As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is clear to anyone paying attention: this was not a year of stability or reassurance. It was a year that tested Americans’ patience, finances, freedoms, and sense of security. For those of us in the prepping community, it was also a year of grim validation. What many […]
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Preppers talk a lot about survival kits and bug out bags, but not enough attention is paid to EDC kits. A lot of us spend a big chunk of our time at work or school, and disaster can easily strike while we're away from home. If something terrible happens while you're away from your house or family, would you have the tools you need to survive until you can get home or find them?
It doesn't have to be an end-of-the-world type disaster. Sometimes you just need a few reliable tools to get through an unexpected situation like a car breakdown in winter, a sudden power outage at work, or getting stuck overnight somewhere with no supplies.
Over time, I’ve built a few of these kits myself, but I’m always curious how others pack theirs. One of the best setups I've ever come across is on the Kitbashed Survival YouTube channel, where Eric Siegel walks through his favorite homemade compact kit.
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This EDC pocket kit is impressively well-thought-out for something that fits in a small metal tin. Below, I’ve listed the full contents and setup so you can recreate it. You can also watch the video below:
This compact kit is packed to the brim, and that’s the point. It’s small enough to carry every day but powerful enough to cover the core survival needs: fire, water, shelter, first aid, light, tools, and morale.
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Today, I wanted to share a delicious yet easy hot chip beef dip I’ll make for the holidays. One of my favorite things about holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, is the variety of food prepared, especially the appetizers.
I like this one for several reasons, but one key reason is that it’s an easy appetizer to prepare, and I have all the necessary ingredients on hand without needing another trip to the grocery store. We should all have a section in our recipe box or folder entitled “Appetizers.” That way, the search shouldn’t be difficult when it comes time to find that special appetizer recipe we’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a bold, creamy appetizer that takes almost no effort and delivers big flavor, Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip deserves a spot on your table. This retro-inspired dip is rich, savory, and just a little spicy; precisely the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone hovering around the snack table.
Perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekends at home, hot chip beef dip is one of those tried-and-true favorites that people remember long after the party ends.
There’s a reason this dip has stood the test of time. It checks all the boxes:
This is the kind of dip that feels indulgent but familiar—comfort food at its finest.
Hot chip beef dip is all about balance. The richness of the creamy base pairs perfectly with seasoned beef, while the addition of spicy elements adds just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. When everything is blended and warmed, the flavors meld into a smooth, scoopable dip that’s impossible to resist.
The texture is another standout—thick enough to cling to chips, yet soft and creamy enough to spread effortlessly.
Hot chip dips became popular in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, especially at family gatherings and holiday parties. They were known for using pantry staples, being easy to prepare, and feeding a crowd without much fuss.
Over the years, variations popped up everywhere, with beef becoming a popular addition for those who wanted something heartier. Today, hot chip beef dip continues that tradition; simple, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing.
This dip shines at just about any gathering, including:
It’s especially popular during fall and winter when warm, comforting appetizers are in high demand.
While classic potato chips are the go-to choice, this dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers:
No matter what you serve it with, expect the bowl to empty quickly.
One of the best things about hot chip beef dip is how host-friendly it is. It can be prepared in advance and gently reheated when you’re ready to serve. Keep it warm during parties so it stays creamy and easy to scoop, and be sure to make extra—this dip always goes fast.
If you have all your recipes in digital format on your computer, all the better. Some cooks may label this a classic appetizer, often referred to as a “hot chipped beef dip recipe” or “dried beef dip recipe,” but no matter what you call it, this recipe is a hit for any occasion.
After the holidays, many in the family hung out and ate leftovers we had stored in the refrigerator. They watched football on what they called “game day” due to all the college conference rivalry games on TV. Mark is a real sports fan who indulged in this easy hot-chip beef dip for much of the weekend.
The list of ingredients is short. Of course, the cream cheese, sour cream, and dried beef are key to the recipe.
