Crispy Bacon Cheddar Tater Tot Waffles with Fried Egg Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra crispy waffles, cook them a minute or two longer than the recipe suggests. Watch closely to avoid burning. If your waffle iron has a temperature setting, use medium-high to high for the best browning.

You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the waffle during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy crust.

To keep the waffle warm while you fry the egg, place it on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. This helps maintain the crispness.

When frying the egg, use a nonstick skillet and a little butter for flavor. Cover the pan for the last 30 seconds to help the white set without overcooking the yolk.

Variations

• Jalapeño Popper Waffle: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the tater tot mixture. Omit the sriracha and instead drizzle with ranch dressing.
• Breakfast Sausage Waffle: Replace the bacon with 1/2 cup of cooked breakfast sausage crumbles. Add a pinch of sage and black pepper to the mixture for a savory twist.
• Veggie Lover's Waffle: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell pepper and 1/4 cup of corn kernels to the tater tot mixture. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Waffle: Swap the sriracha for your favorite barbecue sauce. Add 1/4 cup of shredded smoked gouda to the waffle mixture for a smoky, sweet flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the egg separate if possible.

Freezer

Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Reheat

Reheat waffles in a toaster or a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. The fried egg is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it separately and reheat gently in a skillet.

You can prepare the tater tot mixture up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Cook the bacon and shred the cheese ahead of time.

When ready to serve, simply press the mixture into the waffle iron and cook. The fried egg should be made fresh for the best texture.

Serving ideas

Serve the tater tot waffle hot, with the fried egg on top and a generous drizzle of sriracha. The runny yolk acts as a sauce, so you may not need extra condiments. Add a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

This recipe makes one large waffle, which can be cut into wedges for sharing. For a brunch spread, make several waffles and keep them warm in the oven.

Let each person top their own with an egg and sriracha. It's a fun, interactive dish that everyone will love.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Bacon Cheddar Tater Tot Waffles with Fried Egg

Prep 10 minCook 16 minTotal 26 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 400 g frozen tater tots, thawed
• 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg
• sriracha, for drizzling, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the top and bottom grids with cooking spray or a little oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed tater tots, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, half of the chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Stir gently to distribute the mix-ins evenly.
2. Scoop the tater tot mixture onto the center of the hot waffle iron. Use a spatula or your fingers to press the tots into an even, dense layer that completely covers the grid. Close the lid and press down firmly to compact the tots.
3. Cook the waffle for 8 minutes, or until it is deeply golden and crispy. Do not open the lid during cooking. When done, carefully lift the waffle out with a spatula and place it on a plate.
4. While the waffle cooks, heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil. Crack the egg into the skillet and fry until the whites are set and the yolk is still soft and glossy, about 3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
5. Place the fried egg on top of the tater tot waffle. Drizzle with sriracha and sprinkle with the remaining chopped green onions. Serve immediately while the waffle is hot and crunchy.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: The fried egg is served with a soft, creamy yolk.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

24 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

38 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.