These crispy, golden tater tots are taken to the next level by stuffing them with savory bacon and gooey melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a fun side dish!
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional, for creamier filling)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- For the Tater Tots:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)
- Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Ranch dressing
- Ketchup
- Hot Sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- In a bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese (if using). Mix well. Stir in the green onions if desired.
- Prepare the Tater Tots:
- Thaw the tater tots slightly, just enough so they are pliable but still cold. This makes them easier to stuff.
- Lay out your tater tots on a clean surface.
- Using a small knife or your finger, carefully create a small pocket in the center of each tater tot.
- Fill each pocket with a small amount of the bacon and cheese mixture.
- Gently press the tater tot back together to seal.
- Coating the Tots:
- Set up a dredging station. Place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl, and the flour in another.
- Dip each stuffed tater tot into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s coated.
- Then, dredge the tater tot in the flour, coating it evenly.
- Cooking Methods:
- Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the stuffed tater tots in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer.
- Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Air Frying:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the stuffed tater tots with cooking spray.
- Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Frying:
- Serve:
- Serve the bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots immediately while hot.
- Offer optional toppings like sour cream, chives, ranch dressing, ketchup, or hot sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the cheese filling.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Use cooked sausage or ham instead of bacon.
- For mini tots, simply reduce the cooking time.
- Make sure to seal the tots well, or the cheese will leak out during cooking.
Enjoy your delicious bacon and cheese-stuffed tater tots!