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Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the showstopper your next party needs. Imagine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and a crispy tater tot coming together in one over-the-top bite. These are crunchy handheld cones loaded with savory beef bacon filling, topped with a bubbling cheese volcano for maximum wow factor. They vanish fast at game days and family gatherings alike.
The first time I served these at a football watch party nobody could stop talking about them. There was complete silence for five minutes as everyone devoured their first cone. Now they are a game day tradition at my house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juiciness and a rich savory base
- Bacon: Use thick cut for the best smoky crunch
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers bold flavor and perfect melt quality look for blocks you can shred yourself
- Frozen tater tots: Select a sturdy brand so they hold up when hollowed and stuffed
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For pull apart cheese lava use fresh mozzarella for best stretch
- Diced onions: Sweet yellow onions add depth and balance richness
- Ketchup: Adds tangy zing opt for natural no corn syrup varieties
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and rounds out the sauce
- Mustard: Yellow mustard brightens and brings a cheeseburger taste
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning throughout the dish taste as you go
When shopping I always shred my own cheese for better melting and crunch. Look for tater tots in the freezer aisle that are firm and not broken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until deep brown and crumbly this should take about eight minutes. Drain any excess fat fully or your cones will get soggy. Add the crumbled bacon diced onions ketchup mayonnaise and mustard. Continue stirring over heat for two minutes until everything is saucy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape and Fill the Tater Tot Cones:
- While the filling cools use a paring knife or small spoon to gently carve out a hole in each frozen tater tot creating a cone shape. Be careful not to crack the sides. Spoon in the warm bacon cheeseburger mixture packing it tightly.
- Top with Cheddar Cheese:
- Arrange the filled tater tots upright on a rimmed baking tray lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Take a pinch of shredded cheddar and mound it on each cone pressing gently so it sticks.
- Bake for Crisp and Melt:
- Slide the tray into a preheated oven at four hundred twenty five degrees. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. The tater tots should be deeply golden and the cheddar should be oozing down the sides.
- Add the Cheese Volcano and Finish Baking:
- While the cones bake mix fresh mozzarella with any leftover filling in a bowl. After the first bake remove tray carefully and add a generous spoonful of this mixture to the top of each cone. Return to oven for five to ten more minutes until mozzarella bubbles and turns golden brown like lava.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove your tater tot cones with a spatula and serve hot while the cheese is still melty and the bacon burger filling steams.
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My favorite part has to be the cheese volcano on top. Using fresh mozzarella really pays off here as it bubbles up like lava and stretches into the most incredible cheesy pull. My kids sometimes request just the topping as an afterschool snack.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. For best results reheat in the oven at three hundred seventy five degrees for about ten minutes. This restores crunch and prevents sogginess. I do not recommend microwaving as the tots turn mushy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground turkey or plant based meat for the beef to lighten things up. Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for creative new flavors. A vegan version can be made with veggie tots plant based bacon and dairy free cheese shreds. I have tried this for a vegetarian friend and it was just as addictive.
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Serving Suggestions
Plate these cones with sliced pickles and extra dipping sauces like spicy mayo or barbecue. Stack them upright in a cone stand or arrange tightly on a platter for best presentation. They go perfectly with cold soda or beer and a side of crisp salad. For kids serve with a simple ketchup and mustard dip.
Cultural Note
Tater tots are a nostalgic American favorite invented in the nineteen fifties. Stuffing them with classic cheeseburger flavors transforms simple finger food into something festive. This recipe is inspired by state fair eats and sporting event snacks both big on bold flavors and dramatic presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I hollow out the tater tots?
Let tater tots thaw slightly, then use a small tool or the end of a spoon to gently scoop the center, shaping a cone.
- → Can I prepare these cones ahead of time?
Yes, fill and assemble up to four hours in advance. Refrigerate and add a few minutes to the baking time when ready to heat.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the cheesy volcano topping and cheddar for the filling for optimal melt and flavor.
- → How do I keep the cones crispy when reheating?
Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to retain crisp edges and melty cheese centers.
- → Can these cones be frozen?
Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked cones. Bake from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to cooking time for best texture.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Serve with ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mustard for extra flavor alongside the savory cones.