Crispy bacon is especially enjoyed for breakfast but it has quickly made its way into every meal of the day! There are so many amazing sweet and savory ways to enjoy bacon too, especially during the holidays. Bacon can be the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re preparing food for a Thanksgiving potluck, or hosting the big Thanksgiving dinner yourself.
We have found ways that you can enjoy bacon in appetizers, in Thanksgiving side dishes, and even desserts too. These mouth-watering recipes prove that everything is better with bacon!
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With just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you can have this elegant and delicious side dish put together. Crisp asparagus are bundled together with a slice of salty bacon.
These asparagus bundles bake in the oven until the bacon is cooked and crispy. This recipe will also provide you with several tips and tricks to ensure that the bacon is cooked perfectly without overcooking the asparagus.
https://www.wineandglue.com/bacon-wrapped-asparagus-oven/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WINE AND GLUE
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If you really want to impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving, show up with this mouth-watering side dish. Ditch the store-bought boxes of stuffing and make this cornbread with bacon stuffing. You and your guests won’t be disappointed.
This stuffing recipe combines chunks of cornbread with thick-cut bacon, butter, and a few other ingredients. Additionally, you’ll also need a few fresh seasonings such as thyme and sage that will only help to enhance the flavor.
https://thefoodcharlatan.com/cornbread-stuffing/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE FOOD CHARLATAN
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Who could resist an ooey-gooey cheese dip? Why no one, of course! This Thanksgiving, share a platter of this baked bacon cheese dip as an appetizer.
There are so many delicious and savory flavors that will seriously excite your taste buds. This dip will only get your belly and palate ready for the crave-worthy dishes that are to come.
https://www.momontimeout.com/baked-bacon-cheese-dip-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MOM ON TIMEOUT
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Brussels sprouts fan or not, you’re bound to fall in love with this side dish! The best part is that this recipe only requires 3 ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Brussels sprouts are wrapped in strips of bacon and are sprinkled with cracked black pepper. Don’t worry about drizzling olive oil on this side dish because the bacon will release enough fat and grease to help make these sprouts perfectly crispy.
https://simplybeingmommy.com/2018/10/25/bacon-wrapped-brussels-sprouts/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=489389460_17173080_109845 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIMPLY BEING MOMMY
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Show your loved ones that you appreciate them this Thanksgiving and share these cute and delicious bacon cocktail weenies. This adorable heart-shaped appetizer comes together in about 30 minutes.
All you’ll need are pre-cooked cocktail wieners and bacon. Once they are assembled you’ll brush a delicious mixture of maple syrup, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. While this combination of flavors may sound odd, we assure you they work wonderfully together.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/dont-go-bacon-my-heart-cocktail-weenies/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Jalapeño poppers are a classic party appetizer so they will certainly serve well at your Thanksgiving dinner. You can serve them as an appetizer or save them for a side dish, your choice!
These jalapeño poppers are a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. The poppers also serve well with a side of ranch dip for dipping.
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO
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Mashed potatoes are a crowd-favorite and are often served during Thanksgiving. This year, try something different like this mashed potato dish with a twist!
This casserole still contains the same creamy texture you love about mashed potatoes, however, it gets a serious flavor upgrade. With ingredients like cheese, crispy bacon, and chives this is a side dish that is certainly dressed to impress.
https://natashaskitchen.com/loaded-mashed-potato-casserole/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_smartloop&utm_content=smartloop&utm_term=10944860&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=522064566_18812714_267507 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NATASHA’S KITCHEN
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Steamed corn is so last year! This year share a bowl of this delicious fried corn and bacon side dish, your friends and family will thank you.
This tasty side dish comes together in about 25 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients. Some of the flavorful ingredients include onion, salt, and pepper, and of course, bacon!
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/fried-corn/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO
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Every holiday dinner has some type of dinner roll or biscuit. Share a basket of these cheddar bacon biscuits this Thanksgiving and everyone will be begging you for the recipe.
These biscuits are buttery, cheesy, and perfectly fluffy. They’re full of flavor too thanks to ingredients like bacon, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese.
https://damndelicious.net/2018/08/21/black-pepper-cheddar-bacon-biscuits/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DAMN DELICIOUS
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Green bean casserole is an American favorite so be sure to enjoy it this Thanksgiving. This green bean casserole is transformed into a quick and easy recipe using the Instant Pot!
To make this casserole special and unique, we added in pieces of salty bacon. Once the casserole is cooked, be sure to top it with delicious fried onions.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/insanely-delicious-instant-pot-green-bean-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Everything you love about loaded baked potatoes can now be enjoyed in a refreshing salad. Plus, potato salad is a crowd favorite and would be a great addition to potlucks, parties, and of course Thanksgiving dinner.
