Baked Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots are a fun, crispy, and savory treat that are perfect for parties, appetizers, or as a side dish. The crispy bacon combined with the soft, golden tater tots creates a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor. Baking them instead of frying makes them a little healthier while still delivering all the flavor!Here’s a simple recipe to make Baked Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots:
Ingredients:
- 20-24 frozen tater tots (about 1 bag)
- 10 slices of bacon (cut in half to make 20 pieces)
- Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)
- Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
- Cut the bacon slices in half to create smaller pieces that will wrap around the tater tots.
- You don’t need to cook the bacon beforehand—just use it raw.
3. Wrap the Tater Tots:
- Take one tater tot and wrap it with a piece of bacon. Make sure the bacon covers the entire tater tot, overlapping slightly to keep it secure.
- Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, piercing through the bacon and the tater tot to keep it in place.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped tater tots on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out so they cook evenly.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden, and the tater tots are hot and crispy. You can flip the tater tots halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
6. Optional – Broil for Extra Crispiness:
- If you want your bacon to get extra crispy, you can broil the tater tots for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully so the bacon doesn’t burn.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the toothpicks cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Bacon Variations: You can use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor, but regular bacon works just as well. If you want a bit of sweetness, try wrapping the tater tots in maple bacon.
- Seasoning: If you like extra flavor, sprinkle a little black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder on the bacon or tater tots before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped tater tots ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. They can be baked straight from the fridge, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Dipping Sauces: These are amazing with a variety of sauces, so feel free to experiment with different ones depending on your preference.
These Baked Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots are crispy, savory, and addictive—a guaranteed hit at your next gathering or as a tasty snack!
