🥓 Baked Bacon-Wrapped Taters Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽️ Yields: ~24 pieces
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🔪 Ingredients:
Base:
24 frozen tater tots
OR
24 baby potatoes, boiled for 5–7 mins until just fork-tender
Wrap:
12 strips of bacon, cut in half (makes 24 short pieces)
Seasoning (optional but recommended):
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder for spice)
Toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 mins (to prevent burning)
Optional Add-ons:
Shredded cheddar (for topping after baking)
Green onions or chives, for garnish
Dipping sauces: ranch, spicy mayo, sour cream, BBQ, or cheese sauce
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🍴 Instructions:
🔹 1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Place a wire rack on top if you want extra crispiness.
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🔹 2. Prepare Taters
If using frozen tater tots, let them thaw slightly (~10 minutes) so they’re not icy.
If using baby potatoes, boil in salted water for 5–7 minutes, drain, and let cool slightly.
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🔹 3. Season Bacon (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix:
Brown sugar, paprika, and pepper
Sprinkle this mix lightly over each bacon strip for a sweet-spicy kick before wrapping.
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🔹 4. Wrap & Secure
Wrap half a bacon strip around each tater tot or mini potato.
Secure with a toothpick.
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🔹 5. Bake
Arrange bacon-wrapped taters on the wire rack or baking sheet.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway if not using a rack.
Bacon should be crisp and browned.
Optional: Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes for a melty topping.
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🔹 6. Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
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🍴 Dipping Sauce Ideas:
Sriracha mayo (½ cup mayo + 1 tbsp sriracha)
Ranch or chipotle ranch
Garlic aioli
Classic ketchup or BBQ sauce
Buffalo blue cheese dip
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❓ FAQ: Baked Bacon-Wrapped Taters
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Q1: Can I use thick-cut bacon?
A: Regular bacon works best — thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp, which can overcook the tater or potato. If using thick bacon, partially cook it first, just until pliable.
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Q2: Can I air-fry them instead of baking?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
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Q3: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and wrap them ahead, then:
Refrigerate up to 24 hours
Or freeze raw (wrap tightly in plastic) for up to 1 month
Bake directly from fridge or thawed; just add 5 extra minutes if cold.
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Q4: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Definitely. Use roasted or boiled sweet potato chunks instead of regular ones for a sweeter contrast to the bacon.
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Q5: How do I prevent soggy bacon?
A: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation. Also, avoid overcrowding the tray.
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Q6: Are they gluten-free?
A: Yes — as long as your tater tots and bacon are certified gluten-free, which most are. Always double-check ingredient labels.
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Q7: Can I add cheese inside the wrap?
A: Yes! Use a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack and wrap it inside the bacon with the potato. Just make sure the cheese is tucked in to minimize leakage.
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Q8: What goes well with this dish?
A:
Cold beer or hard cider
Coleslaw, pickle spears, or grilled corn
Makes a great side for burgers, BBQ, or steak night.