If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones are a must-try. This unique, handheld dish combines the nostalgic crunch of tater tots with the bold flavors of a classic cheeseburger, all packed into a cone-shaped snack that’s both fun and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that sparks curiosity at first glance and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Unlike standard sliders or burgers, these bacon cheeseburger stuffed cones bring a playful twist to traditional game day or party food. The crispy tater tot shell offers the perfect contrast to the gooey, meaty filling, making every bite a layered experience in taste and texture. Whether you’re planning a weekend gathering or a casual dinner, these cones are sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. By adjusting the fillings or toppings, you can cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. It’s also a great opportunity to explore creative kitchen techniques, like using cone molds or even shaping foil by hand—a trick inspired by many DIY foil cone tutorials on Pinterest. If you’re curious about how tater tots got their start, learn more on Wikipedia’s Tater Tots page, where the origins of this beloved food are explored.

What Makes Tater Tot Cones So Unique?

Tater tot cones aren’t just another food trend—they’re a clever fusion of texture, presentation, and classic American flavors. The unique cone shape transforms a familiar side dish into a sturdy, edible container that’s perfect for holding hearty fillings like seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy turkey bacon. This structure is not only fun to eat, but it also elevates the entire experience, turning an everyday snack into a creative meal.

One of the standout features of these cones is the contrast in textures. The outer layer of golden, crispy tater tots provides a satisfying crunch, while the interior offers a warm, melty, savory filling. The balance of crispy and juicy layers keeps each bite interesting and comforting. This is especially important when creating satisfying comfort food—a dish that delivers on taste, texture, and presentation.

Additionally, the cone format makes these snacks incredibly versatile. Unlike traditional burgers that require buns and can get messy, tater tot cones are easier to hold and eat. They’re ideal for casual get-togethers, buffet spreads, or even dinner with kids. You can stand them upright for serving or lay them flat with a dipping sauce on the side, inspired by ideas from game day party food boards on Pinterest.

If you’re curious about what’s inside these cones, ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon create a classic burger flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a vital role in both flavor and structure, especially when layered carefully inside the cone.

Beyond the taste and texture, there’s a novelty factor that can’t be ignored. Guests are always intrigued by the idea of food shaped like cones, and it opens the door to a variety of other creative uses. You can even explore different regional twists, like barbecue fillings or spicy Tex-Mex versions, making this dish endlessly adaptable.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

Creating bacon cheeseburger stuffed tater tot cones at home requires a few essential tools that ensure your cones hold their shape, crisp up properly, and are easy to fill. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you’re preparing these for a gathering or special event.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cone molds – These are crucial for shaping the tater tots into a cone. You can purchase metal cone molds, or make your own using heavy-duty foil. Many creative cooks use DIY versions like those shown in this Pinterest foil cone example.
Baking sheet – A standard baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil will help ensure even crisping and make cleanup easier.
Cooking spray or brush with oil – This prevents the tater tots from sticking to the molds and promotes that golden-brown finish.

Toothpicks – Useful for holding the tots in place while they bake. These can be removed once the cones are crisp and stable.
Skillet or frying pan – You’ll need a pan for cooking the ground beef and mixing it with seasonings, condiments, and cheese.
Mixing utensils – A sturdy spatula or spoon will help you break up the meat and stir in the toppings evenly.

Cooling rack (optional) – Ideal for letting the cones firm up after baking, ensuring they stay crispy and don’t become soggy from steam.

Using these tools ensures that your tater tot cones cook evenly and hold up to the weight of the cheeseburger filling. Plus, working with quality equipment helps you recreate that satisfying crunchy texture you’d expect from fried tots—without the mess of deep-frying.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make bacon cheeseburger stuffed tater tot cones, you’ll need a combination of simple, flavorful ingredients for both the crispy shell and the savory filling. This dish is easy to adapt, but the base ingredients deliver that classic cheeseburger taste in a unique cone format.

For the Tater Tot Cones:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – These form the crispy cone shell. Choose a brand that crisps up well. Learn more about the history of tater tots.

Cooking spray or oil – Helps the tots brown and prevents sticking.

For the Cheeseburger Filling:

1 lb ground beef – Use lean or regular ground beef for a juicy, flavorful filling. More about ground beef.
1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the beef.
Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
1 tsp garlic powder & ½ tsp onion powder – These classic burger seasonings enhance flavor.
1 tbsp ketchup and 1 tbsp mustard – Brings that tangy burger taste. Explore the origins of ketchup and mustard.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the filling. Read more about cheddar cheese.
4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped – Adds smoky, crispy bites. Learn more about turkey bacon.
¼ cup diced pickles (optional) – For a tangy, crunchy contrast.

For Topping and Assembly:

Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Extra chopped turkey bacon
Optional: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, more ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce

This recipe is easy to customize. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute. Replace cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Add-ins like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños work well too. Find topping inspiration from comfort food recipe boards.

In the next section, we’ll walk through the process of building the tater tot cones themselves—step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the tater tot cones is a fun and creative process. The key is tightly forming the tots around the mold and ensuring they crisp up evenly.

