Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots with Cheese are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, combining crispy, golden tater tots with smoky bacon and gooey melted cheese. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, a savory burst of flavor, and a creamy, cheesy center that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, these irresistible treats come together in just 40 minutes, making them a quick and crowd-pleasing favorite.
The contrast of textures—crispy bacon, tender potato, and melty cheese—creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, these bacon-wrapped bites are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots with Cheese
- 3 cups Tater Tots (thawed to room temperature)
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 16 ounces bacon (cut each strip into thirds for wrapping)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon horseradish (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon oregano
- Pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s recommended, or substitute with your favorite)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tater Tots: Cut each tater tot in half lengthwise, place a cube of cheddar cheese inside, and press the halves back together.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed tater tot with a piece of bacon (cut into thirds). Secure the bacon by tucking the ends underneath.
- Coat with sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chili powder. Roll each bacon-wrapped tot in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the tots seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the tots to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check for doneness: The bacon should be crispy, and the cheese should be melted. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the sauce: While the tots bake, mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the bacon-wrapped tater tots warm with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the included sauce is delicious, you can mix it up with other dips like ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist. For toppings, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the finished tots for a pop of color and freshness.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick, or use mozzarella for a gooey, melty center. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a jalapeño slice inside the tater tot before wrapping it in bacon. For a smoky flavor, use turkey bacon or sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika into the brown sugar mixture.
Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success
To save time, thaw your tater tots overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting. Pre-cut your bacon strips into thirds and cube your cheese ahead of time. If you’re hosting, you can even assemble the tots a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tots on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
For this recipe, a rimmed baking sheet is essential to catch any bacon grease. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. A small mixing bowl for the brown sugar mixture and a sharp knife for cutting the bacon and cheese will also come in handy.
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots with Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups Tater Tots, thaw to room temp
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- 16 ounces bacon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoon ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon horseradish
- ⅓ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon oregano
- pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Hot Sauce, Frank’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut tater tot in half lengthwise and place cheese cube inside. Piece back together and wrap with a piece of bacon. (Cut each bacon strip into thirds) This will keep it together.
- Combine the brown sugar and chili powder in a bowl. Then wrap each bacon wrapped tot in the brown sugar mixture. Place on a cookie sheet seam side down. Just keep making them until you run out of bacon.
- After rolling all the tots bake for 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking time turn them over and finish cooking until the bacon is crispy.
- Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients together. Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.