If you are on the hunt for a snack that combines crispy, cheesy, smoky, and sweet all in one bite, then you will absolutely adore this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe. These little bombs pack a punch of flavor with tender tater tots stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and kissed with brown sugar for that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you want a show-stopping appetizer for your next party or a comfort food treat that everyone will rave about, this recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe plays a star role—each one is simple but crucial for building that scrumptious flavor and mouthwatering texture. From the melting sharp cheddar to the sweet crunch of brown sugar, each component enhances the experience.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: These form the starchy, crispy base that gets even better when baked.
- 4 slices bacon (quartered): Wrapping each tot in bacon infuses smoky richness and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
- 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 1/4-inch squares): A sharp, melty surprise crushed inside every tot for that irresistible gooey pull.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: This adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the salty bacon.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves: Fresh parsley offers a bright, herbaceous note to finish off the dish beautifully.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key to rendering the bacon crispy and cooking the tots through. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this helps with clean-up and prevents the bacon from sticking as it crisps up.
Step 2: Stuff the Tater Tots
Work one tater tot at a time on a flat surface. Gently slice down the center of each tot—think of it like creating a little pocket. Carefully slide a square of sharp cheddar inside. This step is so worth the little effort since that melty cheese core makes these bombs explode with flavor.
Step 3: Wrap Each Tot in Bacon
Take one quarter slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around the stuffed tot. If you feel it needs extra security, a toothpick can hold everything together while baking. Repeat this wrapping and stuffing process until all your tots are ready to go.
Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar
Press each bacon-wrapped tot into the packed brown sugar so it’s evenly coated. This adds the magical sweet crust that balances out the salty bacon and cheesy center perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange all your prepared tater tot bombs seam side down on the lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, use metal tongs to carefully turn each bomb, ensuring every side crisps up golden and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Parsley
Once baked, remove your tots and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch not only adds color but also freshens every bite. Serve immediately to enjoy the full crispy, gooey magic of this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet perfect garnish for these bombs since it adds a pop of green and slightly herbal brightness that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or finely chopped chives for extra flavor and color flair.
Side Dishes
These bacon wrapped delights are fabulous on their own, but they also team well with vibrant sides. Try pairing them with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For dipping, a dollop of ranch dressing or a tangy mustard sauce makes an excellent complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, serve these tots on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces for a beautiful spread. Skewer a few on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. You could even serve them atop mini slider buns to transform this treat into a hearty appetizer or fun finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep the bacon crisp, try reheating them in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze these tots after assembling but before baking. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, do not thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly cooked tots.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tots on a baking sheet lined with foil and warm in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps restore the crispiness of the bacon and heats the cheese inside just right.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese in the Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a nice tang and melt, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda depending on your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to coat the tots in brown sugar?
The brown sugar adds a lovely sweet counterpoint to the salty bacon, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can skip it or experiment with a spice rub instead.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the bacon for plant-based bacon alternatives and use vegetarian cheese to make a meat-free version, though the flavor profile will differ from the original recipe.
How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking?
Using a toothpick to secure the bacon around each tot helps keep everything intact while baking and makes turning them easier.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe warm on a platter with sides of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or BBQ sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs Recipe is one of those magical snacks that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease. The crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sweet brown sugar glaze hit all the right spots in your palate. Next time you want to wow friends or just treat yourself, give this recipe a go—you might just find your newest favorite party appetizer!
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
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs are a delicious appetizer featuring crispy tater tots stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in brown sugar-coated bacon, and baked to perfection. This crowd-pleasing snack combines savory, sweet, and cheesy flavors with a crispy texture, perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
Main 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Tater Tots: Place one tater tot on a flat surface. Carefully cut a slit down the center of the tater tot to create an opening for the cheese, then insert a square of sharp cheddar cheese into the slit.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each stuffed tater tot with a quarter slice of bacon. Use a toothpick if needed to secure the bacon around the tot, ensuring it stays wrapped during baking.
- Coat with Brown Sugar: Dredge each bacon-wrapped tater tot in the packed brown sugar, pressing gently to coat all sides. This will add a sweet caramelized flavor when baked.
- Bake: Place the tater tots seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them midway through with metal tongs to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the bombs from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Allow the frozen tater tots to come to room temperature slightly for easier cutting and wrapping.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor balance.
- To prevent bacon from unraveling, secure with toothpicks before baking.
- Turning the tots halfway through baking ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar coating.
