chop it up, and stir it in. This keeps the bacon pieces from getting too soft. This is a great trick for making Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers.
Feel free to get creative with the flavors. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin pie spice in the dip can add a warm, festive touch. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also enhance all the flavors. This is your Thanksgiving Party Food, so have fun with it!
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and crowd pleasing recipe that is sure to become a staple on your holiday menu. It proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create memorable Holiday Appetizers Thanksgiving. Sometimes, the easiest recipes are the ones people love the most.
I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delicious dip. It is a wonderful way to kick off the festivities and get everyone excited for the meal to come. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Making Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers should be fun, and this one definitely is.
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Pork Bacon?
Yes, absolutely. While the recipe calls for beef bacon, traditional pork bacon works perfectly well. Just cook it until it reaches your desired level of crispness and follow the recipe as directed. It will be just as tasty.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
You can definitely try making a dairy free version. Look for a thick, plain, unsweetened dairy free yogurt alternative, such as one made from coconut, almond, or cashew. The consistency might be slightly different, but it should still be a great option for your thanksgiving appetizers.
What If I Do Not Have Maple Flavoring?
The maple flavoring is optional. It just adds an extra layer of maple taste. If you do not have any, you can simply leave it out. The dip will still be delicious thanks to the maple syrup. Your Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers will still be a hit.
How Far In Advance Can I Make This Dip?
You can prepare the yogurt dip base, without the bacon, up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best result, cook and add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
Maple Bacon Yogurt Dip with Apples
This maple bacon dip is an incredibly simple, yet flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer that will delight your guests. With salty beef bacon and sweet maple yogurt, paired with crisp apple slices, it’s a satisfying bite. Easily prepared ahead, it’s the perfect low-effort, crowd-pleasing holiday starter.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Place 8 slices thick cut beef bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning until slightly crisp. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.
- Mix dip: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon maple flavoring. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine & garnish: Chop cooled bacon into small pieces. Fold two-thirds of bacon into yogurt mixture. Transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle remaining bacon over top.
- Prepare apples & serve: Just before serving, cut Granny Smith apples into thin slices. Toss with juice of 1 lemon to prevent browning. Arrange apple slices around dip and serve.
Notes
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store apple slices separately to keep them crisp.
Feel free to use your favorite type of bacon, such as pork bacon, if preferred. Other crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well for dipping.
For the best texture, add the cooked bacon to the dip just before serving. The yogurt base can be prepared one to two days in advance.
Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dip for a warm, festive touch.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
