When you think about Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the big bird, the creamy mashed potatoes, and the pumpkin pie. But let’s be honest, the real fun starts with the snacks. Finding amazing Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that are both simple and delicious can feel like a huge challenge when you’re already juggling so much.
Well, what if I told you that you could whip up a fantastic starter with just a few ingredients? Say hello to these incredible bacon wrapped tater tot skewers. They are cheesy, savory, and so easy to make. They are the perfect little bite to keep your guests happy while you put the finishing touches on the main course. Let’s get into it!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a major win. The holidays are hectic enough without adding complicated recipes to the mix. This dish uses ingredients you might already have, and the assembly is straightforward. You don’t need any special kitchen gadgets or culinary skills to pull this off.
It’s also a total crowd pleaser. I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of crispy bacon, fluffy potatoes, and melted cheese? It’s a classic trio that appeals to both kids and adults. These skewers disappear from the plate so fast, you’ll be glad you made a big batch. They are some of the best Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods you can imagine.
Another great thing is their versatility. While this is one of my favorite Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, it’s also wonderful for any get together. Think about game days, birthday parties, or just a fun weekend snack. They fit right in. These are also fantastic Friendsgiving food ideas if you need something portable and easy to share.
You can also do some of the prep work ahead of time. Assembling the skewers beforehand means you just have to pop them in the oven when your guests start to arrive. Less stress on the day of the event is always a good thing, right? This makes it a top choice for Thanksgiving party food.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this recipe is wonderfully short and sweet. You only need a handful of items to create this amazing appetizer. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store.
- 1 lb. frozen tater tots, defrosted
- 12 slices beef bacon
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar
- 2 Tbsp. chives
- Ranch dressing, for serving
A little more on the ingredients. For the tater tots, any brand will do. Just make sure they are defrosted so they are easy to pierce with the skewer. Beef bacon offers a wonderful savory flavor, but feel free to use traditional pork bacon if you prefer.
When it comes to cheese, pre shredded cheddar is convenient, but shredding your own from a block will give you a better melt. And the chives add a nice pop of color and fresh oniony flavor that cuts through the richness. Finally, a good quality ranch dressing for dipping is the classic choice to round everything out.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Following these steps will give you wonderfully crispy and cheesy skewers every single time. It’s so much easier than it looks, I promise. Just take your time and have fun with it.
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, let’s get that oven going. You’ll want to preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot oven is key to getting that bacon nice and crispy. While it’s heating up, prepare your baking sheet. Place a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet. This little trick is so important. It allows the hot air to circulate all around the skewers, cooking the bacon evenly and letting the excess fat drip away. No soggy bottoms here!
Step 2: Assemble The Skewers
Now for the fun part. Grab a skewer and a slice of beef bacon. Pierce one end of the bacon strip with the skewer. Next, thread on a tater tot. After the tot, weave the bacon strip over it and pierce the bacon again. You’re creating a little bacon blanket for each tater tot. Repeat this process with two or three more tots, depending on how long your skewers are. Continue until you’ve used up all your bacon and tots.
Carefully place your assembled skewers on the wire rack. Make sure to leave a little space between each one so they cook evenly. Now, slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be cooked through and starting to get crispy on the edges. The whole kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Step 3: Add The Cheesy Finish
Once the bacon is cooked, carefully pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Now it’s time for the cheese. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the skewers. Don’t be shy here! The cheese is what takes these from good to great. Pop them back into the oven for another two to three minutes. You just want the cheese to melt and get all bubbly and delicious. Keep a close eye on them during this step, as they can go from melted to burnt pretty quickly.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
As soon as you pull them out of the oven, garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chives. The green adds such a lovely touch of color and a bit of fresh flavor. Let them cool just for a minute or two because they will be very hot. Serve them warm with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Watch how fast this fantastic Thanksgiving party food disappears!
How To Store Leftovers
On the off chance you have any of these tasty skewers left over, storing them is simple. Let them cool completely to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. I like to put a paper towel in the container to absorb any extra moisture.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, I would avoid the microwave. It tends to make them soft. The best way to reheat them is in the oven or an air fryer at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. They will taste almost as good as when they were freshly made.
Tips
Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas. For the bacon, you can absolutely use regular pork bacon. If you do, you might want to slightly precook it for a few minutes to render some fat so the final skewers are not too greasy. Turkey bacon is another option for a lighter version.
Don’t be afraid to play with the cheeses. A spicy pepper jack would add a nice kick. Smoked gouda would bring in a lovely smoky flavor that pairs well with the bacon. You could even use a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.
To add more flavor, consider seasoning the tater tots before you wrap them. A little sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika can add another layer of taste. For a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper works wonders.
While ranch is a classic dip, feel free to get creative. A smoky barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a simple sour cream and chive dip would all be delicious. Making Thanksgiving appetizer recipes your own is part of the fun.
For make ahead convenience, you can assemble the skewers without baking them up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. This is a huge time saver for party day. It’s one of my top tricks for stress free holiday entertaining.
If you don’t have skewers, you can make individual bacon wrapped tater tot bites. Just wrap a third of a slice of bacon around each tot, secure with a toothpick, and bake on the wire rack. This makes them even easier to serve as Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and completely satisfying appetizer that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. These bacon wrapped tater tot skewers prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to make impressive food. They check all the boxes: cheesy, savory, and easy to eat.
The next time you are planning a menu and looking for Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, I hope you give this one a try. It’s a wonderful way to kick off a celebration and bring smiles to your guests’ faces. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use An Air Fryer For This Recipe?
Yes, an air fryer works great for this recipe! Assemble the skewers as directed and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might have to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy. Add the cheese and cook for another minute until melted.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Absolutely. To make a vegetarian version, you can use a plant based bacon substitute. There are many great options available in grocery stores today. Follow the same assembly instructions. Just check the package directions for the plant based bacon, as cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I Need To Defrost The Tater Tots First?
Yes, I highly recommend defrosting the tater tots. It makes them much easier to pierce with the skewers without them breaking apart. It also helps them cook more evenly along with the bacon. You can defrost them on the counter for about 30 minutes or so before you start.
How Many Skewers Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe will make approximately 8 to 12 skewers, depending on the length of your skewers and how many tater tots you place on each one. Using 3 to 4 tots per skewer is usually a good amount for a standard 6 inch skewer.
What Can I Use Instead Of Chives?
If you don’t have chives, fresh parsley is a wonderful substitute. It will add a similar freshness and a bright green color. Finely sliced green onions, especially the green parts, would also work very well and provide a mild onion flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Skewers
These incredible bacon wrapped tater tot skewers are cheesy, savory, and so easy to make. They are the perfect little bite to keep your guests happy for Thanksgiving or any party.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Pierce one end of a bacon strip with a skewer, then thread on a tater tot. Weave the bacon over the tot and pierce the bacon again. Repeat with 2-3 more tots per skewer.
- Place skewers on the wire rack and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until bacon is cooked and getting crispy.
- Carefully remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar.
- Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
If using pork bacon, you may want to slightly precook it for a few minutes to render some of the fat so the final skewers are not too greasy.
For individual bites, wrap a third of a bacon slice around each tot, secure with a toothpick, and bake as directed.
These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Add the cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Nutrition
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