Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Craving all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but want something extra fun simple and snackable This recipe brings together crispy tater tots seasoned ground beef melty cheddar and smoky bacon in every playful cone shaped bite Ideal for parties game day or just making dinner a little more exciting these stuffed tater tot cones have quickly become an irresistible favorite in my home

I first made these for a kids birthday party and they were devoured in minutes Now everyone requests them for movie nights or as a quick crowd pleasing appetizer

Ingredients

• Ground beef: select lean ground beef for less grease and better flavor absorption during browning
• Shredded cheddar cheese: choose sharp cheddar for a tangy rich taste and grate your own for best melt
• Frozen tater tots: look for a brand with fewer additives and bake until super crispy to hold the cone shape
• Cooked bacon: opt for thick cut bacon cooked until just crispy then crumble for smoky bursts in each bite
• Salt and pepper: freshly ground pepper gives the beef a more robust flavor and highlights the cheesy topping

Instructions

Cook the Tater Tots:

Bake tater tots on a sheet pan at the package’s recommended temperature until they are deeply golden and crisp This is important for structural strength

Brown the Beef:

Break ground beef into bite sized pieces in a skillet over medium heat Sprinkle with salt and pepper Cook gently and stir frequently to develop flavor and prevent dryness Drain any excess fat before assembling

Shape the Tater Tot Cones:

Carefully arrange the cooked tater tots into a cone shape directly on a serving plate Start from the bottom and stack upward pressing slightly to form a tight mound

Add the Beef:

Pile the warm cooked ground beef into the cavity at the top and down the sides of the tater tot cone making sure it fills the crevices

Top with Cheese and Bacon:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar liberally over the beef and tater tots then scatter crumbled bacon on top for extra crunch and flavor

Bake to Melt:

Transfer the assembled cones into a hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes Watch closely and remove once the cheese bubbles and melts fully

Serve Warm:

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly Serve with your preferred dipping sauce like burger sauce ranch or ketchup for even more fun

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I absolutely love how the cheddar cheese pulls everything together and gets wonderfully gooey as it melts Last summer we served these cones at a family barbecue and my uncle declared them the best bite of the night seeing everyone’s hands reach for one after another made these an instant tradition

Storage Tips

Once assembled and baked leftovers can be kept in the fridge covered for up to two days Reheat in a toaster oven or oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving which can make the tots soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping ground turkey or plant based crumbles for the beef Use pepper jack or mozzarella if you like your cheese a bit spicier For a flavor twist add pickled jalapenos diced onion or a drizzle of burger sauce before baking

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect as a party snack appetizer or even a whimsical dinner Serve with small dipping bowls of barbecue sauce or spicy mayo For a playful meal serve alongside a crisp green salad or coleslaw

Cultural Historical Context

Tater tots were created in the 1950s as a way to use up potato scraps and quickly became an American classic This recipe takes the nostalgia of diner cheeseburgers and the fun of comfort food mashes them together in a playful easy to eat form

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Serve these cones warm and watch them disappear in minutes The melty cheese and crispy tots will have everyone coming back for more

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the tater tots extra crispy?

Bake the tater tots until golden and crisp before assembling, and avoid overcrowding them on the tray during baking.

→ Can I prepare these cones ahead of time?

You can cook the beef mixture and bacon ahead, then assemble and bake the cones just before serving.

→ What sauce pairs well as a dip?

Try ketchup, creamy ranch, or a tangy burger sauce to complement the cheesy and savory flavors.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this dish?

Yes, swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different twist and added flavor variety.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground alternatives and vegetarian bacon or leave out the meat for a tasty veggie version.