The salad is made up of potatoes, chopped boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, chives, and crumbly bacon pieces. You’ll also be provided with a creamy sauce recipe that pulls this salad together.
https://fitfoodiefinds.com/healthy-baked-potato-salad/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FIT FOODIE FINDS
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Prepare to fall in love with brussels sprouts again. Tender sprouts are smothered in ooey-gooey cheese and bacon to create one unforgettable side dish.
In addition to the cheese, this dish is also loaded with savory flavors such as garlic. Better yet, this side dish comes together in 30 minutes or less!
https://www.thechunkychef.com/cheesy-brussels-sprouts-bacon/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE CHUNKY CHEF
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A traditional scalloped potato recipe gets a makeover with loads of savory ingredients such as sharp cheddar cheese and of course, bacon. You’ll also be pleased to discover that this side dish requires simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of hands-on time.
If you share this side dish on Thanksgiving, it may steal the spotlight and don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers!
https://melaniemakes.com/loaded-scalloped-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MELANIE MAKES
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Serve these puff pastry bacon straws as an appetizer and they’ll be gobbled up quickly. This quick and easy appetizer requires simple ingredients such as store-bought puff pastry dough, cheese, and sliced bacon.
This recipe provides thorough instructions so that you can create the straws with ease. They taste wonderful on their own but would also serve well with warm cheese sauce or dijon mustard.
https://themom100.com/recipe/herbed-cheesy-puff-pastry-bacon-straws/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=Katie%20Workman&utm_content=Herbed%20Cheesy%20Puff%20Pastry%20Bacon%20Straws PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE MOM 100
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Crowd-pleasing cheeseballs are always a great idea for any party so be sure to share one on Thanksgiving. This isn’t any boring cheeseball, this cheeseball is loaded with flavor and texture.
This cheese ball is filled with flavors of ranch seasoning, garlic, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, pecans, green onions, and of course, bacon. The best part is that this tasty cheese ball comes together in just 15 minutes.
https://www.thechunkychef.com/bacon-ranch-cheese-ball-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE CHUNKY CHEF
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Move over apple pie, you’re about to get replaced by a unique but drool-worthy cheesecake. This Thanksgiving share a maple bacon cheesecake with your friends and family and watch their faces as they take a bite!
The luscious cheesecake filling is complemented by a sugary pecan and bacon topping and it has the perfect combination of sweet, savory and decadent flavors.
https://ashleemarie.com/maple-bacon-cheesecake-recipe-video/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ASHLEE MARIE
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Bacon can even be added to the main entrée! A juicy tender turkey is smothered in a sage-infused butter. What sets this recipe over the top is that the turkey is covered in strips of bacon.
This entrée will surely steal the spotlight this Thanksgiving. Keep in mind, the turkey requires about 20 minutes to prep and then it’ll need about 3 hours to roast in the oven.
https://www.fivehearthome.com/maple-glazed-turkey-with-bacon-and-sage-butter/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FIVE HEART HOME
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Your favorite fall dessert, apple crisp, gets a serious upgrade! This recipe combines crumbly bacon pieces with brown sugar and a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.
This apple crisp has 3 main components, apples, a streusel topping, and a homemade caramel sauce. You and your dinner guests will love the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors too.
https://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/bacon-caramel-apple-crisp/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: 365 DAYS OF BAKING AND MORE
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Try something different this year like this pecan pie with a twist! This dessert is infused with savory bacon pieces and hints of bourbon.
This pie recipe is incredibly easy as it uses simple ingredients such as store-bought refrigerated pie crust. Your friends and family will be begging for this recipe!
https://thegoldlininggirl.com/2017/11/bourbon-bacon-pecan-pie/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE GOLD LINING GIRL
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This recipe proves that once again, bacon can be added to a delicious dessert and dare we say makes it even better! These maple bacon cupcakes are a true delight and would be a wonderful dessert to serve on Thanksgiving.
You’ll be provided with instructions to make the cupcakes as well as a homemade maple frosting recipe. The chopped bacon is added to the frosting and creates a great mixture of sweet and savory flavors.
https://www.swankyrecipes.com/maple-bacon-cupcakes.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SWANKY RECIPES
Clarissa loves experimenting with food of all cultures to make unique healthy dishes. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for new recipe inspiration she likes to pick up a DIY project and use her creative hands to make art or crafts. In her down time you can find her watching the latest documentaries on Netflix or going for nature walks.