Now it’s time to assemble our cones! Take your tater tots and crush them slightly to make them more malleable—this makes it easier to mold them into a cone shape. On a cone mold, begin layering the tater tots, pressing them firmly to create a sturdy vessel. Make sure to cover the entire mold evenly for optimal crunchiness. After you’ve shaped all your cones, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. My kitchen always fills with the most mouthwatering smells at this stage!
Once the tater tot cones are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove them from the molds, and it’s time to fill them! Spoon generous amounts of the burger mixture into each tater tot cone, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can also add more crumbled bacon for that extra crunch. Return the filled cones to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling just slightly—all those layers of flavor are coming together beautifully!
The last step is to let the cones cool for a couple of minutes before serving them up. You can add your favorite toppings like diced pickles and fresh lettuce to give that classic cheeseburger feel. The combination of warm cheese, savory bacon, and that crispy exterior is downright irresistible!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe in three different ways to find the best method for making the tater tot cones. The first method had too many soggy tots, and the second batch didn’t hold together. My winning method? Baking the tater tots first and then molding them into cones gave me the perfect crispy texture!
Also, when shaping the cones, I found that lightly spraying the cone molds with cooking spray before adding the tater tots helps a lot. It allows for easy removal and ensures each cone comes out beautifully without sticking. Just a light coating can make all the difference!
Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with your filling. I’ve added sautéed onions and even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Each variation brings something unique to the table and keeps my family guessing what I’ll whip up next!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made during my first attempt was not cooking the beef thoroughly. It’s essential to ensure that your ground beef is fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues. Plus, the flavor will be much richer with the beef nicely browned! (See the next page below to continue…)