Since this is a dip, the cream cheese must be softened in a bowl or small baking dish so you can easily dip your chips or crackers into it. I like to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature while I prepare the other ingredients. I have also warmed it in the microwave at 30-second intervals if I am short on time.
I have Mark rinse the dried beef in the jars to remove any extra salt/sodium. Then he’ll cut or chop the meat into thin slices so they are easily stirred in the dip mixture and stay on the chip or cracker when eaten.
Adding the sour cream also makes the dip softer and easier to work with, and it adds a slight tartness to the flavors.
Mix the ingredients in the bowl using a hand mixer or by hand, if preferred. Ensure it has a creamy texture since it will be used as a tasty dip. You can heat it in your microwave oven at 30-second intervals if you feel that will help soften the mixture. This is one of the appetizers we make that doesn’t require baking.
Now add the cut beef. Stir until thoroughly blended with the sour cream and cream cheese mixture.
Once the beef is blended into the dip mixture, you’ll top it off with the cut-up green onions. Onions are consistently added to our recipe, but others often add pecans, green peppers, black pepper, garlic powder, or other favorites to this dip for added flavor.
Be sure to store this appetizer in the fridge until it’s ready to be served so it stays as fresh as possible. It may thicken up a bit, but it should soften once left on the counter for a few minutes at room temperature. We usually warm it up in the microwave to serve it hot!
The beef we use for this dip has already been cooked, so it doesn’t need additional cooking. We’ve found the meat to be pretty salty, so we’ve always rinsed it first.
You can try using it right out of the jar and decide for yourself. Eating it that way isn’t unhealthy unless you should reduce your salt intake.
As you can see from the picture, we used Armour Dried Beef. That’s what was available at my local store, but we’ve used the Hormel product in the past, and they both work fine for flavor and texture. Buddig Beef also carries delicious dried chipped beef, and it may be less expensive.
When Mark and I were dating, he visited my family for Thanksgiving one year. My dad told him we would have “s__t on a shingle” as an appetizer. It took Mark a while to figure out what my dad meant.
I guess it had been called that for many years, not just in my family. We’ve made it a practice to call it “chip” or “chipped beef” in our household, just taking a more conservative approach.
I know other families have used cooked chicken breasts and tuna in place of beef. We’ve enjoyed the meat and haven’t tried the different options.
Our favorite has always been Fritos corn chips. They taste great and seem to hold up best when dipped.
I did see a few family members using other crackers from the appetizer table, such as Chicken In a Biscuit, Triscuit, Wheat Thins of all varieties, and even the baguette slices we had out. You could try some tortilla chips, too, but depending on the chips’ flavor, they may change the dip’s flavor.
With all the dairy products and meat in this dip, it’ll have a fair amount of calories and a good amount of protein. With the chips and crackers added, I don’t think it qualifies as low-carb. There isn’t much fiber unless you consider the corn from the Fritos in that category.
I tend to be a snacker and find appetizers like this one a real temptation. I try to limit what I eat during the holidays, and having this delicious hot chip beef dip close by challenges that goal. Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip is the kind of appetizer that brings people together. It’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want a cozy snack to share, this classic dip delivers every time. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and endless compliments; what more could you ask for?
The way the sour cream, cream cheese, green onion, and chip beef come together to create this creamy and luscious dip hits the spot every time. Many friends and family have asked for this recipe! So ensure you’re ready to share it when you take this dip to a family get-together!
Trying different meats, toppings, chips, and crackers can make this easy hot chip beef dip a real adventure at mealtime. If you make yours differently, I’d love to hear about your changes in the comments. Let’s share our food prep ideas with others so they can find joy in new and fun recipes. May God bless this world. Linda
The post Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
No matter what you do around your homestead, I’m willing to bet you work with your hands. And work with them a lot! Naturally, constant use, exposure to the elements, and wear and tear will result in sore, cracked, and rough skin. There’s nothing wrong with working hands, especially if you aren’t worried about being ... Read more
My Aloe Vera Hand Butter Recipe Will Soothe your Aching Palms can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!
