Crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are the ultimate comfort food! Packed with cheesy goodness and smoky bacon, they’re perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or anytime indulgence. Whether you’re hosting friends for a movie night or just craving a delicious treat, these homemade tater tots will surely impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about tater tots? They’re bite-sized, crunchy, and filled with flavor. This recipe takes the classic tater tot to a whole new level by stuffing them with melted mozzarella cheese and crispy bacon. The combination of textures—from the crispy exterior to the gooey cheese center—creates a delightful eating experience. Plus, they are incredibly versatile; serve them with a variety of dipping sauces or enjoy them on their own. Whether you’re a cheese lover, a bacon enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys tasty snacks, these Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Introduction
Tater tots have long been a beloved snack and side dish, often found at diners and fast-food restaurants. However, making them at home allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. In this recipe, we elevate the humble tater tot by stuffing it with rich mozzarella cheese and savory bacon, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, these tater tots are easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to create this delicious treat!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (800g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (115g) cooked bacon, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped cooked bacon, all-purpose flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should hold together well, forming a cohesive dough-like texture.
Step 2: Form and Stuff the Tater Tots
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it in your hand, creating a small disc. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the disc. Carefully wrap the hash brown mixture around the cheese, ensuring that it is completely enclosed. Shape the mixture into a small, oval-shaped tot. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes, placing the formed tater tots on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Fry the Tater Tots
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To ensure the oil is the right temperature, you can use a kitchen thermometer or drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. Fry the tater tots in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tater tots from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the tater tots hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or spicy ketchup. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the melty cheese inside is truly irresistible!
Serving Suggestions:
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish. Pair them with a refreshing salad for a light meal or serve them alongside burgers and sandwiches for a fun twist on classic comfort food. They also make a fantastic addition to a game day spread or party platter.
Tips:
- Crispier Tots: For extra crispiness, consider double-frying the tater tots. Fry them for 2 minutes, let them rest for 5 minutes, and then fry again until golden brown.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the tater tots and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Fry or bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to swap the mozzarella for other melty cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
These Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, you won’t be able to stop at just one! They are easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a late-night snack, these tater tots are sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some delicious tater tots!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Simply grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. What dipping sauces pair well with these tater tots?
These tater tots are delicious with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider serving them with ranch dressing, sour cream, spicy ketchup, or even a homemade aioli for a gourmet touch.
3. Can I make these tater tots vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers, green onions, or even jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
4. How do I store leftover tater tots?
Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
5. Can I freeze the tater tots before frying?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled tater tots before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. Fry or bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!
