Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl party spread this year. These irresistible bites combine two beloved comfort foods – crispy tater tots and savory bacon – into one easy-to-eat appetizer that will have your guests reaching for more. As someone who’s hosted countless game day gatherings, I can tell you these skewers consistently disappear faster than any other snack on the table. The combination of crispy potato goodness wrapped in smoky bacon creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. If you’re looking for Superbowl Party Food Ideas that will impress without keeping you trapped in the kitchen, these skewers deserve the MVP title.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what you’re getting nutrition-wise. While these are definitely a treat, they do provide some nutritional benefits alongside their incredible taste:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 skewers) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
The protein content helps make these more satisfying than many other party snacks, while the combination of protein and fat helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates, making them more filling than plain tater tots alone.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasers, along with possible substitutions if you need to make adjustments:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots | Main component | Hash brown patties (cut into squares), sweet potato tots |
| 1 lb thin-cut bacon | Wrapper, adds flavor and crispiness | Turkey bacon, prosciutto (for a lighter version) |
| 2 tbsp brown sugar | Adds caramelization and sweetness | Maple syrup, honey, or omit for less sweetness |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | Onion powder, smoked paprika |
| 1/2 tsp black pepper | Adds spice | Cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for different flavor |
| Wooden skewers | Holds tots together | Metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes first) |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Wooden or metal skewers (8-10 inches long)
– Cooling rack that fits inside baking sheet (optional but helps for crispier results)
– Kitchen scissors or knife
– Mixing bowl
– Small measuring spoons
– Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers that will be the highlight of your Superbowl Party Food Ideas spread:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet for crispier results.
2. Prepare the bacon mixture. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise (you want pieces long enough to wrap around each tot with slight overlap).
3. Partially cook the tater tots. Follow the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes. They should be slightly cooked but not fully crisp. This prevents them from falling apart when you skewer them.
4. Season the bacon. Lay out the bacon strips and sprinkle them with the brown sugar mixture.
5. Wrap the tots. Once the tots are cool enough to handle, wrap each one with a half strip of bacon, securing the end underneath.
6. Skewer the wrapped tots. Thread 4-5 bacon-wrapped tots onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each for even cooking.
7. Arrange on the baking sheet. Place the skewers on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
8. Bake to perfection. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the tots are golden brown.
9. Cool slightly before serving. These are delicious when hot but need about 3-5 minutes to cool slightly so they hold together better.
10. Serve with dipping sauces of your choice – ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard all work beautifully!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Bacon not crisping? Try broiling for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
– Tots falling apart? Make sure they’re only partially cooked before wrapping.
– Bacon unwrapping during cooking? Secure with a toothpick if needed, or make sure the end is tucked firmly underneath.
– Pro tip #1: Use center-cut bacon for a better meat-to-fat ratio that crisps more evenly.
– Pro tip #2: For extra flavor, sprinkle with shredded cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
– Pro tip #3: Serve with multiple dipping sauces in small bowls for a customizable experience.
– Pro tip #4: Pre-cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes if you want extra-crispy results.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These skewers are perfect for game day because you can prep them in advance:
– Make ahead: Wrap the tots in bacon and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
– Storage: Leftover skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bacon and tots soggy.
– Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked skewers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, but they truly shine as Football Party Foods during the big game. The combination of crispy potatoes, caramelized bacon, and flavorful seasonings creates an irresistible bite that will have everyone asking for your recipe. What I love most about these skewers is how versatile they are – you can customize the seasonings, experiment with different dips, or even add extras like jalapeños for those who like some heat. Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first Super Bowl party, these skewers deserve a prime spot on your table. They’re simple enough for cooking beginners but impressive enough to make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 390°F for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently as air fryer models vary.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
With a 32oz bag of tots, you’ll get approximately 15-20 skewers (with 4-5 tots per skewer).
Can I make these vegetarian?
You can try plant-based bacon alternatives, but the cooking time and crispiness will vary.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
Can I add cheese to these?
Absolutely! Try pressing a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack into each tot before wrapping.
Are these gluten-free?
Most tater tots and bacon are gluten-free, but always check packaging to be sure.
Can I make mini versions for a larger crowd?
Yes! Use just 2-3 tots per skewer and reduce the cooking time slightly.
What dipping sauces work best?
Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or cheese sauce all pair wonderfully with these skewers.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers. If you’re looking for more game day inspiration, check out my Super Bowl Snacks that will make your party the talk of the town!
