Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Tater Tot Bombs
Crispy tater tots wrapped in bacon with melted sharp cheddar cheese and a caramelized brown sugar coating. These indulgent appetizers combine the comfort of potatoes with smoky bacon and sweet-savory flavors. Perfect for game day parties, casual gatherings, or when you want finger food that disappears fast. The brown sugar creates a glossy glaze that caramelizes during baking, while the cheese melts into the crispy potato center.
Ingredients
- 24 tater tots, cylinder shaped
- 24 slices sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced, sized to match tater tot face
- 12 slices thick cut bacon, cut in halfregular bacon1:1pork
thinner coating
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- 2
Cut sharp cheddar cheese into thin squares the same height and width as tater tot faces
- 3
Roll each tater tot with cheese in half slice of bacon, wrapping snugly but not too tight to avoid breaking tot
- 4
Add brown sugar to small bowl and dip each wrapped tot in sugar
- 5
Pat down lightly to coat with brown sugar layer
- 6
Place in baking pan with bacon seam side down
- 7
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until bacon is browned
- 8
Let cool before handling as brown sugar becomes molten and can cause burns
Tips
Don't wrap bacon too tightly as it will contract during baking and may break the tater tot inside.
Use cylinder-shaped tater tots rather than round ones for easier wrapping and more even cooking.
Let cool completely before serving as the caramelized sugar becomes extremely hot and can cause burns.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-8 minutes to recrisp bacon.
Can assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve warm as appetizer. Provide napkins as brown sugar coating can be sticky.
Common Mistakes
Wrap bacon too loosely to prevent unraveling during baking.
Cut cheese too thick to avoid difficulty wrapping and uneven melting.
Handle immediately after baking to avoid sugar burns from molten coating.
Substitutions
thinner coating
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
What if I don't have thick cut bacon?
Regular bacon works but may cook faster and provide less coverage. Check doneness at 12-15 minutes instead.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-8 minutes to recrisp the bacon coating.