This recipe for Bacon and Cheddar Loaded Tater Tots transforms a beloved freezer-aisle snack into an incredibly decadent and satisfying appetizer or side dish. Far from a simple reheat, these tots are elevated to a gourmet level with a homemade, cheesy, bacon-filled center and a perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior. The beauty of this recipe lies in its clever construction, where a mashed potato and cheese mixture, speckled with savory bits of bacon, is formed into small, tot-like cylinders before being fried to perfection. The process starts with a base of creamy mashed potatoes, which provides the soft, fluffy interior. This is then loaded with classic “loaded potato” toppings—crispy, salty bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese—which melt beautifully when fried, creating a rich, gooey center.
The key to achieving the perfect texture is the two-step cooking process. First, the potato mixture is shaped and frozen, which helps the tots hold their form during frying. Then, they are shallow-fried in hot oil, giving them a golden, crunchy crust that’s reminiscent of classic tater tots but with a much more substantial and flavorful core. The contrast between the crunchy outside and the soft, cheesy inside is simply irresistible. This dish is a perfect example of comfort food at its finest—it’s hearty, delicious, and a definite crowd-pleaser. They can be served as a fun, elevated appetizer at a party, a game-day snack, or as a special side dish. While they require a bit more effort than a typical store-bought tot, the result is a truly impressive and delicious homemade treat that’s well worth the time.
Ingredients
For the Tater Tots:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Frying:
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or another neutral oil for frying
For Serving (optional):
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping
- Extra chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can either peel them before boiling or boil them with the skin on and peel them afterward (the latter method makes them easier to peel). Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes completely. If you boiled them with the skin on, peel them while they are still warm. Place the peeled potatoes in a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash them until they are smooth with no lumps. You can also use a ricer for an even smoother texture.
Step 2: Create the Tater Tot Mixture
- Cook the bacon: While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon slices in a separate skillet until they are crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix thoroughly: Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the potatoes gummy.
Step 3: Shape and Freeze the Tater Tots
- Shape the tots: Take about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and shape it into a small cylinder, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. The shape doesn’t have to be perfect; a rustic, handmade look is part of their charm. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, placing the shaped tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the tater tots in the freezer. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm. Freezing is an essential step as it helps the tots hold their shape during frying and prevents them from falling apart. You can freeze them for longer, and even store them in the freezer in an airtight container for future use.
Step 4: Fry the Tater Tots
- Heat the oil: Pour 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate.
- Fry in batches: Carefully place a small batch of the frozen tater tots into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy tots.
- Cook until golden: Fry the tater tots for 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried tots to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat: Allow the oil to return to the proper temperature before frying the next batch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Season and serve: Lightly season the hot tater tots with a little extra salt if desired.
- Garnish: Garnish with some extra chopped chives.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. These are best eaten fresh and hot.