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If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances crispy, savory, sweet, and spicy all in one bite, look no further than this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe. The combination of crispy bacon wrapped around golden, tender tater tots and kissed with a brown sugar-cayenne glaze transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible finger food that quickly becomes everyone’s favorite at parties, game days, or anytime you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering flavor, texture, and that perfect color contrast we love in this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe. From smoky bacon to a hint of fiery cayenne, every element is essential.
- 24 frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden base delivering that classic comforting potato bite.
- 6 slices bacon: Adds smoky richness and a crispy wrapping that locks in flavor.
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep molasses sweetness that complements the bacon perfectly.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides just the right kick of heat to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F, which is exactly the right temperature to make the bacon crisp up while keeping the tater tots tender inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet and Spicy Coating
In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and cayenne pepper. This blend is the magic behind the sweet and spicy flavor profile, ensuring each bacon strip gets an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Coat the Bacon
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cayenne pepper mixture over the bacon slices and, using your fingers, gently rub it into the meat. This step infuses each slice with flavor that will create a glossy, caramelized crust once cooked.
Step 4: Cut the Bacon Into Pieces
Cut each bacon slice into 4 equal pieces to have perfectly sized strips for wrapping each tater tot. This ensures every bite gets a balanced amount of bacon flavor without overpowering the potato.
Step 5: Wrap Each Tater Tot
Take one tater tot at a time and wrap a bacon piece snugly around it. Secure with a toothpick to hold everything together during baking, making sure the seam is placed underneath to keep the bacon from unraveling.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place each wrapped tater tot seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps keep the bacon sealed tightly while cooking. Repeat until all tots are wrapped and ready.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tots in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway to ensure even crisping. Once the bacon is crisp and caramelized and the tater tots are hot and golden, they’re ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of spicy aioli or a dollop of sour cream can add creamy contrast to the sweet and spicy bites.
Side Dishes
Pair these tantalizing bites with crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, or smoky grilled vegetables for a perfectly balanced meal or snack. Their bold flavor shines next to something fresh and light to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bacon wrapped tater tots on a wooden platter or slate board for a rustic feel. Try stacking them pyramid-style or line them up on skewers for fun finger-food presentation that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon will retain most of its crispiness, while the tater tots stay tender, making for a delicious snack whenever hunger strikes again.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, wrapped tater tots before baking. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for convenience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bacon soggy rather than delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option, though it may be less crispy and flavorful. Just keep an eye on baking time as it tends to cook faster.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the brown sugar mixture. The recipe will still have delicious sweetness and smokiness without the kick.
Can I make these vegetarian?
While this recipe relies on bacon for its distinct flavor, you can experiment with plant-based bacon alternatives. Just note that cooking times and results might vary.
Are these suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! These bacon wrapped tater tots keep well in the fridge and are easy to reheat quickly, making them perfect for prepping snacks or appetizers ahead of time.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
They’re fantastic with ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a smoky barbecue sauce. Pick whichever suits your taste buds for the perfect accompaniment.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably addictive about the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe. It’s easy enough for a quick snack yet impressive enough to wow guests, making it your new go-to for nearly any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots are an irresistible appetizer combining crispy tater tots wrapped in smoky bacon coated with a flavorful blend of brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, they offer a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 frozen tater tots (room temperature)
- 6 slices bacon
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mix Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and cayenne pepper, creating a sweet and spicy seasoning blend.
- Prepare Bacon: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cayenne mixture over the bacon slices, rubbing it gently into the bacon to coat evenly with the flavorful mix.
- Cut Bacon Strips: Cut each slice of bacon into 4 equal pieces to create smaller strips perfect for wrapping the tots.
- Wrap Tater Tots: Take each tater tot and wrap it with a bacon strip, securing the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place during cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each bacon-wrapped tater tot seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Once golden and crispy, remove from oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let frozen tater tots sit at room temperature for a few minutes before wrapping to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon well to prevent it from unwrapping during baking.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, place the bacon-wrapped tots on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow fat to drain.
- Let cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot bacon fat.
