Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones are a wildly fun twist on classic comfort food I love bringing these to parties or game nights because everyone is floored by the creativity and the gooey layers of cheese and savory bacon filling inside crispy tater tots The best part is it turns ordinary ingredients into a playful treat that feels festive every time

The first time I made these my family could not keep their hands off I now make double batches for get togethers and they vanish fast

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose 80 or 85 percent lean for juicy filling and flavor
• Bacon: thick cut holds up really well and adds smoky richness
• Diced onions: mellow out during cooking and give that classic burger taste
• Ketchup: adds sweetness and a tangy kick to balance the meat
• Mayonnaise: brings creaminess that melts into the beef
• Mustard: classic yellow for zip but try Dijon for a grown up touch
• Salt and black pepper: grind fresh for the best aroma in every bite
• Frozen tater tots: look for sturdy ones with a crunchy exterior for easy hollowing
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives that classic cheeseburger richness try sharp for more bite
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: stretches for an extra gooey topping use whole milk for the best melt
• Fresh block cheeses: always go for fresh block cheeses if you can since pre shredded can have a powdery coating

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is deeply browned and all pink is gone about eight minutes Drain off the excess fat Mix in the bacon onions ketchup mayonnaise mustard salt and pepper Stir together to make sure the mixture is thoroughly combined The bacon should be crumbled pretty small so it mixes evenly Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly

Create the Tater Tot Cones:

Carefully hollow out each tater tot using a small knife or spoon Take your time so they hold their shape and can be filled without falling apart A half inch well in each works great

Stuff and Cheese the Cones:

Spoon the cheeseburger mixture into each hollowed tater tot Press gently to fill them right to the top so you have lots of beefy filling Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top of each one covering the meat mixture

Bake the Cones:

Arrange the stuffed tater tots upright on a parchment lined baking sheet so the cheese stays on top Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to twenty minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheddar is melted

Add the Cheesy Topping:

While the cones bake mix mozzarella cheese with any leftover cheeseburger filling When the cones come out of the oven top each one with this mixture Press slightly so it sticks on top

Finish Melting and Serve:

Return the tray to the oven for five to ten more minutes The mozzarella should become bubbly and brown Let them cool a minute before serving so the cheese sets a little

I absolutely love using thick cut bacon in this recipe because it adds heartiness and smokiness that reminds me of family cookouts My kids always argue over who gets the crispiest cheese topping and it has become a running joke in our kitchen

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat bake in a hot oven or air fryer to regain what crunch you can from the tots They taste great cold too if you are in a hurry

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version Skip bacon if you want it vegetarian Add chopped pickles or jalapenos for extra zing If you like heat a pinch of cayenne in the filling wakes it up nicely

Serving Suggestions

These tater tot cones are stars at potlucks and parties Line them up on a big platter and provide dipping options like ranch or spicy mayo For a meal serve over a salad or offer as a fun side with soup

Cultural and Historical Context

Tater tots were invented in the 1950s as a way to use leftover potato scraps so bringing them to party snacks is both classic and clever Cheeseburger flavors are Americana at its finest and this mashup celebrates backyard burgers in miniature

Seasonal Adaptations

Load up with diced tomatoes or green onions in the spring Try a barbecue sauce drizzle in the summer for a smoky kick Sub in caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for a cozy fall twist

Success Stories

At a recent family game night these cones disappeared before anything else Even picky eaters kept coming back for seconds A friend told me her kids now demand these for birthday parties

Freezer Meal Conversion

Cool filled and baked cones completely then freeze in a single layer Once solid you can bag them up for easy weekend snacks Reheat from frozen at 375 degrees until piping hot and melty

These cones bring smiles and surprise to every gathering and they are irresistible straight from the oven Everyone will want your recipe

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I hollow out tater tots for filling?

Let the tots cool slightly, then gently use a paring knife or small spoon to remove the soft center, leaving enough to hold the filling.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda for extra flavor variation alongside cheddar and mozzarella.

→ How do I prevent tater tots from breaking?

Work slowly and carefully when hollowing out to avoid cracking the tots. Slightly cooled tots hold their shape best.

→ Are these cones best served hot or cold?

They're most delicious hot, while the cheese is melty and the tater tots are fresh and crispy.

→ Can I prepare parts of this snack ahead of time?

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