This recipe elevates the humble tater tot into a savory and indulgent snack or appetizer by stuffing it with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits, then often frying or baking them to golden perfection. These bite-sized delights offer a satisfying combination of the crispy exterior of a tater tot, the salty crunch of bacon, and a gooey, cheesy center. The process typically involves hollowing out pre-made tater tots (either store-bought or homemade), filling the cavity with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) and cooked, crumbled bacon, and then either sealing the opening with a bit more potato or simply leaving it exposed. The stuffed tots are then cooked until the cheese is melted and the exterior is hot and crispy. Frying yields a particularly crunchy result, while baking offers a slightly healthier alternative with a softer exterior. These bacon and cheese stuffed tater tots are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned with various spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance their flavor. They are perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or as a fun and tasty snack any time. The image shows a pile of golden-brown tater tots on a white plate. One of the tots at the top has been broken open, revealing a molten, creamy white filling with visible pieces of reddish-brown bacon. The exterior of the tots appears crispy and slightly textured.
The texture of Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Tater Tots is a delightful combination of a crispy and slightly rough exterior giving way to a soft, potato-y interior, with pockets of gooey, melted cheese and the chewy, salty bits of bacon interspersed throughout.
The flavor profile is savory and rich, dominated by the earthy taste of potato, the salty and smoky flavor of bacon, and the cheesy, often sharp or mild, taste of the melted cheese. Additional seasonings can enhance these core flavors.
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Tater Tots are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, a satisfying snack, or a fun side dish. They are particularly popular at casual gatherings and sporting events.
The preparation of Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Tater Tots involves hollowing out tater tots, stuffing them with cheese and bacon, and then cooking them until hot and crispy.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 28-32 oz) frozen tater tots (or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if baking)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper
Equipment:
- Small knife or spoon (for hollowing)
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Large skillet or deep fryer (if frying)
- Paper towels (for draining)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven or Prepare for Frying:
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Frying: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Tater Tots: If using frozen tater tots, let them thaw slightly for about 10-15 minutes to make them easier to work with. If using homemade, prepare them according to your recipe.
- Hollow the Tater Tots: Using a small, sharp knife or the tip of a spoon, carefully make a small incision or create a small well in the center of each tater tot. Be careful not to break through the bottom or sides.
- Stuff the Tater Tots: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Mix well. Stuff each hollowed tater tot with a small amount of the cheese and bacon mixture. You can gently press the edges of the opening to try and seal it slightly, or leave it open.
- Cook the Stuffed Tater Tots:
- Baking: Toss the stuffed tater tots with the vegetable oil (if desired, for extra crispiness) and spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with any optional seasonings. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Frying: Carefully add the stuffed tater tots to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer. Fry for 3-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked stuffed tater tots from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Tater Tots immediately while the cheese is still melted and gooey. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy mayo.
Enjoy these loaded and delicious tater tots!