Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate crowd-pleaser bite for game nights and parties. Imagine all the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger tucked inside crispy tater tot cones bursting with gooey cheese. I love how they transform a humble freezer staple into a hand-held snack everyone grabs fast.

The first time I made these was for my nephew’s birthday. Now family asks for them at every celebration and they always disappear before anything else.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Full juicy burger flavor is essential Here I use ground beef that is fresh and not too lean for moist results
• Beef bacon: All the smokiness with a chewy bite Beef holds up better in the filling than pork bacon and has deeper flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Adds cheddar sharpness and classic cheeseburger vibes Buy a block and shred it for best melt
• Frozen tater tots: Firm enough to hollow easily and stand up to the cheesy filling Choose a sturdy brand that crisps well
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smooth and provides that oozy cheese pull Use full-fat mozzarella for best texture
• Diced onions: Add depth and balance out the richness Fresh and finely diced so they blend right in
• Ketchup: Brings out the classic cheeseburger flavor with sweetness and tang Go for a high-quality ketchup for best results
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the filling and brings everything together Use a mayo you love eating off a spoon
• Mustard: Classic tang in the dressing Go for yellow mustard for a true cheeseburger taste
• Salt: Season to taste and bring all flavors into balance Use kosher salt so you can control the amount
• Black pepper: Fresh ground gives the best subtle heat in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 220 degrees Celsius from the start so the high heat will crisp the tater tots. This step makes sure your cones go into a properly hot oven for a golden finish.

Make the Cheeseburger Mixture:

Place the ground beef in a skillet and cook over medium heat until every bit is browned with no pink remaining. Stir gently to keep the meat crumbly and separate. After draining the fat stir in the beef bacon diced onion ketchup mayonnaise and mustard for a creamy burger filling. Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper. Continue stirring for another two minutes until everything mingles together and the onions begin to soften into the sauce.

Hollow Out the Tater Tots:

Once your mixture is ready let it cool slightly so it is easy to handle. Using a small sharp knife or a tiny spoon gently carve out the middle of each frozen tater tot making a miniature cone. Take care not to split them open go slow for neat results.

Fill and Top the Cones:

Stuff each tater tot cone generously with the beef and cheese mixture pressing just enough to pack them without breaking. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese over the tops for an instant golden cheese crown.

Bake the Cones:

Line up the filled tater tot cones on a parchment-lined tray making sure none touch so they crisp evenly. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until every cone is golden brown and the cheddar is bubbling on top.

Add the Extra Cheese Layer:

In a bowl mix any remaining cheeseburger filling with shredded mozzarella. Spoon this mixture over the hot baked cones and return to the oven for five to ten minutes. Watch for the cheese volcano effect when the mozzarella bubbles and browns.

Serve While Hot:

Remove the cones from the oven when the cheese on top is perfectly golden. Let cool for just two minutes before serving so you do not burn your tongue but still get the gooey cheese pull.

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My absolute favorite moment with these tater tot cones was on New Year’s Eve when my cousin declared them “better than sliders” with cheese strings stretching a full foot from plate to mouth There is something magical about the blend of cheddar and beef with the crispy tot shell

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge Lay them in a single layer so the cheese does not stick together When reheating use the oven at 190 degrees for eight to ten minutes to get the original crispy texture back

Ingredient Substitutions

If beef bacon is not available turkey bacon or regular pork bacon works for a slightly different flavor For the cheese blend you can add pepper jack for more heat or a bit of smoked gouda for extra smokiness Feel free to toss in chopped pickles or jalapenos for an extra punch in the filling

Serving Suggestions

Pile the cones up on a platter with tiny cups of dipping sauce like ranch or extra burger sauce for dunking These work perfectly as appetizers or as a fun main served with a big crunchy salad or coleslaw for balance

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Cultural Context

Tater tots are an American diner classic that have taken on new life as a playful vehicle for all sorts of flavors By combining them with a cheeseburger filling you get the nostalgia of two comfort foods in one fun package My family feels nostalgic every time I serve them for parties or movie nights

Common Queries

→ How do I hollow out the tater tots safely?

Allow tater tots to thaw slightly, then gently use a small knife or spoon to create a cavity without breaking the exterior.

→ Can I use pork bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes, pork bacon can substitute for beef bacon based on your preference, just ensure it's well-cooked and crumbled.

→ What is the best cheese to use for melting?

Freshly shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar provide excellent melt and flavor for this dish.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat at 190°C for 8–10 minutes to regain crispiness.

→ Can these be made ahead and frozen?

Unbaked cones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.

→ Are there alternative sauces for filling?

Barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo can be used to switch up the flavor profile if desired.