If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a snack that’s downright irresistible, look no further than this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe. These little bombs of flavor pack crispy tater tots stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in perfectly caramelized bacon with a sweet brown sugar glaze. Every bite explodes with savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or just an indulgent treat when you need a little extra comfort food in your life. Trust me, once you try this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for deliciously easy appetizers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets you up for success with this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy tater tots delivering a golden crunch to the rich cheddar cheese melting teasingly inside, and the bacon wrapping it all up with savory smoky goodness accented by a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar. The fresh parsley finishes them beautifully with a pop of green freshness.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (at room temperature): Slightly thawed for easier slicing and better texture when baked.
- 4 slices bacon (quartered): Perfectly sized strips that will wrap snugly around each tot, adding smoky and salty flavor.
- 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 1/4-inch squares): Loads of melty, sharp goodness stuffed inside each tater tot for that gooey surprise.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a beautiful caramelized sweetness to the bacon as it bakes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves: A bright, herby garnish that adds color and a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and readying a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This careful preparation ensures your Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe bakes evenly and nothing sticks, giving you gorgeous golden bites without any fuss.
Step 2: Stuff the Tater Tots
On a flat surface, take each tater tot one at a time and carefully create a slit down the middle. Gently stuff a square of sharp cheddar cheese inside. This is where the magic begins – the cheese will melt beautifully inside, giving each bite a luscious, creamy center that contrasts perfectly with the crispy exterior.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Next, take one quarter slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed tater tot. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick. This wrapping is key – the bacon crisps up and holds everything together, contributing that smoky, salty layer that makes these bombs so addictive.
Step 4: Brown Sugar Coating
Now comes a fun and slightly sneaky step – dredge each bacon-wrapped tot into the packed brown sugar. Press lightly so the sugar sticks nicely, adding a fantastic caramelized sweetness during baking that will have you coming back for more.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your prepared tater tots seam side down on the baking sheet, then slide them into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, using metal tongs to carefully turn them halfway through baking. This turning ensures the bacon crisps evenly on all sides while keeping the cheese gooey inside.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, serve these beauties immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flair. These Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe bites are best enjoyed hot, when the cheese is melty and the bacon is perfectly crunchy.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe is an easy way to elevate presentation and flavor. Fresh parsley not only adds a vivid green pop but also a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness. You might consider a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of spicy ranch dip for a tasty twist.
Side Dishes
These bombs are star bites, but pairing them with complementary sides takes things up a notch. Serve alongside crunchy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to cut through the richness. For dipping, creamy ranch dressing, tangy barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic companions that complement the smoky, cheesy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment and scatter the chopped parsley on top for a rustic appeal. Skewer a few with cocktail sticks for easy grabbing or line them up in a muffin tin to keep them upright for a playful presentation. These small touches make all the difference when serving guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by chance you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind they taste best when fresh, but reheating later still delivers delicious results.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe for up to a month. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda to switch up flavors. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey center.
Is it necessary to let the tater tots come to room temperature?
Bringing frozen tater tots to room temperature for a bit makes them easier to slice and stuff without crumbling. It helps maintain their shape during preparation.
Can these be made vegetarian?
You could swap bacon for vegetarian bacon alternatives or even use thinly sliced roasted vegetables like zucchini strips, though the smoky flavor will be different.
What is the best way to make sure the bacon stays wrapped?
Using toothpicks is a simple trick to keep the bacon snug around the tots while baking. Also, wrapping tightly and choosing quartered bacon strips that fit well helps prevent unraveling.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe is a fantastic way to bring together comfort food favorites into one unforgettable snack. The crispy, cheesy, smoky, and sweet layers combine for a flavor experience that’s truly next-level. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these little bombs deliver every time. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find your new favorite appetizer to make again and again!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs are a delicious appetizer featuring crispy bacon wrapped around cheesy, golden tater tots, coated in brown sugar for a perfect sweet and savory bite. Ideal for parties or game day snacks, they come together quickly and bake to crispy perfection with a melty cheddar center.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (at room temperature)
- 4 slices bacon (quartered)
- 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 1/4-inch squares)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tater Tots and Cheese: Work with one tater tot at a time on a flat surface. Carefully slice a slit down the center of the tater tot just enough to create a pocket. Insert a 1/4-inch square of sharp cheddar cheese into the slit, ensuring the cheese is well nestled inside.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one quarter slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the stuffed tater tot. Use a toothpick if necessary to secure the bacon in place. Repeat this process with all remaining tater tots, cheese squares, and bacon pieces.
- Coat with Brown Sugar: Dredge each bacon-wrapped tater tot in the packed brown sugar, pressing gently to coat all surfaces. This will add a sweet caramelized crust as they bake.
- Bake the Bombs: Place the tater tots seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time using metal tongs to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tater tot bombs from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the tater tots are at room temperature before stuffing for easier handling.
- Use sharp cheddar for a flavorful, melty cheese center.
- Be careful when slicing the tots to avoid breaking them apart.
- Turning halfway ensures the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture — bacon is crispiest right out of the oven.
