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Bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones deliver all your favorite flavors of a classic burger in a fun and crispy bite sized form. These are a hit at parties game nights or for anyone who wants a playful twist on the usual cheeseburger. They are so simple to make plus you get the best of cheesy gooey beefy goodness in a crunchy tater tot shell.
I tried these out at my son’s birthday party and every single one disappeared before I could even grab seconds so now they are our go to for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds hearty flavor and juiciness look for eighty to eighty five percent lean for the best texture
- Beef bacon: brings a smoky salty crunch use high quality thick cut if possible
- Shredded cheddar cheese: offers sharp cheesiness always buy a block and shred for creamier melt
- Frozen tater tots: give that crispy shell choose a brand with whole potatoes for flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: creates a gooey stretchy layer go for low moisture for less sogginess
- Diced onions: balance with mild sweetness pick yellow onions for classic taste
- Ketchup: adds tang and sweetness opt for sugar free versions for less sweetness
- Mayonnaise: brings creaminess and holds the filling together choose real mayo for richness
- Mustard: adds a zippy kick yellow or dijon both work well
- Salt: adds depth use kosher salt for more even seasoning
- Black pepper: wakes up all the flavors use freshly ground for best taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until nicely browned and broken into small crumbles. Drain off any extra grease so your filling stays rich but not greasy. Add crumbled cooked beef bacon diced onions ketchup mayonnaise and mustard. Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors blend. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Shape and Fill the Tater Tots:
- Take each frozen tater tot and carefully hollow out the center using a small knife or spoon. Go slowly so you do not break the shells. Spoon in or pipe the beef bacon cheeseburger mixture into each cone shape until totally filled. Pack lightly but fill to the top.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Arrange the filled cones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each cone. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella on each for extra meltiness. Bake in a preheated oven at two hundred twenty degrees Celsius until the tots are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly usually about twelve to fifteen minutes.
There is something magical about how the cheddar cheese gets all bubbly on top of the cone. My favorite part is the very first bite when you get crunchy tater tot cheese and juicy beef all at once. My young daughter always tries to sneak the cheese off the top before anyone gets theirs.
Storage Tips
Leftover cones can go into an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer so the tots get crisp again instead of microwaving which makes them soft.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use turkey bacon or plant based bacon if you want to switch things up. Skip mayo or use dairy free cheese for allergy friendly needs. You can even swap in ground turkey or chicken for lighter bites.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these onto a platter with toothpicks for easy nibbling. Serve with extra ketchup or a spicy dipping sauce on the side. Add a crunchy salad or some fresh pickles for balance.
Cultural Context
Bacon cheeseburgers are an American favorite, and these cones play off the nostalgia of tater tots from school lunches. This fun recipe turns those familiar flavors into something new and interactive for everyone to enjoy.
Seasonal Adaptations
Great for summer picnics since they are easily portable. Perfect during the winter for comfort food cravings. Adjust the filling with roasted veggies in the fall for a twist.
Success Stories
Every time I have made these for a party someone always asks for the recipe. Once my neighbor’s teenager made a double batch for his friends and they finished it before the movie started. It is one of those recipes people remember.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Just assemble the tater tot cones and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once frozen store in a zip top bag. When you need a quick snack or meal bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
This dish combines playfulness and rich flavor into a single bite. Serve it for your next party and watch everyone ask for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the tater tot cones in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the filled tater tots ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for crispy results.
- → What cheese works best in this dish?
Cheddar and mozzarella melt well and add rich flavor. Swap in pepper jack for a spicier kick if desired.
- → How can I hollow out the tater tots without breaking them?
Use a small spoon or paring knife while the tots are still frozen to carefully create a cavity in each one.
- → Can I use turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef?
Absolutely. Substitute with your favorite protein, adjusting seasoning as needed to maintain rich flavor.
- → What sauces pair well on the side?
Serve with ketchup, sriracha mayo, ranch, or even barbecue sauce for extra dipping fun and personalization.