Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Tater Tots
Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are the ultimate comfort food, combining the crispy, golden exterior of tater tots with a rich, gooey filling of cheddar cheese.
savory bacon, and a hint of freshness from green onions. These stuffed tots are perfect for a party, as a snack, or even as a delicious appetizer for any gathering.
Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve, and they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
1 pound frozen tater tots – The base of this recipe, baked or fried to crispy perfection.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend) – For a gooey, melty center.
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled – Adds smoky, savory flavor.
2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional) – For a pop of freshness.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps bind the filling.
Oil for frying (if not baking) – Optional for achieving extra-crispy tots.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the tater tot package, usually around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your tater tots cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
While the oven is heating, cook your bacon strips in a pan until they’re crispy. Once done, chop the bacon into small crumbles, making sure they’re bite-sized for easy stuffing.
Next, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, finely chopped green onions (if using), and all-purpose flour.
The flour helps the filling stick together and holds its shape when stuffed into the tots. Mix the ingredients well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the tater tots. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a small slit down the center of each frozen tater tot, making sure not to slice all the way through.
The goal is to create a small pocket to hold the filling, so you can stuff it with the cheesy bacon mixture.
Now, take small spoonfuls of the bacon and cheese mixture and carefully stuff each tater tot, pressing gently to ensure the filling is packed inside. Be cautious not to overstuff, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
Place the stuffed tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
If you prefer extra crispy tots, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil or fry them in a pan until golden brown.
If baking, follow the instructions on the tater tot package, usually about 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden.
Once the stuffed tater tots are baked or fried to your liking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli, and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness!
How to Make
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the tater tot package. Preheating ensures that your tots will cook to the perfect crispy texture.
As the oven heats, cook your bacon until it’s crispy and drain the excess fat on paper towels. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces that will fit neatly inside each tot.
Next, prepare the filling by mixing the cooked bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions (optional), and a tablespoon of flour in a bowl.
The flour helps bind the mixture together and keeps the filling from being too runny or messy. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Now, it’s time to work with the tater tots. Carefully cut a slit down the center of each tot with a sharp knife, making sure not to cut all the way through.
The idea is to create a small pocket to hold the filling, so take your time to make a neat slit in each one.
Stuff each tater tot with the bacon and cheese mixture. Use a small spoon to add the filling, making sure to pack it in without overstuffing.
If you find it difficult to stuff the tots, try using a piping bag to make the process easier.
Once stuffed, place the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between each tot for even cooking.
If you want to fry the tots instead of baking them, heat oil in a deep pan and carefully fry the stuffed tots until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Bake or fry the tots for the recommended time based on the method you choose. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving.
You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, depending on your preference, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Variations
To customize the flavor, try using a different type of cheese. Mozzarella cheese will give your tots a gooey, stringy center, while pepper jack cheese can add a bit of heat and spice.
For a more decadent filling, consider using a blend of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
If you want to spice things up, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling. This will give your tater tots a little extra kick.
You could also experiment with spicy cheeses like pepper jack or mix in some sriracha or hot sauce into the filling for an added layer of heat.
For a more balanced option, add some finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
These vegetables will provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon. Be sure to chop them finely to ensure the filling remains smooth and easy to stuff into the tots.
If you’re following a vegetarian or plant-based diet, substitute the bacon with veggie bacon or even tempeh for a meat-free version.
You can also swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, creating a delicious and cruelty-free snack.
Consider adding different seasonings to the filling to suit your tastes. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can enhance.
the flavor of the filling and complement the smoky bacon taste. Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
To make mini versions of these stuffed tater tots, use small tater tots or even baby potatoes for a bite-sized alternative.
This version is perfect for party platters or snack-sized servings, allowing guests to pop them in their mouths with ease.
For a richer, heartier version of these stuffed tots, you can top them with additional melted cheese before baking.
Once they come out of the oven, sprinkle some extra cheese over the top and return them to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese into a gooey topping.
Tips
When stuffing the tater tots, be sure to use a sharp knife to cut a neat slit down the center of each tot. This will make the process easier and help prevent any accidental breakage.
If you find that the tots are too hard to cut, allow them to thaw for a few minutes before working with them.
To make the bacon crumbles easier to work with, cook the bacon in the oven instead of the stovetop. This method ensures even crisping without the need to stand over the pan.
Once cooked, let the bacon cool on paper towels to remove excess grease before chopping.
If you’re baking the tater tots, consider lightly spraying them with cooking oil to help them crisp up even more.
This will create a golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy, melty filling inside. You can also use a convection oven if available to help with even browning.
To avoid overstuffing the tater tots, use a small spoon to add the filling. If you overstuff, the filling may spill out during baking or frying.
If you have extra filling, consider using it for another batch or as a topping for other dishes.
Make sure to bake or fry the tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet or in the frying pan. Crowding the tots can cause them to cook unevenly. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure they get perfectly crispy.
These stuffed tater tots are best served immediately after cooking, but if you have leftovers.
store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Reheat them in the oven for the best results, as microwaving can make them soggy.
If you prefer to fry the stuffed tater tots, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the tots.
This will help them cook quickly and achieve that extra crispy texture. A thermometer can help ensure the oil reaches the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
Conclusion
Bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and smoky bacon for a flavor-packed bite.
Perfect for parties, snacking, or as a side dish, these tots are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can make these tots your own by customizing the filling and seasonings.
Whether you’re baking or frying, these bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
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