If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-brown potato snacks loaded with cheese and bacon, then these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are sure to be your new favorite treat! They’re a fun twist on traditional tater tots, turning them into an indulgent snack or appetizer that’s bursting with savory flavor. The crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy, bacon-packed center make each bite an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or serving a fun side dish, these stuffed tater tots are sure to impress.
While making stuffed tater tots might sound a bit complicated, this recipe is surprisingly simple and requires just a few key ingredients. With crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a soft, flavorful potato filling, you can’t go wrong. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering snacks!
Ingredients
•1 bag frozen tater tots (about 20-25 tots, or you can make your own from scratch)
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack)
•6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
•1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
•2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor and color)
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•Salt and pepper, to taste
•Cooking spray (or vegetable oil for frying)
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
1.Cook the tater tots: Follow the instructions on the bag to bake or deep-fry the frozen tater tots. If you’re baking them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and bake the tots for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You want them to be slightly undercooked, as they’ll cook a bit more when stuffed.
2.Allow them to cool: After cooking, let the tater tots cool slightly so you can handle them.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
3.Cook the bacon: While the tater tots are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel to remove excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.
4.Prepare the cheese and seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream (if using), green onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Stuff the Tater Tots
5.Create a hole in the tots: Using your finger or a small tool (like the handle of a wooden spoon), gently create a hole in the center of each tater tot. Be careful not to break the outer shell of the tater tot—just hollow out the center.
6.Stuff the tater tots: Using a spoon, carefully fill each tater tot with the bacon and cheese mixture. Try to stuff them as much as possible without overstuffing, as this will help the filling stay inside during the next steps.
Step 4: Re-bake or Fry the Stuffed Tater Tots
7.Re-bake or fry the stuffed tater tots: Once the tater tots are stuffed, you can either:
•Bake: Place the stuffed tater tots back on the baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes at 425°F (220°C), or until the filling is hot and the outside is golden and crispy.
•Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the stuffed tater tots in batches for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
8.Serve the stuffed tater tots: Once the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, serve them immediately while they’re hot. You can serve them as-is, or pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, ketchup, or sriracha mayo.
Variations
1.Cheesy Bacon Ranch: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the cheese and bacon mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
2.Buffalo Stuffed Tater Tots: Stir in some hot sauce or buffalo sauce to the cheese and bacon mixture to give the tater tots a spicy kick.
3.Jalapeño Popper Tater Tots: Add chopped jalapeños and cream cheese to the filling mixture for a spicy, creamy version.
4.Vegetarian Stuffed Tater Tots: For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to the cheese mixture. You can also use a plant-based bacon substitute if desired.
5.BBQ Bacon: Replace the regular cheddar cheese with a smoky cheese (like smoked gouda or mozzarella) and add some BBQ sauce to the bacon and cheese mixture for a BBQ twist.
Tips
1.Don’t overfill the tots: When stuffing the tater tots, don’t overstuff them as the filling may spill out while baking or frying. Leave a small amount of space at the top to avoid overflows.
2.Use a small spoon: When stuffing the tater tots, use a small spoon or piping bag to help control the amount of filling you put inside each tot.
3.Customize the cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses for different flavors. Pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick, while mozzarella will give you a gooey, stringy texture.
4.Keep them crispy: Whether you bake or fry them, be sure to coat the stuffed tater tots lightly in oil to help them crisp up during the second cook.
5.Dip them!: Tater tots are perfect for dipping. Try pairing them with ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a creamy avocado dip to complement the flavors.
Conclusion
Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese into one addictive bite. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, these stuffed tater tots will always be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and endless customization options, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade tater tots for this recipe?
Yes! You can use homemade tater tots instead of frozen ones. Just make sure they are cooked until crispy before stuffing them.
2. How can I make the filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the bacon and cheese mixture a day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to stuff the tater tots.
3. Can I make these tater tots without bacon?
Yes, you can easily make these tater tots vegetarian or meatless by omitting the bacon and adding extra cheese or other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
4. Can I freeze stuffed tater tots?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed tater tots before baking or frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
5. What dipping sauces go best with bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots?
Ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, sriracha mayo, or BBQ sauce are all great dipping options to serve with your stuffed tater tots.
