Looking for the perfect Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers for your upcoming Super Bowl party food ideas? These irresistible bites combine crispy tater tots with savory bacon for a game day appetizer that’s guaranteed to score points with your guests. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just enjoying the game with family, these skewers hit all the right flavor notes while being surprisingly simple to make.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at what these tasty morsels offer nutritionally:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving – 2 skewers) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
While these skewers are definitely an indulgent treat, the protein from the bacon helps make them more satisfying, so your guests won’t be reaching for more snacks quite as quickly.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen tater tots (1 package, about 32 oz) | Main component | Mini hash brown patties, sweet potato tots |
| Bacon (1 lb, standard cut) | Wrapper, adds flavor and texture | Turkey bacon, beef bacon, thinly sliced prosciutto |
| Brown sugar (1/4 cup) | Creates caramelization and sweetness | Maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar |
| Garlic powder (1 tsp) | Flavor enhancer | Onion powder, minced fresh garlic |
| Smoked paprika (1 tsp) | Adds smoky flavor | Regular paprika, chipotle powder (use less) |
| Black pepper (1/2 tsp) | Seasoning | White pepper, cayenne (for heat) |
| Dipping sauce (ranch, BBQ, etc.) | Serving accompaniment | Sriracha mayo, honey mustard, cheese sauce |
Equipment Needed
– Wooden skewers (8-10 inches long)
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Wire rack (optional, but helps for crispier results)
– Mixing bowl
– Measuring spoons
– Kitchen scissors (helpful for cutting bacon)
– Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Work (15 minutes)
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
– Keep tater tots frozen until ready to assemble.
– Cut bacon strips in half crosswise.
2. Season the Bacon (5 minutes)
– In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
– Lightly pat each bacon half with the seasoning mixture, covering both sides.
3. Assemble Your Skewers (15 minutes)
– Take a piece of seasoned bacon and wrap it around a frozen tater tot, covering about half of the tot.
– Thread the bacon-wrapped tater tot onto a skewer, securing the bacon in place.
– Add 3-4 more wrapped tots to each skewer, leaving a small space between each one for even cooking.
– For the best Super Bowl party food ideas, arrange the completed skewers on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Baking (25-30 minutes)
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
– Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the skewers carefully with tongs.
– Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the tater tots are golden brown.
5. Serve (5 minutes)
– Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
– Arrange on a serving platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces.
Total time: Approximately 60-65 minutes
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Issue: Bacon not crisping up – Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and consider placing the skewers on a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate.
– Issue: Tater tots falling off skewers – Ensure you’re threading through both the bacon and the tot for secure placement.
– Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush with maple syrup or honey during the last 5 minutes of baking.
– Pro Tip: For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix.
– Pro Tip: Cut bacon in thirds instead of halves if you prefer a higher tot-to-bacon ratio.
– Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered until ready to bake.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make-Ahead: You can prepare the skewers the day before and refrigerate them covered. Add 3-5 minutes to your cooking time if baking from refrigerated.
– Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the bacon and tots soggy.
– Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture will change significantly upon thawing and reheating.
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are the perfect addition to your arsenal of Super Bowl party food ideas. They combine the comfort of tater tots with the irresistible flavor of bacon, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day celebrations. The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity – just a few ingredients transform into an impressive finger food that guests will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a full-scale Super Bowl bash or a casual gathering, these skewers are sure to be the MVP of your spread.
FAQ
Can I make these vegetarian?
While the bacon is central to this recipe, you could try plant-based bacon alternatives wrapped around the tater tots. The cooking time may need adjustment.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 15-20 skewers, depending on how many tots you put on each skewer.
Can I use air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes! Cook at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. You may need to work in batches.
Can I make these without skewers?
Absolutely. You can simply place the bacon-wrapped tots on a baking sheet with the seam-side down.
What dipping sauces work best?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and sriracha mayo are all excellent choices. For more game day food ideas like these and our popular cheesy baked quesadillas, try a cheese sauce or spicy ketchup.
How do I know when they’re done?
The bacon should be crispy and caramelized, and the tater tots should be golden brown and heated through.
Can I use sweet potato tots instead?
Yes! Sweet potato tots work beautifully and add a nice flavor contrast with the bacon.
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