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
Expert Tips
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Fully preheat the waffle iron for best crisping.
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If your waffle iron tends to stick, lightly grease the plates. My waffle iron is non-stick and does not require this.
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Arrange tots in a single layer.
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Close the lid slowly and press gently.
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Cook until deep golden; longer cook time means more crunch.
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 it 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.
FAQs
No, you don't have to, however, I find it nice to defrost slightly in the microwave to get the tots arranged before cooking.
Enough to cover the surface in a single layer. Slight overlap is fine since they compress as they cook.
Most take 4-6 minutes, depending on the waffle iron heat, thickness, and desired crispiness.
Lightly greasing helps prevent sticking, especially on older waffle irons. My waffle iron is non-stick and worked fine without greasing.
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crisp.
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
-
Fully preheat the waffle iron for best crisping.
-
If your waffle iron tends to stick, lightly grease the plates. My waffle iron is non-stick and does not require this.
-
Arrange tots in a single layer.
-
Close the lid slowly and press gently.
-
Cook until deep golden; longer cook time means more crunch.
- Always read and follow the instructions and safety guidelines of your gadget.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Elizabeth says
These look so delicious - I badly want to try them!
Emily says
I hope you do!!
Jamie says
This is so clever using a waffle iron! Great idea!
Emily says
I know I'm not the first to do it, but it does create a delicious breakfast!
Raquel says
These were so tasty - everyone loved them!
Emily says
So glad to hear it 😊.
Leslie says
Absolute perfection!
Amanda says
Why did I not think of this before? So fun and so easy...the kids love it!
Emily says
Right?!? The kids are going to love them!
Angela says
Super crunchy! What a great way to shake up breakfast.
Emily says
I totally agree, Angela! I love these tot waffles.
Gina says
I prefer waffle iron tater tots. They are so crunchy and so delicious!
Emily says
I Totally agree!😁
Sue says
Best use of a waffle iron yet! I had mine with a fried egg and can't wait for tomorrow when I can do it again! YUM
Emily says
These can definitely be addicting, 😂...enjoy!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
This is such a great idea! I need to add tater tots to my grocery list!
Emily says
Yup, I have them on hand all the time now...which may be good or bad 😂
Gabriela says
I can't wait to try this tomorrow for breakfast with hasbrowns. Yummy. I'm intrigued.
Emily says
You are going to love it, I promise!😁
Colette says
Dang, these look good! What a brilliant idea. I always have tater tots in my freezer because my kids love them. But you're right; they take a long time to cook, so I love the idea of cooking them in a waffle maker. I think these will be great with bacon and eggs. I can't wait. Thanks for the tips!
Emily says
😂 They are pretty delicious I must say and if you already have them in the freezer, even better!!
Nora says
What a fun idea! I was not aware that you can do that with frozen tater tots in a waffle iron! Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You are welcome!!
Christina's Bread Bakes says
So easy and clever! My kids love these with the egg on top for breakfast . I love that they get a good breakfast before school.
Emily says
They are a perfect breakfast before school! Have fun making these with the kiddos!