Here’s how to build your cones:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the tots get golden and crunchy.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Grease your cone molds using cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange frozen tater tots tightly around each cone mold. Press gently to help them stick together, and overlap slightly for structure.
Secure the tots using toothpicks if necessary. This ensures the cone holds its shape during baking.

Place on the baking tray and spray the assembled cones with a bit more oil or cooking spray to help with browning.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tots are golden brown and crispy. Turn them halfway if needed for even cooking.
Remove from oven and allow them to cool for 3–5 minutes.

Carefully slide off the molds, leaving a freestanding cone shape.

Once the cones are baked and slightly cooled, they will firm up and become easier to fill without falling apart.

In the next section, we’ll prepare the flavorful cheeseburger filling that goes inside these crispy shells.

Making the Cheeseburger Filling

The filling is where all the classic burger flavor comes in. This mix of seasoned beef, cheese, and bacon is rich, savory, and easy to make in one skillet.

Follow these steps:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat to avoid sogginess in the cones.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir in ketchup and mustard and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped turkey bacon, and optional diced pickles.

The result is a cheesy, savory mixture that’s thick enough to stay in the cone without dripping. The seasonings give it that authentic burger flavor, and the cheese helps bind everything together while adding creaminess.

In the next section, we’ll assemble the cones and top them for maximum flavor and presentation.

Assembling the Tater Tot Cones

Once your cones are crispy and the filling is hot and cheesy, it’s time to bring it all together. This is the fun part—where the visual appeal meets bold flavor.

Assembly steps:

Gently place each cooled cone upright on a serving tray or plate.
Spoon the warm cheeseburger filling into the center of each cone, packing it in slightly to fill the entire space.

Top with extra shredded cheese and chopped turkey bacon for added flavor and crunch.
Optional toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomato, or a drizzle of ketchup, mustard, or a homemade burger sauce. Try one from this Pinterest board of homemade sauces.

Serve immediately while warm, and watch them disappear fast. The contrast of textures and the visual appeal make these cones a standout at any gathering.

Next, we’ll explore fun ways to customize this dish.

Creative Variations to Try

Tater tot cones are endlessly adaptable. Once you master the basic version, try these creative spins to suit your tastes or impress your guests with unique flavor combinations.

Protein Swaps:

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter filling.
Try a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Swap turkey bacon with regular bacon or omit entirely.

Cheese Options:

Replace cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Try smoked gouda, Swiss, or mozzarella for different textures and flavors.

Flavor Themes:

Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and top with salsa or guacamole.
BBQ Bacon: Mix barbecue sauce into the filling and top with crispy onions.
Breakfast Cone: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar for a morning-friendly version.

Add-ins to Mix Into the Filling:

Sautéed mushrooms
Diced onions or bell peppers
Roasted corn or black beans

For presentation ideas, explore Pinterest game day food spreads. Get creative with sauces and side pairings to take this dish to the next level.

Coming up: expert tips for perfect results every time.

Tips for Perfect Cones Every Time

To ensure your bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Pack the tater tots tightly when forming cones. Gaps can cause them to fall apart after baking.
Use enough oil or spray to promote even browning and prevent sticking.

Let cones cool slightly before removing from molds. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
Don’t overfill the cones with wet ingredients, which can make them soggy.
Reheat carefully if making ahead. Use a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore crispness—avoid microwaving.

These small adjustments can make a big difference in texture, structure, and taste.

Next, we’ll look at how to store leftovers and keep your cones fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing and reheating them properly will keep them tasting great.

Storage:

Place filled cones in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Do not stack cones directly on top of each other to avoid squishing.

Reheating:

Use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the tater tot shell soggy.

If needed, reheat the filling separately and reassemble before serving.

Freezing:

You can freeze unfilled tater tot cones after baking and cooling.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat in the oven before adding fresh filling.

Now that you know how to make, serve, and store them—what should you pair them with?

Serving Suggestions

Tater tot cones make a great main or appetizer and pair well with a variety of sides and sauces.

Presentation ideas:

Serve cones upright in a glass or cone stand.
Lay them flat on a tray lined with lettuce or parchment for contrast.

Dipping sauces:

Burger sauce, ranch, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce
Try new ideas from comfort food boards

Side dishes:

Coleslaw or simple garden salad
Onion rings or sweet potato fries
Pickle spears or veggie sticks

Next, let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tater tot cones without molds?
Yes. Use heavy-duty foil to shape cones by hand. Wrap the foil around a paper cone or glass to form the shape. See this Pinterest tutorial for DIY foil molds.

What other fillings can I use in tater tot cones?
Popular options include scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast, pulled pork, buffalo chicken, or even mac and cheese for a kid-friendly version.

How do I keep tater tots crispy after baking?
Let cones cool on a wire rack to prevent steam buildup. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness—never microwave.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes, if your air fryer is large enough. Cook at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, checking for doneness.

Are these cones gluten-free?
Most tater tots are gluten-free, but check the label. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free unless otherwise noted.

Now that you know everything about making these delicious cones, let’s wrap it up with a full recipe description and notes.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones at Home