There is a feast waiting for you in the afternoon, but who doesn’t want some snacks to prime the pump for the big turkey dinner? I’m a sucker for appetizers. Dips, finger food, you name it. I want to eat it. Especially on Thanksgiving. But two years ago, I got introduced to the best Thanksgiving appetizer of all time. Yes, all time.

Picture this. It’s 12:30 in the afternoon. You’re sitting down to dinner probably around 3 or 4 pm so you’re not really wanting a full lunch, but you need (yes, need) a snack to help tide you over. You’re about to watch the Packers and Lions kickoff and it’s just irresponsible to watch football on Thanksgiving without some snackage. Yes, snackage.

Do you break out vegetables and dip? No. Do you reach for some crackers and cheese spread? Nuh uh. Instead you make some bacon wrapped  jalapeño tater tots.

Now I’ve got your attention. Tots. Bacon.  Jalapeño. Oh and there’s a ranch dipping sauce too. My mouth is watering as I type this.

How do you make such a heavenly treat? Simple. Take a tater tot and a little jalapeño and put them together. Then wrap them in bacon and skewer them with a toothpick so everything stays together. Just drop them into some oil in a pan and fry them up for a bit and you have the ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer. For those who like to dip, grab a little Hidden Valley Ranch dressing to put on the side and hurry over to your favorite seat on the couch to watch some football.

Happy snacking on a very happy Thanksgiving.

Header image courtesy of Flickr user floodllama