Today, I wanted to share one of my favorite appetizers! I would love for all of my readers to try these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. They’re the perfect appetizer for any gathering, whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve party, or a family reunion.
We always have a variety of appetizers on the table or counter to snack on while preparing the turkey or other main dish and serving all sides at dinner. It’s so fun to see what each person chooses. The appetizers tend to disappear rather quickly!
What I love about this appetizer is that, like any other appetizer, it gathers the family together in the kitchen, chatting and reminiscing as we each devour our own.
Each bite-sized bacon-wrapped water chestnut is smothered in the most savory sauce! The brown sugar caramelizes with the bacon, ketchup, and soy sauce as the appetizer cooks. The flavor is out of this world! I can’t wait to share the recipe with you. Let’s get to it!
Gather all the ingredients you need to make this bacon-wrapped water chestnut appetizer. Preheat your oven to (375°F) = (190°C). Grease a 9″ by 13″ pan or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cut the package(s) of uncooked raw bacon into thirds. This creates the perfect-sized strips of bacon to wrap the water chestnuts.
Wrap a piece of raw bacon around one water chestnut and secure it with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped chestnuts in the greased pan. Cover each water chestnut with a piece of bacon until all the chestnuts are wrapped.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at (375°F) = (190°C).
Then, drain the fat from the pan. This is the hardest part of the whole recipe. Be careful!
It is time to make a delicious and savory sauce! Place the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and dry mustard in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
Next, cover the baked bacon-wrapped chestnuts with this sauce mixture.
Finally, bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Allow the pan to cool on a cooling rack for a short time. Enjoy!
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a classic party appetizer, crispy, smoky, slightly sweet, and irresistibly crunchy. Because they’re rich and savory, the best side dishes and pairings either balance that richness or complement the bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, game day, or cocktail party, here are the best foods to serve alongside Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts.
Light, refreshing sides help offset the salty bacon and keep the menu from feeling too heavy.
These options cleanse the palate and pair beautifully with bacon’s smoky flavor.
If you’re building an appetizer spread, these finger foods complement Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts without overpowering them.
Together, they create a well-rounded party table with a mix of textures and flavors.
While Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are flavorful on their own, offering dips gives guests variety.
Serve dips on the side to let guests customize each bite.
If these appetizers are part of a larger meal, pair them with simple mains that won’t compete with their bold flavor.
Keeping the principal dish simple allows the appetizer to shine.
These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are a great appetizer to make ahead of time! I recommend wrapping the water chestnuts in bacon, sealing them with a toothpick, and placing them in the greased pan.
Do not cook or add the sauce at this point! I would then store the pan in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking. When ready, make the sauce and cook as instructed in the recipe.
I love the flavor of the soy sauce combined with the other ingredients in this appetizer’s sauce. You can swap out the soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce if you’d like. It’ll give it a slightly different flavor.
Worcestershire sauce is typically made with anchovies, onion powder, garlic powder, and molasses. It tends to be low-sodium, whereas soy sauce has less sugar.
It might be fun to try making the sauce both ways and see what you and your family prefer. Adding a bit of sriracha may also be fun, but remember, a little goes a long way!
I’m not sure I can recommend cooking these in an air fryer because of the excess bacon grease. I’m all about easy clean-up; baking these in the oven is much easier. Plus, you need to remove the excess grease, drizzle the sauce over them, and bake them for a few more minutes.
I highly recommend using water chestnuts in this appetizer recipe! There is something delicious about the bacon’s taste, the water chestnuts’ crisp crunch, and the amazing sauce!
If you decide to swap it out, chunks of pineapple or little smokies may be good alternatives.
Please let me know if you make these savory bacon-wrapped water chestnuts! The taste of the bacon and water chestnuts combined with the sauce is a mouthful of flavors that will make everyone want to go back for another serving and then another!
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a versatile appetizer that pairs beautifully with fresh sides, classic party foods, and simple main dishes. By balancing rich flavors with light, crisp accompaniments, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing menu perfect for holidays, potlucks, and entertaining year-round. May God bless this World, Linda.
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