Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

by

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped tater tots are the perfect fusion of crispy, savory, and satisfying flavors. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these little bites combine the saltiness of bacon with the crunchiness of tater tots, creating a snack that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or just craving comfort food, these tasty morsels will steal the show.

History

While bacon and potatoes have been staples in various cuisines for centuries, this modern twist is an invention born from the love of convenience and indulgence. Tater tots were created in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company, becoming a favorite across America. Pairing them with bacon brings the concept of “loaded potatoes” into bite-sized perfection.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb bacon slices, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, for a sweet glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Dipping Sauces: Ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
  2. Season the Tater Tots:
    Toss the frozen tater tots in a bowl with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for extra flavor.
  3. Wrap with Bacon:
    Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each tater tot. Secure it with a toothpick if needed.
  4. Add Sweet Glaze (Optional):
    Roll the bacon-wrapped tots in brown sugar for a caramelized, sweet-and-savory twist.
  5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
    Place the wrapped tots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling.
  6. Bake:
    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the tater tots are golden brown.
  7. Serve:
    Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Methods for Making Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots

  1. Prepping the Ingredients:
  • Defrost the Tater Tots (Optional): While frozen tater tots work well, letting them thaw slightly makes wrapping easier.
  • Cut the Bacon: Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the bacon slices in half. This size is perfect for wrapping each tot without overlap.
  1. Seasoning the Tater Tots:
  • Place the tater tots in a large bowl and toss them with your choice of spices (e.g., smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pepper). This step enhances their flavor and balances the richness of the bacon.
  1. Wrapping the Tots:
  • Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around a tater tot.
  • If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling during cooking.
  1. Optional Sweet Glaze:
  • For a caramelized coating, roll the bacon-wrapped tots in brown sugar. This step adds a delicious sweet-and-savory twist.
  1. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack.
  • Place the bacon-wrapped tots seam-side down, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.
  1. Baking:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the tater tots are golden brown. Flip halfway through for even crispiness if not using a rack.
  1. Serving:
  • Allow the tots to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
  1. Clean-Up Tip:
  • Use foil under the parchment paper to catch any bacon grease, making cleanup much easier.

Alternative Methods

  1. Air Fryer Method:
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange the bacon-wrapped tater tots in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  1. Grilling Method:
  • Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  • Place the bacon-wrapped tots on a grill-safe tray or directly on the grates. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally for even crisping.

Benefits

  • Customizable: Easily modify with different seasonings or dipping sauces.
  • Crowd Favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike.
  • Nutritional Variety: While indulgent, you can balance it by pairing with lighter sides like salads or veggie sticks

  1. Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer:
    Perfect for parties, gatherings, or game nights, these bites are guaranteed to impress everyone with their flavorful and crispy texture.
  2. Versatile Ingredients:
    You can easily customize the recipe to suit different tastes. Add spices, cheese, or even use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  3. Rich in Energy:
    Thanks to the combination of carbs from the tater tots and fats from the bacon, these bites provide a quick energy boost, making them a great snack for busy days or celebrations.
  4. Protein Boost:
    The bacon adds a dose of protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you fuller for longer.
  5. Comfort Food Appeal:
    These treats satisfy cravings with their perfect mix of salty, crispy, and indulgent flavors, offering a comforting, feel-good eating experience.
  6. Quick and Easy Preparation:
    With minimal effort, you can create a delicious snack that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.
  7. Customizable for Dietary Preferences:
    Adjust the recipe to include healthier options like nitrate-free bacon or sweet potatoes for a more nutritious twist.
  8. Encourages Creativity:
    This recipe allows for endless variations, letting you experiment with flavors and fillings to keep it exciting.
  9. Family-Friendly:
    Loved by both kids and adults, these bite-sized treats bring families together and make meal times more enjoyable.
  10. Perfect for Sharing:
    These are ideal for communal eating, fostering connection and joy during social events or family dinners.

Let me know if you’d like more details about nutritional aspects or additional recipe variations!

Variations

  • Cheesy Surprise: Add a small cube of cheddar cheese inside the tater tot before wrapping it with bacon.
  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy version.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with thin strips of roasted zucchini or eggplant.

Nutritional Information (Per Bite)

  • Calories: ~80
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fat: 5g

  • Calories: ~80
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Sugars: ~1g (if brown sugar glaze is added)
  • Fiber: ~0.5g
  • Fats: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 7mg
  • Sodium: ~120mg
  • Potassium: ~90mg
  • Iron: 0.2mg
  • Vitamin A: ~1% of Daily Value
  • Calcium: ~1% of Daily Value

Healthier Adjustments for Nutrition

  • Reduce Fat: Use turkey bacon or center-cut bacon.
  • Lower Sodium: Choose reduced-sodium bacon or seasoning.
  • Increase Fiber: Use sweet potato tots or add a veggie filling.
  • Boost Protein: Add a small piece of cheese inside or pair with a high-protein dipping sauce like Greek yogurt-based ranch.

These bite-sized snacks are an indulgent treat but can be enjoyed in moderation or adjusted for a healthier spin. Let me know if you’d like more details on how to make them even more nutritious!

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped tater tots are the ultimate snack for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they combine the best of two beloved ingredients. Experiment with flavors, dips, and fillings to make them your own. Serve them at your next gathering and watch everyone fall in love with these addictive bites!

For Bacon Lovers

This recipe is a dream come true for bacon lovers. The crispy, salty bacon perfectly complements the soft interior of the tater tot, offering a texture and flavor combo that’s out of this world. Pair it with a cold drink, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate treat!

Let me know if you’d like more ideas or tips!

Leave a Comment