Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

Our bacon wrapped tater tots have become quite popular, so I'm excited to share a fantastic family shortcut. This snack is perfect for the holidays and will entertain the kids while you prepare the main course!

 

Ingredients

1. 1 bag - frozen tator tots (I use Ore ida).
2. 1-2 pkg of bacon (I use Wright's Thick Bacon)
3. Momma's Smokin' Sweet Rub OR Texas Jalapeño Fire Pit Rub by III Generations Southern BBQ Sauce Co.

Supplies  

• Oscarware Disposable Grill Toppers (this makes for easy clean up, but you can use the non disposable ones as well. I get mine from HEB)
• Smoker - Can do in the oven - different directions below
• Mesquite Pellets (or your preferred flavor) 
• Sharp Knife
• food grade gloves (the bacon is greasy).

Instructions

After gathering your ingredients and supplies, you first want to fill your smoker with pellets and fire it up! Start temp at 250 degrees.

While the smoker is warming up, slice the slab of bacon in half (cut down the center of the slab so that each strip is long enough to wrap around the tator tot at least one and a half times and losen each of the pre-cut slices for easier work later.

Wrap one frozen tot with one of your half peaces of bacon (tight enough to stay in place, but loose enough to not squeeze the tot during the cooking process) and place seam down on the grill topper (this way you don't need to use toothpicks). Repeat until the grill topper is full of beautifully wrapped tator tots! 

Sprinkle an even coat of rub on the tator tots and place on the grill to cook.

 

Smoke at 250 degrees for 45 minutes or until they reach a nice golden brown color.

 

Planning for a big family get together?

Cook these up ahead of time, let them cool, then vacuum seal, and freeze until you need them. Thaw them on the smoker, grill or in the oven until you see the sizzle. That is how you will know they are ready to eat! Sprinkle some fresh rub on top and serve up! 

 

Oven Directions

Follow the same instructions for smoking except, once you have wrapped your taters with bacon, place them on a cooking rack that will hold them up above the floor of the pan. The grease will be free to drip into the pan and not touch the little taters. It is important to keep the taters free from the dripped grease.