Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl party food ideas arsenal. These irresistible bites combine two crowd favorites—crispy tater tots and savory bacon—into one handheld treat that will have your guests reaching for seconds before halftime. The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity and the way they elevate ordinary ingredients into something special that’s worthy of your game day spread.
These skewers strike the perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft interior, with the bacon adding that perfect hit of smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or feeding a crowd, these appetizers are guaranteed to be the MVP of your spread.
Nutritional Benefits
While Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers might not qualify as health food, they do offer some nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation as part of your game day celebration.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving – 2 skewers) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
The protein from the bacon helps keep guests satisfied, while the potatoes provide some energy-sustaining carbohydrates. You can also make these slightly healthier by using turkey bacon or air-frying instead of baking for a less oily final product.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 24 frozen tater tots | Main component | Sweet potato tots, cauliflower tots |
| 8 bacon strips | Wrapper, adds flavor | Turkey bacon, prosciutto, vegetarian bacon |
| 1 tbsp brown sugar | Adds caramelization and sweetness | Maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | Onion powder, minced fresh garlic |
| 1/2 tsp smoked paprika | Adds smoky flavor | Regular paprika, chipotle powder |
| 1/4 tsp black pepper | Seasoning | White pepper, cayenne for heat |
| 8 wooden skewers | Serving vehicle | Metal skewers, toothpicks |
| Dipping sauce (ranch, BBQ) | Accompaniment | Sriracha mayo, honey mustard, cheese sauce |
Equipment Needed
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
– Kitchen scissors or knife
– Small mixing bowl
– Measuring spoons
– Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes if using wooden)
– Tongs
– Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Work (10 minutes)
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
– If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
– Allow tater tots to thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Season the Bacon (5 minutes)
– In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
– Cut each bacon strip into thirds (you’ll have 24 pieces total).
– Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the bacon pieces.
3. Wrap the Tots (15 minutes)
– Take each tater tot and wrap it with a piece of seasoned bacon.
– Secure with a toothpick if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
4. Skewer Assembly (5 minutes)
– Thread 3 bacon-wrapped tater tots onto each skewer, leaving small spaces between each tot.
– Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Baking (25-30 minutes)
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
– Flip the skewers and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the tots are golden brown.
– These Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers are truly the ultimate Super Bowl party food ideas that will impress your football-watching crowd.
6. Serving (5 minutes)
– Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
– Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Total Time: 1 hour
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Soggy Tots? Make sure to pat your thawed tater tots dry before wrapping them in bacon. This helps achieve optimal crispiness.
– Bacon Not Crisping? If your bacon isn’t getting crispy enough, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
– Falling Apart? If your bacon is unwrapping during cooking, secure it with toothpicks before baking.
– Even Cooking: For the best results, try to select tater tots that are similar in size and shape.
– Extra Flavor: Try brushing the assembled skewers with a thin layer of maple syrup or honey before baking for extra caramelization.
– Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick that football fans will love.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make-Ahead: Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
– Storage: Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 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 have earned their spot in the hall of fame of Super Bowl party food ideas. Their irresistible combination of crispy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your guests talking long after the final touchdown. The beauty of these appetizers lies in their versatility—they’re easy to customize with different seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your crowd’s preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or preparing for your first game day gathering, these skewers strike the perfect balance between impressive presentation and approachable preparation. So as you plan your next football feast, remember that sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. These Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers prove that good food, like good football, doesn’t have to be complicated to be exceptional.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Cook them at 380°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway through. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.
Q: How many skewers should I make per person?
A: Plan on 2-3 skewers (6-9 tater tots) per person as an appetizer, more if this is one of just a few options in your Super Bowl Snacks spread.
Q: Can I use beef bacon instead of pork bacon?
A: Yes, beef or turkey bacon works well, though they may cook slightly differently, so keep an eye on them.
Q: How can I make these vegetarian-friendly?
A: Use plant-based bacon alternatives and check that your tater tots don’t contain animal products (most don’t).
Q: What dipping sauces work best with these?
A: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, sriracha mayo, and cheese sauce are all popular options that complement these skewers perfectly.
Q: Can I add cheese to these skewers?
A: Absolutely! Try wrapping a small cube of cheese along with the tater tot in bacon for a gooey center.
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