Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next game day gathering! These irresistible bites combine crispy tater tots wrapped in savory bacon for a handheld treat that’s sure to score big points with your guests. When planning your Super Bowl party food ideas, these skewers should definitely make the starting lineup – they’re easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and disappear faster than you can say “touchdown!”
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what these tasty morsels bring to the table nutritionally:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving – 2 skewers) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
While these treats are certainly an indulgence, they do offer some protein from the bacon. For a more balanced approach, serve alongside some fresh veggies with dip to round out your game day spread.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of these Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 24 frozen tater tots | Main component | Sweet potato tots, cauliflower tots |
| 12 bacon slices (cut in half) | Wrapper, adds flavor | Turkey bacon, prosciutto |
| 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional) | Adds sweetness | Maple syrup, honey |
| 1 tsp black pepper | Seasoning | Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika |
| 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for dipping | Condiment | Ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo |
| Wooden skewers | Assembly | Metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water before using) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
– Tongs
– Wire cooling rack (optional but recommended)
– Meat thermometer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delicious Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers for your Super Bowl party food ideas is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
2. Season the Bacon: If using the brown sugar, mix it with the black pepper in a small bowl. Lay out your bacon slices on a cutting board and sprinkle each piece with the sugar-pepper mixture.
3. Wrap the Tots: Take each frozen tater tot and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. The bacon should wrap completely around the tot, with the ends overlapping. If the bacon is having trouble staying in place, you can secure it with a toothpick temporarily.
4. Skewer Assembly: Thread 3-4 wrapped tots onto each skewer, leaving a small gap between each one to ensure even cooking.
5. Arrange for Baking: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
6. Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the tots are golden and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Final Touch: Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the bacon to crisp up further and prevents burnt mouths!
8. Serve: Arrange on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Bacon Not Crispy Enough? If your bacon isn’t crisping up, try moving the tray to the top rack of your oven for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
– Falling Apart? Make sure your tater tots are still frozen when you wrap them. This helps them maintain shape during the wrapping process.
– Uneven Cooking? Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking and flip each skewer for even browning.
– Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the skewers with a mixture of maple syrup and sriracha during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
– Healthier Option: Use center-cut bacon which has less fat, or try turkey bacon (though it won’t crisp up quite as nicely).
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make Ahead: You can assemble these skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
– Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bacon and tots soggy.
– Freezing: These can be assembled and frozen uncooked for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are guaranteed to be the MVP of your Super Bowl party food ideas spread. The combination of crispy potatoes and savory bacon creates an irresistible finger food that’s perfect for casual entertaining. What makes these skewers so popular is their versatility – they can be customized with different seasonings or dipping sauces to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Q: How many skewers should I make per person?
A: Plan for 2-3 skewers (6-12 tots) per person if served alongside other appetizers.
Q: Can I add cheese to these?
A: Yes! Try inserting a small cube of cheddar into the center of each tot before wrapping with bacon.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Most tater tots are gluten-free, but always check the packaging. The bacon should be gluten-free, but verify with the manufacturer if you have celiac disease.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: While you can’t make these exact skewers vegetarian, you can try wrapping plant-based bacon alternatives around the tots for a similar effect.
For even more game day inspiration, check out these delicious Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that make perfect Super Bowl appetizers for your party.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers.
