This Waffle Iron Tater Tots recipe makes the most delicious and savory breakfast in 10 minutes! Drop a fried egg on top and you will have a deluxe breakfast in no time. You can make this recipe any day of the week and top your tater tot waffle with whatever topping you like!
I always want a delicious breakfast, but I don't want it to take forever to make. Enter the Waffle Iron Tater Tots! This has quickly become one of my favorite breakfasts for many reasons: they are crispy, a little salty, and really easy to make.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Waffle Iron Tater Tot recipe because it transforms ordinary frozen tater tots into crispy, golden waffles with a delightful texture that is both fluffy and crunchy, similar to the transformation in my Cinnamon Rolls in a Waffle Maker. The waffle iron cooking method gives the tater tots a unique shape and allows for even cooking, creating a fun and delicious twist on a classic side dish.
All you need is some frozen tater tots and a waffle maker and you are in business! That being said, I also like to add a fried egg to the top to ensure I have a nice rounded-out breakfast. I am one of those people who can't resist a runny egg yolk. But if that's not your jam, try something else!
If you are a tater tot lover like me, check out my Air Fryer Tater Tots for the fastest way to cook frozen tots.
What to Put on Top of a Tater Tot Waffle
My first choice is a fried egg. There is nothing better than something crispy like a tater tot waffle with a runny egg on top, in my opinion. But, if you don't care for runny eggs or don't like eggs at all, here are a few more ideas:
- scrambled eggs
- bacon
- sausage
- syrup
- ketchup
- sour cream and chives
How to Make Waffle Iron Tater Tots
Step 1: Defrost the frozen tater tots by cooking them for 30-60 seconds in the microwave. This is optional but will speed up the cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the waffle iron on medium-high heat. Carefully place the defrosted, slightly warmed tater tots in the middle of the waffle iron.
Step 3: Press down the lid as much as you can. As the tater tots cook, you can press down a little more to make sure they are pressed well and nice and crispy. Cook the tater tot waffle for 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully remove the crispy tater tot waffle with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste or fry up an egg for an even more indulgent treat.
Which Waffle Maker To Use
I used my Cuisinart waffle maker to make my tater tot waffles. I like it because it's not too big and not too small, it's just right!
This recipe should work in any waffle iron. If your waffle maker is larger or a Belgian style, you may need to add more tater tots. Every waffle iron will perform differently, of course, but these tater tot waffles are pretty easy to adapt.
More Fun Recipes to Check Out
If you get a chance to make these Waffle Iron Tater Tots, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Waffle Iron Tater Tots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups frozen tater tots (about 28)
- 1 large egg (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Defrost the frozen tater tots by cooking them for 30-60 seconds in the microwave. This is optional but will speed up the cooking.
- Preheat the waffle iron on medium-high heat. Open the hot waffle iron and carefully place the tater tots in the middle, spreading them out in a circle (or square if that is the shape of your waffle maker). Press down the lid as much as you can. As the tater tots cook, you can press down more.
- Cook the tater tot waffle for 4-5 minutes. Continue to check on the waffle as it's cooking to make sure it doesn't burn. The tater tots will turn a nice dark brown and should be crispy. Carefully remove the waffle using a fork. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Always read and follow the instructions and safety guideilines of your gadget.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Lourdes says
They came out crispy, but didn't hold together. Any ideas?
Emily says
Hi Lourdes,
Well that's a bummer, I haven't had that happen. Two things I can think of: one, maybe the tots are wet after defrosting (try patting them with a paper towel first) or two, start at slightly lower heat at first and then turn the heat up at the end. Results will depend on what kind of waffle maker you have as well. I can push mine down a little while it's cooking to help give it a nice smoosh. Hope that helps!
Christopher says
using a waffle iron to make tater tot BBQ Chicken poutine. family will love dinner tonight.
Emily says
Awesome idea, enjoy!!
Candi says
Can you please advise where/when the egg is used, if using? Thanks so much in advance. Can't wait to try these!
Emily says
Hi Candi. I add a fried egg after I cook the tater tots in the waffle iron. You could also scramble some eggs and place them on top or skip the egg altogether. If you do like eggs, I highly recommend a fried egg with a runny yolk, it pairs perfectly with the crispy tot waffle. Enjoy!
Lilly says
So good! And so fun to make!
Corey says
I like to add shredded cheese to the tator tots before I press them in the waffle maker. a little cheese on the bottom than tators and a little cheese on top.
Emily says
That sounds amazing, Corey, I can smell the crispy cheese!
Debra says
OMG....so easy....and the kids adored them!
Emily says
So glad to hear it, Debra. This is definitely the perfect recipe for kids!
Suzy says
This is such a genius idea! Really love how quick and easy this is to make AND the tip for defrosting the tater tots! Worked like a charm!
Emily says
Thank you, Suzy! Anything quick and easy is right up my alley!
Beth says
Wow! This was so delicious and I loved the crispness! My teens loved it and so did my hubby! I can’t wait to make these again!
Emily says
Beth, I'm so glad everyone enjoyed these waffles. It's great to find something everyone loves!
Hmw says
Is it inappropriate to say shut up and take my money? 🙂 these look so easy and delicious!
Emily says
LOL🤣! Nope, not in my book! Enjoy!!
Katie says
I’ve got to make this for my kids! They love tater tots!
Emily says
Katie, I hope you and your kids have so much fun making and eating these!
Sarah says
This is JUST the recipe I was looking for. I enjoy making breakfast every morning and I like my hash browns extra crispy. This totally fits the bill.
Emily says
Yes! This will be the perfect recipe for the crispiest hash browns around!
Elise says
Wow I am literally obsessed with tater tots and this sounds like the perfect upgrade. Going to try this ASAP! I love the idea of adding chives to it!
Emily says
Oh, I have a minor tater tot obsession myself 😂. You are going to love these!
Brianna May says
So good!!
Tracey says
What a fun idea to use tater tots with the waffle iron. So tasty and easy to make.
Emily says
Thanks, Tracey!