50 Bacon Appetizers That Are Crispy, Smoky, and Sizzlin' Good
It wouldn't be a party without bacon.
There are tons of ways to cook bacon: in a skillet, in the oven, or even in the air fryer. But if there's one thing that all bacon lovers can agree on, it's that bacon goes with just about everything. And when it comes time to planning a party or getting together with friends, you can't go wrong with bacon appetizers! Whether you crumble the bacon onto your favorite party dips or wrap bacon slices up around bite-sized finger foods, the best part of your next party will most definitely be the bacon.
Crisp, smoky, and all around addictive, bacon adds a crunchy, salty element atop cheese fries, creamy potato soup, and even a skillet full of cornbread. But this ingredient isn't just for topping; the bacon recipes ahead include Ree Drummond's longtime favorite jalapeño thingies wrapped in bacon, along with a bacon-ranch cheese ball and a caramelized onion and bacon dip.
Don't forget flavorful appetizers such as French onion stuffed potatoes, bacon cheese straws, or even BLT bites! All of them would be perfect for your game day eats and beyond. And if that's not enough to satisfy your bacon cravings, a big platter of sticky-sweet candied bacon certainly will. No matter which direction you choose, you can't go wrong with a bacon appetizer at the party.
French Onion Stuffed Potatoes
Take comfort food to the next level! To do it, fluffy baked potatoes are mashed with sour cream, butter, and cheese, then mixed with caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, green onions and melty white cheddar before they're stuffed back into their crispy shells.
Get Ree's French Onion Stuffed Potatoes recipe.
BLT Bites
You can turn a classic sandwich into finger-food fun with BLT bites: crisp bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh lettuce stacked atop golden baked bread. You'll even add a swipe of chipotle mayo for a little kick. They're quick to assemble and delicious to share.
Get the BLT Bites recipe.
Bacon Cheese Straws
This appetizer transforms puff pastry into savory, crunchy sticks of delight. Each strip is layered with crisp-cooked bacon, extra-sharp cheddar, a hint of cayenne, and melted into golden perfection. They're ideal for a party spread—easy to grab, even easier to devour.
Get Ree's Bacon Cheese Straws recipe.
Smashed Potato Salad
For this potato salad, start with baby Yukon Gold potatoes boiled until just tender, then smashed flat and roasted until golden and crispy. They're tossed in a rich mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, fresh dill, and parsley, and layered with savory bacon and roasted red peppers.
Get Ree's Smashed Potato Salad recipe.
Cowboy Potatoes
A true one-pan app built for bold taste and rustic flavor. Chunks of red-skinned potatoes are roasted with chopped bacon, red bell pepper, and red onion. Then, they're seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and finished with barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños for extra punch.
Get Ree's Cowboy Potatoes recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
Though this one technically calls for pancetta, Ree mentions that bacon is a great swap. It's the perfect blend of creamy, tangy goat cheese and savory bacon bits. Add in a swirl of sour cream and scatter crunchy panko breadcrumbs on top for texture.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Football Cheese Ball
While this one is shaped like a football, you can actually roll it into a standard ball for a variety of events. It's made of fresh herbs, garlic, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and sour cream blended together into a flavorful, creamy base, then rolled in bacon and toasted nuts.
Get Ree's Football Cheese Ball recipe.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes meet melt-in-your-mouth mashed filling! The skins are baked until crisp, while the potato flesh gets mashed with generous amounts of butter and sour cream. Fold in thick-cut bacon and sharp cheddar, then pile it all back into those skins.
Get Ree's Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
Use the classic combo and elevate it into a creamy, flavorful dish. Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes are mixed with tender pasta, red onion, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty ranch-style dressing. Add chopped romaine at the end for crunch, then top with the remaining bacon.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
Braised Cabbage Wedges
Thick cabbage wedges are seared in crispy bacon drippings until golden, then baked in a rich sauce of tomato paste, chipotle peppers, garlic, Worcestershire, and broth. Just before serving, drizzle with vinegar, topped with fresh chives, sour cream, and plenty of crunchy bacon.
Get the Braised Cabbage Wedges recipe.
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
This dip is perfect for those days when you're craving something decadent. After all, it's packed with rich and savory caramelized onions, melty cheese, and smoky bacon. All you need is a hunk of crusty bread for dipping!
Bacon Horseradish Dates
This twist on traditional "devils on horseback" has a spicy kick thanks to a creamy bacon-horseradish dip that's stuffed inside. What's more? Each one is brushed with a mixture of honey and red pepper flakes for an extra sweet and spicy bite.
Get the Bacon Horseradish Dates recipe.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
These cute individual cups are a fun way to serve up dip at your next party or tailgate! Each one is filled with a creamy, cheesy ranch mixture and topped with crispy bacon, cheddar, and fresh dill.
Get the Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
Maple Bacon Fan Rolls
Everyone will love a basket of these sweet and salty rolls. They're made by doctoring up frozen white bread dough with sticky, scrumptious layers of maple and bacon.
Get the Maple Bacon Fan Rolls recipe.
Ranch Chopped Salad
What's the best way to get a cowboy (or your family) to eat their salad? Add crispy bacon and ranch dressing, of course! It's a classic way to kick off any meal.
Get Ree's Ranch Chopped Salad recipe.
Potato and Leek Pizza
The combination of creamy potatoes, oniony leeks, and crispy bacon is a match made in heaven! Cut the pizza into smaller pieces or squares for an appetizer bite that's simply delightful.
Get the Potato and Leek Pizza recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
The hearty combination of chicken, cheese, and bacon in this dip is practically made for watching football! Serve it up with sliced veggies or a chip that's sturdy enough for scooping.
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
Made with cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, smoky bacon, and crunchy almonds, this dip really does taste like a million bucks! It's delicious with bagel chips.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy, spicy, melty poppers cooked in an air fryer? Oh, yes! The peppers are filled with cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and other goodies, and can be whipped up in 20 minutes flat.
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Sausage Rolls
Like pigs in a blanket, these sausage- and bacon-packed bites are perfect for a morning treat, afternoon snack, or elegant party appetizer.
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
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